Joe Osborn - Behind the Scenes of the Wrecking Crew Sessions

In this interview Joe Osborn talks about his time playing with Ricky Nelson, Johnny Rivers, The Mamas and the Papas, The Carpenters, Simon and Garfunkel, Johnny Rivers and more.
Ricky Nelson, Johnny RIvers, Momas and the Papas, The carpenters, Simon and Garfunkel, Johnny Rivers.
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[@alanjerram9258]

They really let Osborn go wild on that 5th Dimension Let the Sunshine In cut and it made the song. There is no denying.

[@tbbb2]

These are fabulous interviews. Joe is right, his bass playing on "Let The Sun Shine In" is fantastic. I've loved every bass part I ever heard him play and the work he did with Jimmy Webb was some of his best, and THE best, ever!

[@calvinbeard2764]

Joe Osborne played on a few of our demos at his house in Burns,Tn. Him and his wife Gwen were awesome human beings.Very real... I still play those Demos even today.

[@davidmaslow399]

I'm a professional bass player from Minneapolis and I've Loved Joe's playing for 60 years. I learn his bass lines religiously. He's such a Great player!

[@Tonetwisters]

Loved his bass work, especially in "Traveling Man" ... I think, early Jazz Bass work ...

[@zigman8550]

Thank you Joe for launching the career of the Carpenters. The world owes you a debt of gratitude. Love his bass line on the Carpenters track "Let Me Be The One"

[@neilmitchell4588]

This era of music is timeless as it came from the heart, not the pretenders in the boardroom.

[@Partybob1]

Joe’s sound is THE sound I chased for years. He’s my all time favorite bass player. Thanks Musicians Hall of fame.

[@matrox]

The mid 50s-late 70s put out the greatest catalogue of music in world history. It was a magical time for music of all genres. It will never be repeated. I'm glad I was around to listen to most of it as it happened.

[@massF1]

Joe is one of the greatest bassists there will ever be.

[@bluarcher5941]

totally agreed. I've sung praises about Joe Osborn ever since I heard the first album the Carpenters ( listen to the bass line on "Road Ode", for an example) ever recorded...absolutely recognizable and brilliant playing. I would have liked to have heard a little more about his work with Karen and Richard.

[@ashman0071]

5th dimension's 'last night I didn't get to sleep at all' is the touch point ...... fantastic musician

[@curbmassa]

@@ashman0071 Oh, yeah. Great on every level.

[@Hqhq-01]

Joe's bass work on "The Only Living Boy in New York" is one of the most exquisite bass lines ever written. It's so fluid and melodic it simultaneously propels the music and holds it together.

[@6412mars]

Another Gem ..Joe ..His bass lines on "Let the sunshine In" are Epic..Thanks to both Joe"s

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Hi Mars... Thanks again for your support... Joe

[@scottmeli]

Joe Osborn set the standard for good bass playing and great sound. Joe’s bass always cut through the mix with a melodic and rhythmic clarity. Without a doubt, Joe made every record he played on sound better! A true American legend.

[@scottmeli]

Thank you to Joe Chambers for posting this video. Now I know the “secret formula” to Joe’s sound...a Fender Jazz Bass with LaBella flat wound strings, a pick and 4x10 Fender Concert amp! The Osborn “sound” gave life to so many classic hits (by Johnny Rivers, Ricky Nelson, the 5th Dimension, Tommy Roe, the Association, the Monkees, etc...) a helluva track record. Thanks again, my best.

[@davidbishop7181]

I met Joe in 1977 when he played on an album my band recorded in Nashville (an album nobody here has heard of!). Nice gentleman and one of my favorite bass players. It's nice to hear him say that what he played was based on the song itself, because he played some wonderful lines on our album. I'll never forget that experience!

[@mvmmotovlogmusic2815]

These interviews are treasures.

[@JohnnyNowhere]

This dude is totally likable and genuine. "The song will tell you what to play." A jewel of an interview, Joe. Kudos.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Johnny....... Joe

[@briancase6180]

The song will tell you what to play if you have some special, creative hearing.... :)

[@JohnnyNowhere]

@@briancase6180 Which has occurred several times in my own experience. I can't begin to enumerate how many of my own tunes were playing in my head upon waking in the morning. Getting them out, and on tape proves to be the greatest challenge.

[@oldermusiclover]

JAMES JAMERSON WOULD HAVE SAID THE SAME THING I BET

[@californiaslastgasp6847]

Hal Blaine said the same thing.

