19th Post: (22) HoF Instrumentalists

The Music Hall of Fame recognizes musical instrument player excellence…

Over time, the need to recognize exceptional musicians for playing their instruments was identified. There have been five artists recognized from the 1940s, twelve from the 1950s, three from the 1960s and two from the 1970s. Once again, this shows that the majority were from the 1950-1960s which also supports my view that this is the best era for music in history. Here is the list (which includes guitar players, bass players, saxophone players, piano and organ players, studio engineers and even a harmonica player):

Benny Benjamin. 1940-1968 Master drummer. “Jozif” (https://youtu.be/XBF6ESROLrU) (RQ 9).

Chet Atkins. 1942-1996 Guitarist, songwriter. “Greatest Hits”

https://youtu.be/a-0ZXe0Gdh4 (RQ 9)

Little Walker. 1945-1968 Harmonica (electric blues in Chicago). Blues Harmonica Legend – “Sad Hours” (https://youtu.be/CxZmxL0velc) (RQ 10).

Hal Blaine. 1949-2019 Studio drummer. (6000 singles, 35,000 sessions). Featured in the Beach Boys hit: “Good Vibrations” (https://youtu.be/Eab_beh07HU) (RQ 10).

Tom Dowd. 1947-1987 Wizard capturing sound on taped interview. “Sonic sorcerer.” Grammy Award winner. (https://youtu.be/Hi4ElCcx9D8) (RQ 10+)

Cosimo Matassa. 1950-1960s Studio engineer. Career highlights and induction into Hall of Fame. (https://youtu.be/yGCE3-9iwvw) (RQ 9)

D. J. Fontana. 1950-1960s. Interview and master drummer (for Elvis). “Hound Dog” (https://youtu.be/X8v8E7H4OW0) (RQ 8)

King Curtis. 1950-1971 Saxophone (for the Coasters). “Memphis Soul Stew” (https://youtu.be/0Loy55z4GpA) (RQ 8)

Scotty Moore. 1950-2009. Interview with Innovative studio engineer and guitarist (for Elvis and Chet Atkins) “That’s Alright Mama” (https://youtu.be/xoV8MN9EVFg) (RQ 9).

James Burton. 1952 – Guitarist (for Ricky Nelson). Solo with Elvis: “Steam Roller Blues.” (https://youtu.be/oM8PesCZCmY) (RQ 9).

Earl Palmer. 1952-1963 Master drummer (for Fats Domino). “New Orleans Melody” (https://youtu.be/KvaI1rq1tPM) (RQ 8).

Johnnie Johnson. 1952-2005 Blues pianist (for Chuck Berry, boogie-woogie licks). “Johnnie’s Boogie” (https://youtu.be/-1Dcc9DCJ0I) (RQ 10+)

Floyd Cramer. 1953-1980 Pianist (for Michael Jackson). “Last Date” (https://youtu.be/JvfG9uFswis) (RQ 10).

Bill Black. 1954-1965 Bassist for Elvis Presley. Combo – “Don’t Be Cruel” (https://youtu.be/S8bbrJPMivQ) (RQ 9)

James Jamerson. 1956-1983. Involved with designing the 1952 Fender bass. “What’s Going On.” Isolated bass track. (https://youtu.be/KqtELR5GyfI) (RQ 10)

Leon Russell. 1956-2016 Pianist, songwriter. “A Song for You” (https://youtu.be/JZMcaiGM-Pk). (RQ 9).

Ringo Starr. 1957- Drummer (for the Beatles, considered to be the most popular group in history of music). “A Compilation” (https://youtu.be/_ZoZAGn1-ug) (RQ 8)

Spooner Oldham. 1960- Keyboard player and songwriter (for Percy Sledge). “Do Right Woman, Do Right Man.” (https://youtu.be/tNkfedM4GRk) (RQ 10).

Glyn Johns. 1960-1970s Studio engineer (Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Eagles, etc). Talks About Working with The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, The Who, etc. (https://youtu.be/ge28VPi8Z_A) (RQ 10).

Steve Douglass. 1962-1993 Tenor sax (for Ventures and Jan & Dean). “Wear Your Love Like Heaven.” (https://youtu.be/pC1kKxiJzV0) (RQ 10).

Nile Rodgers. 1972- Guitarist. Greatest influence on rock since the 1970s. “I’m Comin’ Out.” (https://youtu.be/jhMHmYrJBqw) (RQ 9).

The E Street Band. 1972- Bruce Springsteen’s band. “Born To Run” (https://youtu.be/jj9ObfkHY7c) (RQ 10+).