EXCLUSIVE! Legendary Session Drummer Picks His 5 Favourite Albums!

[@waynepolls1538]

My band was in L.A. to cut two sides for our 45 release. I was the drummer, but I wasn't good enough. So they brought Russ in to play on the tracks. Our band was in L.A. for two days, and we had zero money, and I was starving. During a break, while the other guys were recording vocals, Russ walked me to a nearby restaurant and bought me lunch. That's when he told me he had just finished a session with Bob Dylan and George Harrison. He also taught me how to tune my drums. I will be forever grateful to Russ for that meal and for our conversation. What a nice guy.

[@jameskinchen2148]

Who was your band? Was it known?

[@warrenbutterfield4208]

The Archies..... I knew it‼️

[@theminotaurs]

@@warrenbutterfield4208 A story like that is golden--seeing the heart of someone kind

[@waynepolls1538]

​@@jameskinchen2148The band was called Jubalee. The record was for MGM. The promo copies were released to DJs (I guess they used to do that back then), and we got a nice review in Billboard Magazine. But the record was never released for some reason.

[@Mattshank-uo6jl]

Very cool story. What a nice guy Russ is.

[@Joesfosterdogs]

Russ and Lee Sklar, when you listen to them are so sober minded and nice people. Russ is so centered...they destroy the myth of rock stars dying out early.

[@surfer7141]

I was so grateful to be Russell Kunkel drum tech with Jackson Browne on the Hold Out Tour 1980

[@comicus6769]

As a young kid I rarely paid much attention to who was drumming on an album. And then I heard Jackson Browne's "Doctor My Eyes" and never forgot the name Russ Kunkel.

[@AlanJan_UK_49]

Lives in the balance (Jackson Browne) Excellent album.

[@DianaReis-x5o]

I couldn't be more JEALOUS!😂

[@1960BobD]

I went to the Pine Knob (Detroit) that tour and remember it fondly.

[@davidreilly2326]

Some things depend on woo.

[@TheGsjoberg]

My favorite drummer. His work on the live version of Running on Empty, is the very definition of being in the pocket. I have stolen and used quite often the snare/kick break he does near the end of the song, so tasteful.

[@stevemartin7096]

Aside from being one of the best ever to sit behind a drum kit, Russ exudes humility and class. Thanks for the music and the great attitude Russ!

[@geoffreyhales]

in 1976 I was fresh from Australia, moved to LA to play my eccentric percussion, I worked with a lot of singer songwriters, including Cass's very talented sister Leah Kunkel, Russ's then wife, playing on demos and doing hoot night at theTroubador, Russ had been out on the road with JT and arrived home after months away, we were in the middle of rehearsing a tune and Russ watched quietly, then the phone rang and he answered, hi Herb, yeah I'm free, hey do you mind if I bring a percussionist along? puts his hand over the phone and says to me do you want to do some recording? the very first words he spoke to me!! so the next day he picked me up and we drove to A&M studios which was the old Charlie Chaplin studios and we spent a couple of weeks just jamming with Herb Alpert playing piano, Russ playing drums and me on percussion, Herb paid me the same double or triple scale that Russ got, then Herb chopped up the best bits and turned it into an album called "just you and me" I spent an amazing 15 years in the LA music world but I'll never forget that generosity that Russ showed the first time I met him, and what a great human being and incredible rock steady time keeper he is!!

[@willard2729]

What a story!

[@ronbock8291]

I think Henry Lewy produced that Leah Kunkel,record.

[@SusieVKaufman]

THAT'S Russ!

[@MrDavesf]

I absolutely love this, how great! I know that record and you did a really fantastic and tasteful job on it!

[@lawrence2087]

Been listening to Russ Kunkel since my early 20’s. I’m now 77, enough said! 👏👏

[@mjoyce1111]

Ditto

[@robertledford3004]

I was a studio guitar player In Nashville in the 90s .I can tell you from experience that this is 1 of the same greatest session and live drummer I have ever herd!!!