[@markjohnson9485]

His work with the 5th Dimension is dynamite. "Working on a Groovy thing" is a favorite. I read the album liner notes and that's how I first heard the name Joe Osborn the 5th members really praised his playing

[@MrHARRYGOODNIGHT]

Joe's playing on the 5th Dimension "Aquarius" album is why I started playing bass guitar. I emulated all of his licks!

[@markjohnson9485]

@Harry Goodnight Can't go wrong doing that my friend . I'm sure you are a fearsome Bass player because of it

[@brotzmannsax]

RIP Joe Osborn, another legend gone. You were fortunate to interview Billy and Joe before their passing. What a great story learning he lost the guitar chair to Roy Buchanan, one of my all time favorites, and switched to bass! Adding the photos and album covers is a nice touch please continue to add those, nice work Joe.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Brotzmann.... Best, Joe

[@edjefferson9175]

His playing imprinted to my soul growing up in the 60’s - 70’s. I never knew anything about him until recently.

[@rogerdodger5415]

Joe Chambers...YOU are doing such a great job on these interviews. This is another wonderful one!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Roger... Joe

[@edselman58]

Richard Carpenter was real particular of who he used for session musicians in the studio.He always used some of the wrecking crew on most of the Carpenter's albums.Hal Blaine and Joe Osborn were always the main two on most of those sessions.

[@edselman58]

Great interview on one of the legends...thank you!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Hi 58.... yes .... Joe Osborn discovered the Carpenters. Best, Joe

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks 58... Joe

[@tuskedbeast]

Love how low-key, minimal ego some of these session players are compared to the name-stars and even producers. They make magic, real magic, enduring art, and- well, look at Mr Osborn here! :) I got the sense he didn't really want to blow his horn here, and was glad it was you that was doing the interview, Joe. You're good with the rare shy person you get, bring a lot out. Great job for your important project!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Tusk.,. Best, Joe

[@Peter-iq6rc]

Really well said and I completely agree!

[@mikec886]

Make the magic

[@bobgrilli1427]

I had switched from drums to bass inspired by Joe OH's playing on Johnny Rivers first album. Been listening and learning since.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching Bob....Joe

[@nyceyes]

Wow, this was a great interview from both the interviewer and Joe. He really nailed the incredible loss in sound (notes), energy and groove due to digital, quamtized, PC music. But the entire interview was excellent. Thank you! 🤗💚

[@stevehowell9071]

Thank you for doing this, Joe. It was a pleasure meeting you when I brought Joe to Nashville for your first meeting. You're doing some great work, man. Please keep it up. Joe was a dear friend and huge creative influence to me and I sincerely appreciate you featuring him here,

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Hi Steve.... Glad you enjoyed it. Actually the first time I met Joe was at Clapton’s first Crossroads Concert in Dallas and again when he brought me his bass once I finished building the first museum. If I remember you both came up after the museum had been open about a year? Anyway good to hear from you. Best..... Joe

[@stevehowell9071]

I wasn't aware of that, Joe. Yes, I guess that's right. Thanks again. All the best.

[@Nitromessiah]

Thank you, Joe - for asking the questions a real musician want's answered. LOVE this series and the idea of the museum.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Nitro.... That was the intent when I first thought of doing this back in 1998. It took me a lot longer than I ever thought to actually get it started but comments like yours make it all worthwhile.... Best, Joe

[@rogerwilliams2629]

Man, what a career!! I grew up hearing Joe so much, and now to hear him talk about those songs...it's just a great thing I never thought to be able to hear. Thanks Joe. I guess he did that little sliding down unexpected killer part before the verses in the Carpenter's song, Superstar that I always loved, and a thousand more interesting parts that made songs breathe. "Play it like you feel it" Yes sir.

[@ramboweed5169]

Roy Buchanan's first bass player...the song will tell you what to play. Great bassplayer. Great interview thanks

[@67NewEngland]

Priceless footage of a legendary bass player.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching 67....Joe

[@luvbasses5487]

He was a natural. Plain and simple.

[@nyobunknown6983]

The discussion between 11:00 and 13:00 is the reason music sounded better then than now and is something other musicians appreciate more than fans.

[@linjicakonikon7666]

Best bass playing I ever heard was Joe on Bridge Over Troubled Water's Only Living Boy in New York. A bass solo as melodic and melancholy as one could hope for.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts LK....Joe

[@ML-rz2hb]

One of the things I really like about this series are the questions you ask. Great questions, unusual questions, musician questions. Not the usual musician interviews. Thanks!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thank you very much Mike... happy you’re enjoying them... Best, Joe

[@kurtfoster3640]

one of the best interviews i've seen ...

