The 2013 Academy Award winner for Best Documentary, 20 Feet From Stardom, told the story of the background singers whose voices were heard on countless records from some of music’s greatest artists– while remaining virtually unknown by anyone. My Father and the Man in Black, a 2013 documentary about the life of bad-boy Johnny Cash and his manager Saul Holiff– directed by Holiff’s son Jonathan– was an attempt to discover his father’s legacy through his recently uncovered work. This year’s Academy Award-winning film Whiplash shined a spotlighted the studio band and the pressure of getting every note right. Combine these three films, and you will have a good idea of what The Wrecking Crew is about; directed by Denny Tedesco, son of legendary guitar player Tommy Tedesco, the documentary sheds light on the solid group of studio musicians, know as “The Wrecking Crew,” who provided the orchestration to some of the music industry’s most legendary performers and records of the 1960s and 70s.
The film opens with a medley of the greatest hits of the 60s; popular tunes from The Beach Boys, The Mamas & the Papas, Nancy Sinatra, The Monkees, Sonny & Cher, and more. Almost immediately we are drawn into the sounds of this golden age of music, everything from Rock n’ Roll to Pop and R&B to Soul, are quickly recognizable. What wasn’t known, however, were the people who actually performed these songs on the records. The Wrecking Crew is as much a celebration of the music as it is praise and acknowledgement for the musicians themselves; how their dedication and passion for their job changed the music industry forever.
They played on a majority of the Beach Boys records, which was unknown to most everyone. That “Pet Sounds” record you have? Yep, that was performed by The Wrecking Crew.
Director Denny Tedesco starting making this film in 1995 when his father was diagnosed with terminal cancer, determined to show the world just who his father was, and how his group of friends influenced the music industry. Tommy Tedesco was popular among his peers, and his guitar skills were unmatched (If you’ve ever heard the Adam West-starring “Batman” theme song, or listened to the M*A*S*H* or Green Acres themes, you’ve heard him play). He is probably the most famous artist you’ve never heard of. Tedesco, along with the rest of the musicians, were just outside of the spotlight, but attention wasn’t what they were after. Being able to play music for a living– paying the bills by playing the guitar– was all they aspired to.
A group of studio musicians formed in Los Angeles during the 1960s, where the music scene and recording studios were gaining momentum. These musicians were the new wave of players, and because of their anti-suit wearing attitudes and disregard for the “No smoking in the studio” rule, they were dubbed “The Wrecking Crew” by the older generation of musicians. These guys (and singular girl, Carole Kaye who absolutely kills it on the bass) were Rock n’ Roll professionals. A group of 20-30 players (no one is quite sure just how many members there were) made up the crew, and their fresh take on music, combined with their complete professionalism and talent, made them sought after by nearly everyone in the industry. From movies to television shows, The Wrecking Crew definitely kept busy– their spouses would say too busy.
Surf rock was extremely popular in the mid 6os with The Beach Boys at the peak of their fame. Brian Wilson, founder of the band, was regarded by the crew as a pure genius. He brought the ideas, and the crew brought the sounds. Ironically enough, they played on a majority of the Beach Boys records, which was unknown to most everyone. That “Pet Sounds” record you have? Yep, that was performed by The Wrecking Crew, only vocals by the Beach Boys. Glen Campbell, who became a solo artist years later, actually took over Wilson’s guitar spot on the record. Glen Campbell, known today for his hits like “Gentle on My Mind” and “Wichita Lineman,” originally got his start as a guitar player with The Wrecking Crew. And who did Campbell call upon when it was time for him to record his first album? His friends, his “Crew.”
Nearly 60 years later, after the passing of many of its members (for whom the film is dedicated to during the end credits), The Wrecking Crew is finally getting some of the recognition they undoubtedly deserve. After watching this documentary, there is no way you’ll be able to listen to another Beach Boys’ song, Simon & Garfunkel record, or virtually any record from the 60s and 70s without thinking of the real men (and woman) who made it possible. Nowadays, the concept of the “studio musician” is outdated, many bands record independently or without additional musicians, and moreover, from electronic sampling of the original instruments. Denny Tedesco not only creates a vivid look at this special moment in history with The Wrecking Crew but finally gives these hardworking, extremely talented musicians, their turn in the spotlight.
The Wrecking Crew will open at Landmark’s Nuart Theatre in West LA, South Coast Village 3 in Santa Ana, and IFC Center 5 in New York.