[@johncopeland3826]

All of the Dan Fogelberg albums that you worked on Mr Kunkel were absolutely exceptional ...he was an exceptionally superb musician and songwriter as you know . I. believe both of you became super tight friends also ,such was your relationship in the studio and on the road . Can't wait for the 6 to 10 albums !

[@briankay5384]

I believe he produced Fogelbergs Exiles album also. Dan’s divorce album. 👍

[@ciarraibuzz]

We saw Fogelberg several years before his death and he was outasight. 10th row, dead center. Great, great show. What a talent. Such a loss.

[@kevinfessler6831]

I was hoping someone in the comments would acknowledge Russ' work with Dan Fogelberg, who is probably the best songwriter-performer that hardly anyone talks about. Dan played almost all of instruments on those 70's albums, but Russ on drums was a staple.

[@johncopeland3826]

​@@kevinfessler6831Dan always referred to Mr Russ Kunkel as ' the best there ever was ' as a drummer ! I think it's safe to say Dan Fogelberg knew exactly what he was talking about ...at all times . What a brilliant ,brilliant pair of musicians in Russ Kunkel and the late ,great Dan Fogelberg .

[@beeonthyme5760]

I,too,was looking for Dan Fogelberg connections.

[@BOOMNERD51]

I heard Russ was the one playing the congas on Jackson Browne's "Doctor, My Eyes" First Jackson Browne song I ever heard, and Russ's accompaniment was my first takeaway! ❤

[@ronbock8291]

Super grateful to Russ for calling out Henry Lewy. He seems to have been mostly forgotten these days, but he was a dear friend of my mom and dad’s, and the sweetest cat you could ever imagine, and obviously a brilliant engineer and producer.

[@kellythompson3865]

The best compliment I ever received was a drummer saw me playing with my band and asked if I'd ever heard of Russ Kunkel? I told him, of course! He said I played like Russ. I have learned how to play melodically and utilize space from Russ. Thank you Mr. Kunkel!

[@TheStratpicker]

Nice story which rang a bell with me. I’m really a guitar player (rhythm and riff more than extended solos) but I also get by on drums and have morphed over to bass. Following a soundcheck on bass, the bassist from the main group came over and said he didn’t know how he was going to follow “a real bass player”. I’m not sure my confession of really being more of a guitarist helped! Anyway, your comment about learning to play melodically and utilize space is so true and can be widely applied.

[@kellythompson3865]

@TheStratpicker thank you! I saw Russ with Taylor and Lyle Lovette. Thanks Mr. Kunkel!

[@bermudaguy5003]

I'm nothing but smiles listening to your humbly said fond memories Mr. Kunkel. Those sure were the best years for those of us that were at the age to greatly appreciate the great bands that provided so much joy & excitement. Thanks very much!!!

[@rockerbob949]

Yeah Russ!! My parents Bob and Judy from Dana Point are friends with Russ and love hanging out with him. Rock on 🤘🏼

[@joepassanante3578]

I love Dana Point---used to work for a company in San Juan Capistrano. Miss my trips out there for training and meetings!!!

[@nets1776]

Here's a shout out to Paul and his interview style and responses. Very comfortable and in the groove, just like Russ. How you relate in conversation reminds me a highly successful Aussie musician I get to work with. Whenever I get done speaking with him, I always think "what a gentleman" I felt the same way at the end of your interview. Great job, thank you!

[@lornestein7248]

Been a lifelong fan. His influence on my playing is immense. Having a light touch, pocket feel and not to over-play is so important to me. Something so many younger drummers today forget or ignore.

[@ibleebinU]

What a wonderful portfolio and such talent. His tasteful fills with brushes on Fire and Rain is second to none.

[@predictorleague8780]

A man who has been in the background for some amazing records, yet is largely unknown. Great to hear these stories and meet these faces. Good job again VRP!

[@VRPRocks]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jacktoddy9783]

One of my favourite drummers - such a subtle touch.

[@petersavageau581]

I’d like to hear more on the Dan Fogelberg and Jackson Browne recordings and tours

[@cheribee968]

Great interview Great story of his journey Really enjoyed hearing about all the greats Russ has a magical career

[@davidstein9129]

Thanks for your 'service to the song' Russ.

