RIP Hugh McCracken

[electronjohn]

Just spotted this while noodling around looking for info on a possible 2013 Steely Dan tour:

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/04/a...-musician-in-high-demand-dies-at-70.html?_r=0

Hugh was one of those "mystery artists" who was key to so many great recordings...Steely Dan, McCartney's "Ram"...it's a damn long list. Some stuff you might not imagine...in fact, I looked at the credits on Barbra Steisand's "Barbra Joan Streisand"...and there he was.

RIP, Hugh!

Oh, and by the way: a few 2013 dates have been already announced:

http://www.stubhub.com/steely-dan-tickets/?gcid=C12289x486&keyword=32996941&creative=8507047524

 

[transmaster]

We always hear about the big stars but hardly ever about the studio musicians that help put them there. Studio/backup/set Musicians, have been ignored, and treated like 2nd class citizens by the recording labels. Not by most of the big name artists mind you they know their value and the good ones always have work. RIP Hugh McCracken those of us who read the find print on album covers know who you are and will miss you.

 

[Strangeband]

I heard about his passing on Thursday while listening to WNCW, and the DJ played a set of songs in Hugh's honor. He played for some many people, in so many styles, and on so many records. Just check your recordings from the '70s and '80s and you will see his name all over the place.

 

[Gang-Twanger]

Oh no...... That's a major drag. I loved his playing.

For those who don't know, Hugh McCracken played those cool rhythm-guitar fills that you hear all through the Steely Dan song "Hey Nineteen". One of the best session-players that ever lived. He's on Fagen's "Nightfly" album as well. He was an outstanding harmonica-player as well. Back in the early '70's, he was asked by Paul McCartney to join his new band Wings, but he declined the offer.