[@traceyszostek6264]

R.I.P to Joe, the iconic heavenly bass player ❤️🎸🎸

[@rickflippin1]

His son Darrin played in a band with me he was spot on tight and drums tuned perfectly. Good times.

[@jburtonca]

Thank you so much for this video. Joe Osborn is one of my absolute favorite bass players and he played on a huge number of hits. There are not a lot of in depth interviews with him. This is a keeper.

[@joemeyer6876]

Lover the associated pictures!

[@stevehornshaw4478]

As always such a humble man. Fantastic interview Joe. The guy's experienced so much. What a touch and so versatile. Just love the guy. Thnx so so much.

[@kewkabe]

RIP to both Joe's, two legends in the business!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

kewkabe, your kind comment means a lot & I agree. Thank you for supporting the channel, it would have meant a lot to my dad. Hope you can visit the museum sometime, I know you would especially enjoy seeing Joe Osborn’s 1960 Fender Jazz Bass, one of the first made by Leo Fender. Best, Britt

[@vayabroder729]

We certainly miss Joe; such a great gentleman. I looked forward to meet him personally sometime on a visit to the Hall of Fame but it was not to be. He’s in a better place where we all want to go; with our Lord. God bless him.

[@davidhughes4448]

The bass line in Everything That Touches You, by the Association. That's IT! Oh wait, then there's Stoned Soul Picnic, by the 5th Dimension. Oh wait, then there's....

[@clarkewi]

I had been listening to transistor radio since 1957. Elvis, Link Wray. But the record "Travelin Man" was the first record that truly blew me away as a 10-year-old kid. And how Ricky Nelson performed it on "Ozzie and Harriet" TV show summer1961. I was hooked. And there were so many great artists at that time.

[@patrickancona1193]

Zeppelin 2 is my “floored me like a tire iron to the back a the head” record, tho born in 68 so kinda took for granted all this awesome music, remember going to the old record shop & knowing I could buy 2 new records a month with my paper route money, kids today have no idea what they missed, it’s not good for EVERYTHING to be instantly available, the internet destroyed society in many ways tho it’s the reason I can listen to one a the men made me want to play bass

[@TommyMondayz]

Joe knew how to get his sound out through those transistor radios.

[@nellymoriarty_5783]

Thanks so much & to those who commented The more the merrier More input helps everyone smile 👍

[@soonerstan56]

I wish there were more thumbs up to hit for this interview , it was one of your best Mr. Chambers , and that is saying something with all the greats you have interviewed ! Stan

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Sooner... very much... Best.... Joe

[@kevinherd3437]

Mr. Chambers your interview prep is outstanding, whether a assistant, or just your acquired knowledge as i suspect, another gem. Thanks again for the content, the wrecking crew players IMO were the best.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Kevin.... that’s very kind of you to say... I guess I’m just very lucky to have known most of these people in the interviews and heard stories first hand from them or their close friends who were mostly other musicians... I’m very glad you’re enjoying them. Best.... Joe

[@Last_one_before_I_go]

I was doing a deep dive into some of The Carpenters work, and being a bass player myself was interested in looking into the lineup of musicians who were involved. I would've originally thought Carol Kaye, but when I learned it was Joe instead, well, I had to do a deep dive into what this guy was about. He and I share a lot of similarities on how we approach the art of playing, what we create in the moment and if I were a studio musician (which frankly I'm not worthy of even a 2nd look) how I'd approach the craft. This is the final video of my dive, being the best. His impact and production on the music scene is a matter of record and he's more than worthy of his place in the Hall of Fame.

[@billy38010]

Iconic Bass Player, thanks Joe!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thank you too Billy... Joe

[@alphabeets]

Legendary musician and interview. Thanks, Joe.

[@syn707]

Had to hear this again.wasn’t it at Joe’s garage home studio that Karen Carpenter sang on a few demos her brother was doing there? Joe took notice and as they say, the rest was history.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Hi 707..... yes... they were backing up a trumpet player. Joe said I don’t know about the trumpet player but that girl drummer can sing. He asked Hal Blaine hey you want to produce this brother/sister act. He plays keyboards and she sings and plays drums. Hal said “Who gives a shit about a brother sister act! He then ended up playing drums on all their hits. Laughed about it later. Bedt...Joe

[@a-katai]

My favorite bassist!