[@randyschiffer3265]

Really enjoyed this. Thank you VRP ROCKS. I've followed Russ's career since 1970 and continues on Lyle Lovett's albums and tours. Keep them coming.

[@joepickett7084]

I lived down the street from Russ on lime Avenue in Long Beach, but never really got to know him. He was a couple years older than me but to hear his name and to hear that he was such a great drummer is just wonderful.

[@bobwade5842]

You understand why we was the best “song drummer” of the day. He actually listened and got the subtleties of those artists.

[@ronjon5386]

I remember seeing Russ playing with everyone. . He was everywhere. He was like Lee Skylar they were just playing with everyone. . The Jackson Brown , area was huge for me as a drummer.

[@robertofrejat6907]

Great interview,this man has been in so many wonderful records in his life,I love his playing with Crosby&Nash a lot🎶🙌🏼

[@litup6465]

One of the best interviews I’ve heard in a long time - I learned a lot - thank you!

[@winstontk]

What a great interview. And what a truly classy, warm and engaging man that Russ Kunkel! This was truly a great way to start my day. Thank you for making this available to all of us.

[@VRPRocks]

Glad you enjoyed it! There's more on my channel on this series, with artists revealing their 5 favourite albums/songs from the wonderful careers. Hope you get chance to check some out 👍🤘

[@yonnikfaulkner6782]

Great interview. Great interviewing. The albums and music just beyond measure and so intrinsic to a remarkable time to have been around to witness. Thanks for posting this!

[@VRPRocks]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching 👍🤘

[@Mattshank-uo6jl]

Such a cool interview with Russ. Really solid player and good to hear his insights into these classic recordings and his contributions.

[@WilliamNAllen]

This is a great interview. Calm and candid.

[@adrianbrowne7874]

Some of the greatest songwriter's ever are given 'full vent' here! Dylan, Harrison, Mitchell, and Taylor. And i completely agree with the 'glowing' assessment of Joni Mitchell in particular! Aside from Blue, i think that Court & Spark & The Hissing Of Summer Lawns are 'masterpieces as well! Joni's was at her most 'imaginative best' during this chapter of her career.😊😊

[@Cbcw76]

I also favor FOR THE ROSES... the massively inventive guitar exposé of COLD BLUE STEEL, then LESSON IN SURVIVAL, and the rest... SEE YOU SOMETIME... ELECTRICITY... all of Russ' choices are 'deserted island albums' - ones I have lived with for months at a time.

[@ciarraibuzz]

Joni Mitchell was one of a kind and a one of a kind, beauteous voice.

[@markd8469]

And Carole King

[@Cbcw76]

@@markd8469 TAPESTRY is another deserted-island demand for me.

[@awboat]

I was listening to Hissing the other evening and I had forgotten how awesome it is. My favorite of hers.

[@Nagroddy]

Russ Kunkle was a huge influence for me! He has always played with that ever so fragile balance of play for the song but put in a little unique something special to enhance the song. Thanks so much for this interview. I have found that the majority of high level drummers are compassionate, kind, reliable, humbly confident and flexible team players. Clearly, two examples are Russ Kunkle and Steve Gadd. I believe those traits are part of why they are such good drummers. And sure, throughout history there some who were not those things.

[@HamptonGuitars]

Russ, Carol King, Leon Russell & others all played on a B.B.King album around then, Indianola Mississippi Seeds. One of his best, it has Hummingbird & These Chains on it. Great stuff.

[@morbidmanmusic]

I remember when your son brought you to our band practice, as we were his favorite local band. You sat in. It was strange and fun~!

[@duncanrosie676]

Great interview. Russ communicates his life story so well. Paul is a patient and pleasant interviewer. Well done Paul. Look forward to further Rock interviews.

[@JHillMD]

Great interview. Thank you for it!

