LARRY
KNECHTEL
1940
– 2009
Official
Web Site
Updated 10-01-09
Legendary session keyboardist and bassist
On
Thursday, August 20th 2009, Larry Knechtel passed away at the age of
69. It has been determined that Larry died
from an undiagnosed heart condition.
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 miss him dearly.
The
Knechtel family would like to thank all those who came to pay their respects at
the memorial ceremony, and a special thanks to those of Larry’s friends who
performed at the reception. Your love
and support is deeply appreciated.
Memorial Videos -- Musician's Hall of Fame
Induction Slide Show 1 Slide Show 2
Album Project –
For a year prior to his death, Larry was collaborating on an album project with
his son, Lonnie. Much work was done, and
although Larry is not with us to finish it, we expect to complete and release
the album sometime in the coming year.
Check back for updates.
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Larry Knechtel performed live and in
the studio with top-selling artists for nearly half a century. His recent
keyboard work on the Dixie Chicks' multi-Grammy Taking the Long Way is
proof that he remains at the top of his game. He has been a key member of
the Los Angeles-based 'Wrecking Crew', a member of the group 'Bread', a
Grammy-winning arranger, a producer, a solo artist. Few musicians can
equal the breadth, depth, and quality of his musical experience.
Larry has performed and recorded
with a broad range of artists. Just to name a few : The Beach Boys, Ray Charles, Duane Eddy, Fats
Domino, Elvis Costello, Billy Joel, Simon and Garfunkel, The 5th Dimension,
Dolly Parton, Steppenwolf, The Doors, The Byrds, The Mammas and Pappas, Elvis
Presley, Hank Williams Jr., David Gates, Neil Diamond, Dave Mason, Harry
Nilsson, Poco, Johnny Rivers, Tim Weisberg, Randy Newman
Career Biography