On November 8th, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will induct the 2025 class that includes OutKast, Cyndi Lauper, Soundgarden, and The White Stripes. Given their impact on the music industry throughout their careers, the individuals will find themselves among a long line of historical figures in music. While looking to celebrate the groups and singers for their dedication and talents, famed session bassist Carol Kaye won’t be in attendance after she refused to take part in the ceremony.
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For over six decades, Kaye found herself working alongside some of the greatest talents in music like Frank Sinatra, Stevie Wonder, Barbra Streisand, The Supremes, The Temptations, the Beach Boys, and even Simon & Garfunkel. While somewhat shocking that Kaye turned down the invitation, the musician explained she took issue with the term “Wrecking Crew.” “You are always part of a TEAM, not a solo artist at all. There were always 350-400 Studio Musicians (AFM Local 47 Hollywood) working in the busy 1960s, and called that ONLY. Since 1930s, I was never a ‘wrecker’ at all… that’s a terrible insulting name.”
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Carol Kaye Insisted “We All Enjoyed Working With Each Other”
With Kaye deciding not to attend, it wasn’t all about the name as she continued, “NO I won’t be there. I am declining the [Rock & Roll Hall of Fame] awards show… turning it down because it wasn’t something that reflects the work that Studio Musicians do and did in the golden era of the 1960s Recording Hits.”
Throughout her ongoing career, Kaye performed on over 10,000 recordings. Given her massive resume, she even appeared in the 2008 documentary The Wrecking Crew. The film surrounded the group of session musicians who found themselves working on some of the most beloved songs like “California Dreamin’”, “Good Vibrations”, and “The Beat Goes On.”
Making her thoughts on her induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame clear, she concluded, “I refuse to be part of a process that is something else rather than what I believe in, for others’ benefit and not reflecting on the truth — we all enjoyed working with EACH OTHER.”
As for the inductees who will be there, the 2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony will air on November 8th on Disney+.
(Photo by Duane Prokop/Getty Images for CARE USA)
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