[@billburkhead9737]

Great interview - true fans who enjoy the music LOVE hearing these stories - also enjoyed the mention of "He Went to Paris" - a favorite song of mine from JB, yet another artist Russ was involved with

[@amherst88]

Immortal -- so grateful to have had his work on the soundtrack of my youth (and emergence in the case of Bella Donna :) ❤

[@monicashuart-ls1hw]

I saw russ come from behind the drums and play acoustic guitar on "there's a place in the world for a gambler" on tour with Dan fogelberg

[@deanallen927]

"The atmosphere of her being in her living room." Tapestry NAILED that vibe. Those are at times my favorite kind of albums. I always wanted to make an album like that. Russel, you're a true artist and a cool guy. Thanks for all the great music.

[@DevilsDevices666]

Bravo, another fascinating interview VRP! Love these 5 favourite interviews that you do, keep them going!! 👍

[@JerryChambers-c2h]

Russ's work with Lyle Lovett is beautiful.

[@paulyhoffmann]

Saw Lyle in SJ in 1986. Might still have the ticket stub? For backup I think he only had a bass player? He dind't look happy on that stage. Opening act was a punk country all girl band Whispering Bullet. The venue was behind Harry's Hofbrau on Saratoga Ave right off hwy 280. After the show, I got in my 69 SS Chevelle, drove around back and there was ol' Lyle with his hood up. Looked like a black Hearse. Dead battery. So gave him a jump. Not even a thank you. But it was cool. Took out the lead singer of Whispering Bullet whose real job was hair stylist. She normally, only dated guys in black T-shirts and tattoos, she said, and I was the type who wore cowboy boots, cowboy hat, big ol' belt buckles. You know. Might still have her business card. But I was wilder. That was 40 years ago now. Holy moley.

[@andrewvenezie995]

Russ I’ve been told lived in Pittsburgh as a young person with his uncle the engineer of WDVE. Al Dietrich was his name. Al loved helping young people especially with baseball. I worked at DVE and I would smile every time I played a song with Russ. I hope I’ve told I correctly.

[@jccook5353]

Loved listening to WDVE growing up outside of The Burgh in the 70's.

[@Transterra55]

Thanks for such an incredible video… Excellent, excellent interview. I especially loved his commentary about Joni, who is my favorite artist of all time.

[@VonBluesman]

I had a music teacher in the 2nd grade in Illinois named Mr. Kunkel and he taught drums and how to read music, that was 60 years ago. Got to be in the bloodline. 👍🎸😎✌️

[@clydebermingham121]

To be a drummer & ‘back bone ‘ for such Wonderful & Special Musical Artists 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@kwaailight]

He played on so many amazing albums, so it is difficult for him to choose 5. I was hoping, however, to see Jackson Browne's Running On Empty?

[@shnibby69]

Great interview, friend! Love to hear from the “unsung heroes” of the recording community !

[@VRPRocks]

Glad you enjoyed it! Lots of other interviews with unsung hero's on my channel too 👍🤘

[@danjtomlinson]

Russ,Thanks for your INSPIRATION, Love You 💙💙💙🙏

[@denmar355]

He played most of Dan Fogelberg’s studio drum tracks for three decades as well. Always known to play the appropriate way at the right time. Amazing career full of amazing relationships with great artists.

[@idstandard]

I worked in the early 70s at Sunset sound with Bill Lazarus. I’m probably won’t spell this right but in Yiddish the word Mench comes to mind. Bill did an all nighter with us and I’ll never forget when we thanked him afterwards and said now you can sleep a bunch he said you know you never get that back.

[@francismcgovern5042]

great stories about great music, thanks Russ! Very articulate and clear about the past and the people involved,,, brought his stories to life

[@TheKevinSchollProject]

awesomeness Russ . . . Blessings and thank you SO much for all the great music. Such Great drums grooves and more . . . . . .

[@Chris.from.1950]

I've been a fan of Russ since Fire and Rain, but hearing him walk through these five albums is just stunning. Thank you.

[@jhardy0786]

The greatest rhythm section of all time Leland Sklar and Russ Kunkel

[@webbvandiver9139]

I’m with ya! They were so in sync

[@allenf.5907]

Right up there, for sure.

