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Hal Blaine was an American studio drummer and percussionist, born on February 5, 1929, in Holyoke, Massachusetts. He passed away on March 11, 2019, in Palm Desert, California. Blaine was briefly married to a singer in 1955, but they divorced. He began his career in the 1950s, drumming for various bands that toured across the U.S., performing in theaters, supper clubs, and casinos. His skills were honed while working closely with producers, and he became a highly sought-after session musician as part of the "Wrecking Crew" collective. Blaine was one of the "first call" players who recorded in Los Angeles studios such as Gold Star Recording Studios, CBS Studios, and RCA Victor Studios. From the late 1950s to the mid-1970s, Blaine played "on call" for many major artists, contributing to over 35,000 tracks. His drumming helped secure more than 350 Top Ten records and over 40 Number One hits. Blaine is credited with coining the name "Wrecking Crew" for the group of talented musicians who created numerous hits from California. Occasionally, members of the Wrecking Crew collaborated to release their own works, and Blaine was featured in one such group. In recognition of his contributions, he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2000 as a sideman.

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