Chuck Rainey | Meets Tommy Tedesco | The Wrecking Crew

Renowned bass player, Chuck Rainey, talks about meeting Tommy Tedesco and working as a studio musician.
The Wrecking Crew
The Wrecking Crew wielded tremendous influence over rock and pop music in the 1960s and early 1970s. These unsung instrumentalists were the de-facto backing band on hit records by The Beach Boys, Phil Spector, Frank Sinatra, Nancy Sinatra, Sonny & Cher, Elvis, The Monkees and many more. These dedicated musicians brought the flair and musicianship that made the American “West Coast Sound” a dominant cultural force around the world.
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#Chuckrainey, #tommytedesco, #wreckingcrew

[@adamphillips6747]

Chuck is the nicest man on the planet. The first time I met him, I was is such awe because he was my hero. The reason I play bass and he just sat down with me and talked bass for a good 15 minutes at NAMM. He had so many things to be doing other than talking to me but he took the time. It’s the best picture I have of all time for sure.

[@fosbury68]

How would you like to hear a story like that told about your dad? Very touching.

[@duster71]

My Grandparents were Italians,one set had 14 children and was a mason who built his own home as if it was a church. I was the only grandchild to grow up in that home,I had 4 mothers and four fathers, the stories i could tell of love and understanding.

[@dalemartell8639]

How would you like to have a story like that told about you?

[@AllenPinchloaf]

Tommy was beyond just a great guitar player He was a kind ,helpful and a compassionate person willing to go out on a limb to help and teach another player having a bit of trouble in a session.And his sense of humor was also legendary.😂😂😂

[@jakemitchell1671]

Awesome story for several reason. Perhaps THE best of all is Chuck's willingness to tell a story where one of his mistakes is a central part of the story. This extraordinarily talented man played on thousands of recordings, and here he is telling a humbling story about when he was getting started in LA. That shows character, class, and massive self-confidence.

[@sansocie]

@Nat that would be a gift to see! I know I would dump on it it Mr. Rainey had a problem. Got to say Hello to him once was a real Gentleman . Do not every remember the venue . Just remember his class.

[@justy256]

I'd love to know what that phrase was

[@shable1436]

Y'all need to watch Tommy's MIT interview seminar, all he talks about is how he BSs all the leaders in the business, he was a straight hustler with of course great sight reading skills

[@daveconleyportfolio5192]

A person who helps you quietly, privately when you're struggling to make it ... you never forget that person, no matter how many years go by. It's the kind of debt you don't mind carrying.

[@stuart8663]

Well written, mate!

[@curbmassa]

"People will forget what you say, but they'll never forget how you make them feel." - Maya Angelou

[@TheRobWay1]

A million likes for this comment . Acts of kindness and paying it forward what keep us going

[@go-nogo1475]

I wrote this and put it on my icebox door. This is beautiful & true. Thanks!

[@chrisclermont456]

Tommy was a great guy. I knew all about him before I moved to Los Angeles. As a graduate of GIT (Musicians Institute) in the 80s, I cannot express how much we all loved Tommy Tedesco!!

[@djcoolcliff]

If you knew Tommy the. I know you knew my uncle because they were good friends! Melvin Ragin aka Wah Wah Watson

[@47AndyT]

Tommy was from Niagra Falls NY, also the hometown of Nino Tempo and April Stevens.

[@michaelfoxbrass]

This is the true beauty of making music - dedicated and talented people helping each other do their best in service of the music, and not their egos. What a wonderful lesson!

[@emph66]

Tommy Tedesco was a real mensch and a great guitarist, what a great story.

[@seansherrod8725]

(Just a little choked up) love this clip it solidifies even MORE how beautiful a person Tommy Tedesco truly was! Chuck Rainey has been one of my favorite bass players since Roberta Flacks Chapter 2 album.

[@sitarnut]

For me... the Aretha "Candlelight LP" series albums

[@vampyros1]

Wonderful anecdote about the brilliant Tommy Tedesco, whose personality came shining through every column he ever wrote for Guitar Player magazine and was always a fave to read. The man had taste, chops, and personality.

[@phoenixjim0527]

Me too. I read it beginning in 1976.

[@SIXSTRING63]

Tommy was a class act! He recognized a class act in Chuck and that is why he did what he did. Lee Ritenour did the same thing for Lukather when he was just starting out. Luke was shitting his pants over a really hard part on his sheet music, Rit had a really simple part and saw Luke sweating bullets. Rit switched the sheet music at the last minute and took the hard piece and gave Luke the simpler part. Luke said he never forgot that and did the same for many new guys he did sessions with. Pay it forward!

[@jsilence418]

I used to love Tommy's column in GUITAR PLAYER magazine. man he hated people putting down studio musicians, he used to say by putting down studio musicians, they were really saying" I wish I was a studio player" .

[@JonBlondell]

What a Great Player! Probably the most recorded bass player ever. And this is how he felt about Tedesco.

