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Acclaimed Session Musician Larry Knechtel Dies at 69

Larry Knechtel, a one-time collaborator of Elvis Presley's and an accomplished sideman in both the rock and country worlds, died Thursday, Aug. 20 at the age of 69. Knechtel, who won a 1970 Grammy award for his arrangement of Simon and Garfunkel's enduring 'Bridge Over Troubled Water,' succumbed to an apparent heart attack, according to a report by his local newspaper, the Yakima Herald Republic.

As a session keyboardist and bassist, Knechtel performed with a wide array of artists like the Beach Boys, Elvis Costello, the Doors, Billy Joel, Hank Williams, Jr., Randy Newman and Ray Charles. A member of 1970s soft rock giants Bread, Knechtel was cited early on for helping Phil Spector create his legendary 'Wall of Sound.' He remained active up until his passing, performing on the Dixie Chicks' 2006 Grammy-winning album, 'Taking the Long Way'.

Knechtel got his start as a member of the Wrecking Crew, a group of Los Angeles studio players that included future stars like Glen Campbell and Leon Russell and session drummer Hal Blaine. "It just snowballed. I was in the right place at the right time," Knechtel told the Herald Republic in 2004, the year after he relocated to Yakima . "It was a lot of fun. We were all young. I was making big money and hearing myself on the radio."

A posting on his official website reads, "Apart from being a brilliant musician, Larry was loved by many for his character -- honest, humble, hard-working and charismatic. He was a loving and devoted father and husband. Larry preferred a simple rural lifestyle and valued the quality of life. Those close to him knew Larry as a student of western lore and history, an outdoorsman, a farmer and a good neighbor. We will miss him dearly."

Knechtel, who frequently performed with bluesman Wayman Chapman, made his last appearance a week before his death as part of Yakima's Summer Concert Series in Franklin Park . Chapman told the Herald Republic that Knechtel, who died at Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital , appeared to be in good health and recently returned from a trip to with his wife, Vickie, and his grandson.

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26 Comments

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krh111

Les Paul, Barry Beckett and now Larry Knechtel... now there's a jam session I'd like to hear R.I.P. Larry

September 01 2009 at 10:37 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
piddlinpetes

As a music lover, I commend Mr. Knechtel, for his works as a true artist. No matter who he worked with, I believe that, he put his very heart into everything he did in his life. We all make mistakes. I am very thankful that the LORD allowed Larry to work with & do great musical & other good things with good people, as well as some that, we make think of as not very good people. Who are we to judge. Larry was still a great musician & person.

August 29 2009 at 1:33 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Neil Cacci

Larry, like many notable musicians, are the backbone of the music industry. Silent heros that create the sounds of many hit recordings that in many cases, the public will never know their names. But, within the industry; along with their colleagues, fellow musicians, the power brokers, the ones that control and run this vast and endless business of music-they know. In my thoughts-that is what really counts because individuals likes and dislikes shift with the wind. Talent and endurance stays.

August 29 2009 at 1:20 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
travelergtoo

Bread is one of my favorite groups.

August 29 2009 at 11:28 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Chris

As for Larry Knechtel, I'm sorry—I've never heard of you, but I'm not much of a music fan. However, you deserve a respectful send-off like any other human being. It sounds like you were a pretty damn good one. Whatever your accomplishments in music, I consider that the most important of anyone's lifetime.

August 29 2009 at 10:50 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
cheryl

Are we so twelve??? Appreciate the artist. The man did some amazing work--thak you for sharing your gift,Larry

August 26 2009 at 12:25 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
bobby cormier

no less than Brian Wilson, resident genius of pop music for the latter half of the 20th century, entrusted Larry Knechtel with the all-important hammond organ part for his masterpiece "good vibrations."
that's all that needs to be said. plus the man was humble ?!?
-bobby cormier

August 25 2009 at 11:20 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Kim K

To the insensitive jerk who bashed Knechtel for working with the Dixie Chicks..the man is GONE. That you had to bash this guy, who isn't here to defend his actions, shows how unforgiving a person you are. You don't have to like the Dixie Chicks, just have a little respect for a great session musician who has passed on.

August 25 2009 at 10:51 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Kim K's comment
rocnrolldr

The Dixie Chicks album, "Taking the Long Way" debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200. It sold over 2 million copies in the U.S., being certified 2x platinum by the RIAA as of July 11, 2007. It won 5 Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year in February 2007. And Larry Knechtel played keyboards on it. To the guy who bashed Larry and the Dixie Chicks, the proof in the pudding is in the eating. I can on imagine what you have been eating, but I know there is a lot of crow in it.

August 29 2009 at 8:55 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
JIM

....not to mention that brilliant bass guitar introduction to the Byrds "Mr.Tamborine man" belonged to the great Larry Knechtel...he did it all!! R.I.P.

August 25 2009 at 10:48 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
stcircus

Did not know the gentleman, but certainly knew his music. That was a life well-lived. RIP.

August 25 2009 at 8:30 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply