Quite possibly the most recorded drummer in American History, Hal Blaine set the standard of a career as a session musician. According to experts, Hal is believed to have been a part of over 35,000 recording sessions. In 2000, he was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame. He recently was awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement award last year.
Hal started playing drums at an early age. He had a strong upbringing in jazz and even toured with the Count Basie band for some time. Eventually, his passion for Rock & Roll led him on a different path. Hal moved to Los Angeles and largely contributed to the legendary recording artist collective “The Wrecking Crew”.
Over the years, Blaine would play on recordings of Frank Sinatra, Simon & Garfunkel, Herb Alpert, 5th Dimension, The Ronettes, and many more. By the end of his career, he was credited with playing on 40 songs that reached the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100.
Additionally, Blaine served some time in the United States Army as a percussionist. Dropping out of school at 16, Blaine enlisted and served in Korea as an Army bandsman. He notably served in an all officer band…as an enlisted private first class.
Hal Blaine sadly passed away on March 11th, 2019 of natural causes.
Learn more about Hal Blaine at Percussive Arts Society’s website here
Veteran Sound Project 
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