[@michaelmalodrums9674]

Russ is a wonderful guy and a musical legend ! Was lucky to meet him In Montreal with John Good from DW drums ! Great video thanks for sharing 🫶🏼

[@williamneillgross3926]

New Morning is one of my favorite albums ever. A great sentimental favorite and I think one of Dylan's best and my favorite Dylan album overall. It was nice to hear it referenced and get some details on it.

[@garyzdenek6203]

Bummer I was really hoping he would mention the innocent age by Dan Fogelberg… A great album from top to bottom..

[@thedonald139]

And Souvenirs.

[@pumkinbreath]

CSN. Dark star is perfection

[@Hippie-i8g]

I miss Dan Fogrlberg. Gone too soon! RIP ❤

[@matthewguilliom6933]

It is something i like to hear from musical (and other) persons. A soft spoken individual who magnifies other musicians louder than oneself. Kunkel may not have as instantly noticeable a sound as many drummers. Yet he clearly sees his associations as a group and connective exercise. I like that. And that though @ first he stumbled on violinist Scarlet Rivera's name got it memorized. Wish he'd worked with certain artists more. Then again he may not have had time to.

[@billdillon3886]

Peter said, 'Put your drums in the cab'. The early days of traveling around with drums as your instrument must have been a logistics nightmare.

[@jamesmcghee3440]

Incredible list and inspiring insights about Russ and these artists ! Thanks for the interview

[@stephenlongo8185]

These are all wonderful albums. I would have expected Running On Empty to be on his list.

[@luvbasses5487]

I admire this guy - and all the others of that magical era. We all can learn from his experiences. People like; Bones Howe, Lou Adler, Herb Alpert, Burt Bacharach, Jimmy Webb, Hal Blaine, Joe Osborn, Jack Nitzsche, Tommy Tedesco… I mean we’re talking about extremely talented individuals here and the list is almost infinite. I sort of wish there was a book out there that sort of encapsulates that time period and its people. Great interview Paul. Love Russ! Thank you.

[@MrTommyg4]

Steamroller blues was my introduction to the blues.

[@ldolphin34]

I am a singer and broadcaster. Small change too. I'm on public radio. And I'm going to tell you that I don't know Russ kunkel, and I'm not friends with anybody he's played with, and I'm not going to bore you further with an introduction. If there's anything that I am, it's an observer of rock and roll as it has moved from the mid-60s to current day which is my lifetime. And I'm going to tell you that no one is as vital a drummer has Russ Kunkel has been to the Elektra/Asylum group and the projects he's taken to the side of that. There's a certain passion and feel for records that drummers must have to not sound like a machine, and Russ epitomizes that quality.

[@pamr4040]

Needless to say, Russ and Leland are on most of the albums in my vast collection. Always loved seeing Russ behind the kit at concerts, as well! His drumming style, to me, was elegant...loved watching his arms...so smooth!❤

[@clydebermingham121]

The most subtle textures a musician plays in those situation had to be magical …. It’s like one must not over play at all …. I can imagine why ‘perfectionism’ could stifle & kill a mood . FEELING IS EVERYTHING FOR SOULS TO BE IN TUNED & IN TOUCH WITH ONE ANOTHER

[@Canyon2023]

I heard what makes Russ Kunkle so special and a favorite of musicians is that he plays really well with the vocalists and has a great feel for that. I’ve never heard that attributed to other drummers. Russ was my first favorite drummer and he’s still one of my top favorite drummers ❤️

[@Whatsamattau2]

Great interview; “Blue is my wife’s favorite albums and all you mentioned are in my top 10. Nice to hear “New Morning” is on your list. Thx for this.

[@FreeRange9]

New Morning - what a great album. The uncut gem on the album is “If Dogs Run Free”!!! Well done!!!! 👍👏👏👏

[@seand67]

Great interview

[@freddieblue6351]

Heatwave…Tracks of my Tears….Linda Ronstadt!!!!!

[@brucestanley9656]

Very humble, great guy!

