Carol Kaye, a celebrated bassist known for her work on numerous hits in the 1960s, has officially declined her induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (RRHOF). At 90 years old, Kaye expressed her decision in an email to the Associated Press, stating she has made her rejection permanent. This announcement followed a now-deleted Facebook post where she clarified her absence from the upcoming awards show, which features other prominent artists like Joe Cocker and Cyndi Lauper.
Kaye, who played vital roles on tracks such as Simon & Garfunkel’s “Homeward Bound” and the Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations,” cited her discontent with the Hall’s portrayal of studio musicians. She emphasized that her refusal stems from a belief that the RRHOF does not adequately honor the contributions of session musicians from the golden era of the 1960s. Alongside other musicians like Hal Blaine and Tommy Tedesco, Kaye was part of what became known as “The Wrecking Crew,” a term she finds offensive, stating, “I was never a ‘wrecker’ at all.”
Kaye’s decision is notable, particularly in a landscape where many artists accept inductions posthumously or in absentia. Past instances include the Sex Pistols and Dolly Parton, who initially declined her induction but later accepted it after reconsideration. Kaye’s commitment to her principles regarding recognition in the music industry highlights ongoing discussions about the role and acknowledgment of session musicians in the broader celebratory narratives of music history. As of now, the Hall has not responded to her remarks.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