[@jazz4randall]

When I was 18, Tommy called me into a tryout room at Valley Arts Guitar, and asked me how I liked the pickup he was using. I knew who he was, and I was amazed how down to earth he was by asking my opinion. Very cool man he was... and a musical genius.

[@Bobb4443]

Great story...we need more decency in the world!!!

[@scottbaxendale323]

I use to work on Chuck’s basses back in the late 80’s. I did repairs in the same store where he gave bass lessons. He was the nicest guy and he’s was cool as cool gets.

[@sansocie]

Brought tears to my eyes. Sometimes the best do rise to the top. Peace

[@dennisjohndreher7258]

Great story, Lee Ritenour once helped Steve Lukather in a similar way. Lee switched charts taking the hard one and gave Steve the tacet. They have been friends ever since.

[@nielsheuven3628]

Lukather's car broke down, so he was late for the session and he had no time to study the music. Which was a piano part in Db. Ritenour saw the dispair in Luke's eyes and switched the their parts just moments before the song started. I believe this story is in Luke's autobiography.

[@terenzo50]

My old music prof from college was fond of saying: "When in doubt, leave it out."

[@WayBackMachineOne]

Tommy was an incredible talent and great person

[@chasjacks9378]

Excellent story. Probably one of the best tributes a man can receive. Way to go Chuck.

[@FYMASMD]

If you don’t know what to play, don’t play. Best advice I ever got.

[@RonaldvanHoove]

It says all about the man. It's a heartfelt story..

[@bennythepooh4905]

I’ve only heard nice things about Mr. Tedesco and basically all of the wrecking crew musicians. I’m a big Leland Sklar fan for his immense talent and experience both academically and in the realm of studio musicians. To hear him speak in awe of Tommy’s immense ability to produce the highest quality of work and to meet the expectations of all producers and engineers is simply mind boggling.

[@BradyMosher]

Chuck is one of the sweetest - and what a cool story.

[@123Goldhunter11]

Great story! These guys put together the soundtracks for our lives. It's nice to have their stories told. Thanks.

[@duster71]

Thats a true italians heart

[@johnlarocca3951]

Hear hear😇

[@verdis23rdoperaunballoinma39]

@@johnlarocca3951 I know Tedesco, and La Rocca two Termini Imerese, Palermo, Sicily family names:) so you are likely distant cousins:)

[@johnlarocca3951]

@@verdis23rdoperaunballoinma39 la rocca very Common in sicily iam Originally from vizzini. But from australia.ciao To all my italian friends.

[@NLBassist]

Chuck is such a great guy. What a story!

[@touchofdumb]

Tommy was the man - in the 80’s I couldn’t wait to read his enlightening column in Guitar Player magazine every month. Sounds like a top notch guy.

[@florencerussell3552]

Love this Story...Chuck Rainey. Great session player with Steely Dan and beyond

[@johnbanzali3278]

I love these types of stories, beautiful souls.Chuck,Tommy my idols ...

[@chuckHart70]

That's what GOOD people do. Thanks Tommy. Lesson for us all!

[@robertm2000]

Tommy Tedesco was PURE CLASS!!!

[@donmilland7606]

I remember growing up reading Tommy’s columns in GP magazine. Really nice and humorous. He did the gong show one time with a tutu.

[@erikshen1107]

And you know BLAH BLAH BLAH....WITH THE EMPHASIS ON THE BLAH BLAH BLAH

[@guitarguy321]

What a wonderful story....and there are SO MANY wonderful stories! Thank you.

[@markolsen4394]

We need stories of when Chuck work with Steely Dan, not selling this story short.

[@Journey-of-1000-Miles]

When people ask me My number one influence as a guitar player, I always say Tommy.

[@dmlevitt]

what a beautiful story. Tommy Tedesco was one of a kind. Is Chuck Rainey related to Ma Rainey?

[@nemo227]

That was nice of Chuck to tell that story. My experience has been that musicians like each other, enjoy being together, enjoying playing together. I've had always enjoyed it and now, in my later years, I miss it a lot.

[@sansocie]

I feel the same. Been out of playing 20+ years. Miss the friendship and war stories. Been years since I was in stitches tears down gear while THE BUDDY RICH tapes played on a boom box. Rich was great. His bands wonderful and I am happy I never played for him.

[@PatchmanMusic]

That's an amazing story. Thanks!

[@MrRea112]

A good deed deserves its reward. Tommy just got his through this fabulous story. Clearly a beautiful human being.

[@genez429]

Music on its highest level is a sonic expression of love.

[@melodymakermark]

Lots of love for Tommy on the ‘tube from some of the greats. Chuck here; great story! Also, Glenn Campbell and Jay Graydon come to mind.

[@B3L13V3R]

A legend helping a future legend. Legendary!!

[@ChristopherCudworth]

This exemplifies the way life should work.

[@wamgoc3637]

I met Tommy and he was a super nice guy and super great Musician. I bought his book and he autographed it I still have it.

[@snakefinger]

Thank you Tommy for being yourself champ.