[@robertginsburg8113]

I recorded Russ back in the 90's , I don't remember what album it was but I do remember, Lee Sklar was playing bass. Anyway, I noticed how Russ had such a light touch playing his high-hats compared to the steady force on the snare. This aspect of his playing immediately stood out and is a big part of his sound. You see engineers often fight a losing battle with high-hat "bleed" when a drummer plays the high-hat too loud. You lose separation and mixing becomes compromised. My thought "This is one of the reasons he gets the studio gigs, he makes recording easy." I've recorded some great players over the years and they are the easiest people to work with. They make you look good. Thanks Russ!

[@XOXOX007]

A literal who's who What a hero I love women Yes!

[@dewimatthews6037]

Literally...Who?

[@stephenbrown4211]

Us British fans of Stevie don’t get much chance to see her tour solo. Up until this year her only tour was in 1989. Being a fan of Russ’s drumming it was great to see him drumming at Wembley

[@El_Bicho_Feo]

I love his drumming on the LPs by The Section… particularly on “Forward Motion” - his playing on that LP has had a huge influence on my own playing.

[@arthurwyckoff3684]

Super cool Stuff

[@rocketpost1]

Great interview and Russ seems very chilled as well as being eloquent. I was convinced that one of his selections would be Jackson Browne but maybe he would be top ten. I just knew that James Taylor would be selected and guessed Mudslide Slim but never mind, it was a very enjoyable film.

[@JerryFlanaganOD]

Yeah how does he not include Jackson Browne and his contributions to his work as a top 5. I remember seeing the two of them with the family in the early 70s. Such a great time in the annals of rock and roll.

[@user-mv5bu2kk8b]

I would love to meet russ some day

[@alexluksich6159]

Russ also was the drummer for the great garage/psych band Things to Come who released some fine singles (one of them ‘Good Day’ from 1968 was produced by David Crosby)

[@vls3771]

Kunkel like sklar ...what a time in music to be an in demand musician... incredible .

[@wrldchamps04]

BELLA DONNA is my favorite album of all time.....

[@toneman501]

Rock on Russ...

[@davidgehoski1306]

So happy to be alive beneath the sky of blue on this new morning, new morning with you.

[@ronreynolds1610]

I'm curious about the ''jam session'' with Dylan, Harrison, Kooper and C.Daniels ...... anything recorded in the vaults ???

[@lucasoheyze4597]

Yeah, it's all been on KZbin for years.

[@pedrofernandez8729]

Played wonderfully on Linda Ronstadt's Live in Hollywood in 1980

[@dxates1]

Amazing person and drummer!!

[@EvelynBaron]

my sis married a session drummer I love this. James Taylor Toronto 1971? Was there with the boy next door who was on LSD me no. I always thought George Harrison picked him during the Apple days before the venture collapsed, love these stories.

[@hippydippy]

Cool. I love Russel, but I was really hoping he'd talk about playing with Jackson Browne & Jimmy Buffet. Love all those albums.

[@georgianwindow]

It seems like yesterday that I bought that James Taylor album and New Morning 50 odd years ago the name Russ Kunkel popped into my head today so I googled and found this video

[@jhull5870]

I'm surprised that Russ didn't name the album " Running on Empty" 1977, Jackson Browne. Great album and songs!!!

[@nancetheDanceVixen]

Yes, Jackson Browne is just an INCREDIBLE artist. Personally, I would place his work in place of S Nicks… imho

[@anntaylor5165]

@@nancetheDanceVixen Fleetwood Mac ? Stevie Nicks and who else. This is so disappointing. they are just fine , but above the work he did with Jackson ? Jackson praised Russ during his induction into the R&R Hall of Fame. Love your moniker.

[@vibes..585]

Russ is the Goat 🐐

[@JoeyMayo]

Jim Gordon, Jim Keltner, and Russ Kinkel were three names that I saw a lot on albums that I listened to back in the day (1970's).

[@tomkoetting5954]

Years back, I worked with Russ Kunkle's Uncle (he was a radio engineer in Pittsburgh). I just love saying that - Russ Kunkle's Uncle

[@castillomark]

Simply amazing!!