At this year’s AES show, attendees will have a rare opportunity to catch a screening of The Wrecking Crew, which documents an elite group of session musicians who formed the backbone of hundreds of hits that came out of L.A. in the ’60s and ’70s. If you’ve heard records by the Beach Boys, Frank Sinatra, The Byrds, Simon and Garfunkel, or the Mamas and the Papas, you’ve heard the Wrecking Crew.

Though the film pays tribute to the immense talent and versatility of these players, its larger point is this: Despite their prolific careers, there had never been any real acknowledgment of their impact on these songs that are so deeply woven into our culture.

Recorded music is a collaborative art form built on the contributions of songwriters, artists, producers, and engineers. And in the age of digital delivery, though you think it would be easier to track information, those working behind the scenes are actually in danger of losing the recognition that they deserve—which impacts not just their livelihood, but their story. Fortunately, organizations such as The Recording Academy are making great strides campaigning for practices that ensure everyone receives credit, for our paychecks and for posterity. But these initiatives need your support. Read “State of Play” on page 12 to find out how you can get involved. Make sure your story is told.

Sarah Jones
Editor
sjones@musicplayer.com