[@michaelsoucy7618]

thanks for enriching our lives Joe

[@Bass_Playa_Two_Point.O]

I find it interesting that my two favorite bass players, Joe Osborn and John Paul Jones, were the preeminent studio session men of their time and place. Joe didn't mention it during the interview, but he was the first to discover and record the Carpenters as a duo in his garage studio. He urged Herb Alpert at A&M to sign them.

[@johndellaselva687]

Totally honest musician and humble!

[@redwatch.]

Lots of wisdom here.

[@bluarcher5941]

most people have no idea who Joe Osborn is...it's the same with all of the Wrecking Crew guys, unless you've done your homework with backing musicians...the exception and breakout star, of course, was Glenn Campbell.

[@corkpop8401]

What a great interview, very mellow and informative, all killer no filler. The humility and humanity are evident. 200 top 40 waxings and zero attitude. Pure class questions and answers.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Cork Pop...Joe

[@lyndamcardle4123]

Joe Osborn is so "matter of fact" he's almost "deadpan" in this interview but, highlights the sheer anonymity some musicians crave. Keep it up (the other) Joe !

[@Mr.Bassman]

Awesome interview, really enjoy when bassplayers discuss James Jamerson, especially someone so legendary.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Bass... Joe

[@jimbaker6442]

Great interview, I thoroughly enjoyed it! I know exactly the part that you are talking about in the tune let the sunshine in, after he said can you play more. That was some great bass playing. I can almost hear it my head right now.

[@richardsisk1770]

Excellent interview. Thanks Joe and Joe!

[@shkyrbty]

Thank you Joe! Joe Osborn gave such thought out answers--it really helps me understand the 60s LA studio bass scene. As soon as he mentioned 'Let the Sunshine In', I opened it up on youtube and put on the headphones, wow! That was favorite song as a kid. The whole band really locked together.

[@Enid2Sacramento]

A legend.

[@Patrick_B687-3]

Again...The contributions from these folks is amazing! I always wonder how a musician winds up as a studio player vs a touring band member. Like so many things in life, it just that one little thing sometimes. And no way, these musical events will never happen in our lives again. I’m just happy I got in on the tail end of it, and got exposed to a lot of this when I was a kid. I’m jaded and stuck in a rut though, as I mostly like music made before pro tools and auto tune.

[@johnpick8336]

Outstanding Interview ! Thank you for posting !

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thank you John.... very happy you enjoyed it.... Best........ Joe

[@briancase6180]

Another great interview. Man, many of these musicians were very humble people, it seems, which is a nice thing to know.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching Brian...Joe

[@outtathyme5679]

Fascinating

[@RDYC]

My best friend in high school in the 70s, a bass player, was always talking about Joe Osborn! This was before the names of the session guys were well known. The Carpenter's basslines? Nice. And the tone. Truly he is THE bass sound of an era. So distinctive. I bought so many albums that turned to be his sound because it sounded so good on the radio. Class. Search Carpenter's Acapella for Karen and Joe solo'd: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6Swm5dua9OLr6s

[@Pimp-Master]

You check Carpenters LP's and they list Hal Blaine as the drummer, even though Karen was the bands drummer at the beginning.

[@sapelesteve]

Fantastic interview once again Joe! It's really amazing that Joe Osborn could go from guitar to bass & learn on his own how to play like that & get that sound. That is true inborn musical talent, no formal lessons needed. He is also right on about that era of music as being the best & most creative of all time. Thanks for a great interview............... 👍👍😉😉🎸🎸👍👍

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thank you Steve................Joe

[@bassball67]

I didn't really learn his name until maybe 10 years ago. I thought Carol Kaye did it all for a time. Great share, and kudos to him for so many memorable bass lines such as Aquarius/Let the sunshine in to mention just 1. I'm an old, and pretty good, and a still active bass player, and that's fine. Guys like Joe are a treasure to listen to. Thanks for your posts like this.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Bassball67, my dad, Joe, passed September 28th- but I know he would have appreciated you kind comment and support for the channel. As mentioned in the intro, the backstage interviews were done before the museum opened. We went to meet up with Joe Osborn to do the interview but also to pick up his bass that can be seen on display at the museum. Hope you can visit sometime. Best, Britt

[@Raughwe]

Now they're both gone. Bless them!

[@rodrigobortoloti2830]

AMAZING.

