Musician Larry Knechtel (1940-2009)

Legendary keyboardist and bassist Larry Knechtel, 69, performed with top-selling artists for nearly half a century. His most famous piano work is his 1970 Grammy Award winning contribution to “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon and Garfunkel.

Larry earned fame performing and recording with a broad range of artists, including his work as a session musician with Simon & Garfunkel, Duane Eddy, The Beach Boys (Pet Sounds, Smile), The Mamas & the Papas, The Doors, Elvis Presley (’68 NBC-TV Special), and as a member of the 1970s band, Bread. More here…

Coming from Germanic roots, Larry Knechtel was born in Bell, California in 1940 and took piano lessons as a child. He was a gifted musician, being able to sight-read and play by ear. Although he was trained classically, his interest in the black rhythm ‘n’ blues he heard on the radio steered him towards popular music, reports The Independent.

“In 1995 he bought a ranch in Washington intending to retire, but joined Bread for a reunion tour. He was involved in contemporary albums like Neil Diamond’s 12 Songs (2005) and the Dixie Chicks’ Taking the Long Way (2006). In 2007, he and other members of the Wrecking Crew were inducted into the Musicians’ Hall of Fame…”

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