Carol Kaye, an iconic figure in the music industry, is known for her remarkable contributions as both a guitarist and bassist, having played a significant role in the careers of numerous legendary artists. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has extended an invitation to Kaye for their 2025 class of inductees, which includes notable acts such as Soundgarden and the White Stripes. However, Kaye has declined the honor, citing that the recognition does not align with the spirit of her work as a session musician.
Kaye, now 90 years old, has a storied career that began as a guitarist in a Los Angeles studio. She first gained recognition when she played rhythm guitar on Sam Cooke’s version of “Summertime” in 1957, a moment that marked the beginning of her extensive session work. Over the decades, Kaye contributed to more than 10,000 recording sessions and became part of the legendary Wrecking Crew, a group of session musicians who played behind some of the greatest artists of the 1960s, including the Beach Boys and Ray Charles.
In a candid Facebook post, Kaye expressed her discontent with the way session musicians are represented, stating that the Hall of Fame recognition is not reflective of the collaborative spirit and backroom work that defines her career. She emphasized that being a studio musician means being part of a team, contrary to the individual accolades often celebrated in the music industry. Kaye has also contested the label “Wrecking Crew,” perceiving it as a derogatory term that undermines the contributions of session musicians who helped shape popular music.
Throughout her career, Kaye transitioned into bass playing, illustrating her versatility and innovative spirit. She seamlessly adapted to the role of a bassist, highlighting her ability to create impactful bass lines as a jazz musician. She has reflected on the integrity with which she, and her peers, approached their craft, regardless of the simplicity of the music.
The recent attention surrounding Kaye and the Wrecking Crew has been further amplified by the legacy of Brian Wilson, which continues to shine a spotlight on the invaluable contributions of session musicians in rock history. Kaye’s participation in this creative community has left a lasting impact on the music we cherish today.
Interestingly, while Kaye will not attend the induction ceremony, Soundgarden is preparing to reform for the event, with guitarist Kim Thayil emphasizing the importance of honoring the late Chris Cornell’s legacy.
Kaye’s stance, despite the disappointment of many fans hoping she would accept the honor, calls for a greater appreciation and understanding of the collaborative nature of music-making. The recognition of her work, even if declined, continues to shed light on the often-overlooked contributions of session musicians in shaping popular culture and music history.