[@Oboybee]

Fact that these immensely talented musicians were hidden from the spotlight and albums shows the deception involved with the dark LA music industry

[@tonybrophy9615]

Great Story and hopefully more will be posted

[@ayottedrums2]

Legend of legends Tommy is and always will be the man...

[@gregorytoddsmith9744]

Chuck is Awesome!!🎸

[@petermarkovic8837]

Great story

[@chuckkirkpatrick6712]

Absolutely incredible story....and SO Tedesco!

[@MA_808]

Charles Walter Rainey III (born June 17, 1940) is an American bass guitarist who has performed and recorded with many well-known acts, including Aretha Franklin, Steely Dan, and Quincy Jones. Rainey is credited for playing bass on more than 1,000 albums, and is one of the most recorded bass players in the history of recorded music.[

[@NozmoKing]

Chuck and Tommy T. Two of the greats!

[@campyoldie]

Chuck Rainey says he has a weakness !! Highly unlikely - just like the brilliant Jeff Poracro, incredibly modest; he (JP) claimed he wasn't a great reader and was just a timekeeper. Apart from being one of the best drummers ever !

[@lrvogt1257]

The Wrecking Crew was awesome. I would also recommend seeing the film Muscle Shoals about a similar group of great studio musicians. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYanlmeAp6t0f7M

[@TheNextGoogification]

It would be nice to have a job where you're really living! Most of my jobs were dungeon jobs. I made the mistake of going into engineering. It was good in the 70s but after Al Gore sent all the jobs to China it really turned into misery, and him players took it out on the employees. After that there were no jobs

[@televinv8062]

Rainey and Tedesco....GIANTS...👍🙏👍🙏

[@thafunktapus]

Kind, and smart as well. Seems like after that, one might be pretty comfy and feel like part of the team. They likely got more and better over the long term than had the welcome been less generous. Nice guys don't always finish last.

[@justinherbert9146]

From now on when I think of, or read about or see footage of Tommy Tedesco I will think of how Tommy threw Chuck a life line

[@SPNKr16]

Wow what a small electric bass.

[@michaellawlor1267]

Audio is really low on this. I'm up to 50 on a 100 scale to distinguish what's being said.

[@McDonaldAlleyn]

did Tommy ever wager you? say..who would win in a pissing contest as example?

[@eddo1983]

Now I know who you were talking about when you told this story on Marc Marons WTF podcast

[@tjdonaldson6923]

He says blah blah blah about 50 times lol

[@alphabeets]

That was a great story. Great bunch of guys too.

[@Larry-Art179]

And it ends with Tommy on the Mash theme

[@artjock47]

Such a wonderful story...

[@dennisjohndreher7258]

Another great Tommy Tedesco story

[@daleturner]

FANTASTIC story!!!!

[@craigthatcher2646]

What an amazing story! You are both such iconic musicians and role models whom I’ve been respectfully following for decades. Thank you!

[@glowaves]

Amazing story....uplifting.🤟🏽

[@marwhaanlodewyk8158]

Watch his interview with Beato...it's something else ❤

[@tyrport]

I love the Blah Blah Blah. It’s like Seinfeld Yada Yada Yada.

[@BAJARACER43X]

I think he has a 7 fret stretch with his fingers together

[@lyndamcardle4123]

Blah blah blah ?....nevertheless such a great bass player.

[@Tubulous123]

Yes!!! Thank you !!!!! 1Nation4Life

[@Danny-fs1hk]

Wow! Tommy was definitely one of a kind.

[@gius-pe]

and that's Tommy Tedesco for you, folks.

[@MrRichiekaye]

Beautiful.

[@wildbillhackett]

That really _is_ a good story.

[@HMJohnsonGuitar]

Beautiful story!

[@ELIJA40]

Chuck is a truly great Bass player. One of the best of all time surely.

[@BlackRootsAcademyOfSoul]

Beautiful story 👌🏿

[@skipskiperton4992]

sad that there are only a few who would do a solid like that for others….

[@JonesTonesGuitar]

What an awesome story and blah blah blah…lol😂

[@brandonthailand2062]

People that blah blah annoy me.

[@jamesrusso2523]

So good i had to listen twice .

[@cognoscenticycles4351]

What a great story!

[@crisprtalk6963]

good story!

[@jonnythegreek1]

WOW!

[@erikvaldur3334]

Tommy was really one in a million.

[@RobbiesVideoArchives]

What a GREAT story! Loved it.

[@jadipeperzak4034]

I can’t find any clips of tommy playing his telecaster.. Help!

[@duster71]

Lol they didnt usually film the music sessions.

[@Bassman968]

That's what music is about...when you're on the front line making it together, you work together. Chuck Rainey is as top shelf as you can get, which shows what shelf Tommy Tedesco is on as a musician and as a person.

[@matrox]

TT sounds like a bad dude.

[@johnsworldofvideopoker]

Chuck Rainey & James Jamerson will live forever!🙌🙌🌎🍎

[@harrypalmer3481]

Fab story - for Tommy Tedesco's actions & Chuck Rainey telling it. Heartening.