[@clarkewi]

Love your interviews with these great, but overlooked musicians.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Clark.... Joe

[@lilmelvin11]

Thank you! One of my Bass heroes, Wow

[@68Goldfish]

Fascinating!

[@tomjones2348]

Amazing interview. Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@ardeshirmistry]

Much thanks for this interview :)

[@blucheer8743]

Awesome youre keeping these histories alive and online.

[@sumrica]

I really enjoy watching this interview from time to time.

[@heywilbur]

Joe... You ask the best questions... and I am sure that's what you get such great guests. Salute my friend.. keep 'em coming... and thank you for everything you do 😎👍

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thank you very much heywilbur...Joe

[@madams6198]

Thank you for this.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Hi M.... thank you for watching it... Joe

[@rodrigobortoloti2830]

Thank you very much for making these wonderful videos available that tell the story of world music and these fantastic artists. These are videos that will go down in history. Congratulations on the work. I've been subscribed for a long time now. Hugs from Brazil.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Rodrigo, thank you so much for your kind comments & support for the channel… my dad, Joe, would have really appreciated it & so do I. Hope you can visit the museum sometime, I know you would love it! All the best, Britt

[@ror312gallery19]

great stuff,, again, thank you ,joe, cheers from italy,,,,!!

[@garyhammer8160]

Can't get enough of these interviews!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Gary... I really appreciate it.. Sincerely...Joe

[@paulnicolosi4792]

Session guitarist’Jerry Cole’ told me that one of the factors in Joe’s sound was his use of a large, heavy gauge, triangular flat pick.

[@williamwalsh6282]

I see Joe played on the Monkeys hit Valerie... Louie Shelton played guitar... what a band!!!!! Fantastic interview Joe C.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching William...Joe

[@mlhdlh]

Wow! Such great history. Thanks Joe.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Mike, Joe

[@williamkinney427]

Larry Knechtel of the Wrecking Crew told me personally, that Joe Osborn is the best bass player ever, hand down....

[@MrAMF50]

Awesome interview.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Shark... Joe

[@muddysludge7117]

Great work Joe!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Muddy.......Joe

[@larrycom]

Definitely one of my idols that I learned so much from and was inspired by.

[@mrDCunningham]

Another great interview Joe 👍🏻😎

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks David... joe

[@davidmaslow399]

Great interview!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Frank... Joe

[@m655john]

I have been enjoying your channel for a while and I wanted to send my gratitude for preserving these vessels of wisdom before they disappear forever.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks John…..Joe

[@clarkewi]

Awesome.

[@clarkewi]

A hundred and twenty number ones... Amazing.

[@jordanjumpshot154]

Great Joe's like a Christmas present

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching Jordan......Joe

[@andycummings-music]

The one dislike is from Carol Kaye. (Jk, I ❤ you, Carol!)

[@syn707]

She’ll get a chuckle from that.

[@billmccabe6188]

I'm always sooo entertained by your show. It's a guarantee, lol.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching Bill…..Joe

[@bigbass421]

What sometimes bugs me, is that Carol Kaye, as great as she is- seems to hold the most notoriety among Wrecking Crew bassists. She also has claimed she is on recordings that James Jamerson is the obvious bassist on. For electric bass, Kaye, Tommy Cogbill and Joe were seemingly the busiest. Larry Knecthel also played bass..did so often. BY FAR, Joe Osborn, is one of the most prolific session bassists ever. Carol is on many recordings. But Joe, is on a lot more hits. His masterfully created, unique bass parts- were, and still are just amazing to listen to. Just listen to the bass part on "Everything That Touches You" by The Association, and you'll see what I mean. A huge influence on me, and many other bassists. Rest In Peace, Joe...

[@buzzsmith8146]

"The song'll tell ya what to play." Yep. (Around 17:58)

[@bholaoates1542]

Wonderful interview. But what else would you expect from Mr. Joe Chambers. Many thanks, sir. After hearing the song "Aquarius (Let The Sun Shine In) mentioned in this interview, I had to go listen to it again for the first time in several decades just to hear the bass part that was discussed in the interview, and I just couldn't help singing to myself "Love the bass line, love the bass line here, the bass line here" to the words "Let the sun shine in". Such uplifting music we had back in the day.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Hi Bhola.... thanks.., very kind.. yes Joe played on so many of my favorites.... best.... Joe( thanks again)

[@subrosali]

I love that I share Shreveport as hometown with such a smoking badass.