The Wrecking Crew Guitarist: Louie Shelton talks about The Monkees, The Jackson 5, Seals & Crofts

Today's guest is LA session musician and producer, Louie Shelton. He has played on a lot of hit records including The Monkees, Lionel Richie and more.
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[@michaelferreri1256]

Louie Shelton has to be the most unassuming, humble and soft spoken man to ever strap on a guitar. It's amazing to watch this unpretentious gentle-man erupt into some of the most dazzling playing I've ever heard...from ANYBODY! So versatile. So tasteful. SO OUTSTANDING!

[@billyboy1093]

Boy Howdy!

[@affirmativeaction1]

True, but his wife Donnie is one of the most hateful people ever. She's obsessed with her hate for Donald Trump. She ruined the Seals and Crofts Facebook group, along with fellow socialist Lua Crofts Faragher. She even denounced her American citizenship and lives in Australia.

[@richardtrolley410]

I whole heartedly agree. Louis is as good as you can get on any guitar you hand him.

[@Edward-pu1wt]

I see Louie just turned 80 on April 6. Happy Birthday Louie and thanks for all the music!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching Edward....Joe

[@Stringman1950]

The humility of these session players is amazing. They could literally play anything. Amazing.

[@coldroses5337]

Amen to that. Have you watched the documentary The Wrecking crew ? It's wonderful and inspiring Cheers 🍷

[@normatible9795]

Yes. They were the original guitarists/musicians of famous artists

[@normatible9795]

​@@coldroses5337 thank you, i'm going there ( watch ) after this documentary

[@picksalot1]

Talent, humility, and chops - what a great, winning combination. Wonderful interview. Thanks

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Picksalot(cool name) I appreciate you watching our videos...Best, Joe

[@lionheartroar3104]

Those Seals & Crofts records are so beautifully done thanks to Lou.

[@ralex3697]

Louie Shelton is a legend

[@williamweston6771]

Saw Louie play a year or two ago at a small jazz club in Brisbane Australia. Absolutely fabulous show with three piece backing band. Great player and entertainer. Met him after the show and he was very humble and happy to chat about his recording years. An absolute pleasure and a gentleman.

[@peterkokkoris2988]

Louie Shelton is by far one of nicest people I’ve ever met.thank you for the music Louie

[@stratcat3216]

Lifelong guitar player here. What's not to love aobut Louie Shelton. Live long brother.

[@robcale8165]

Holy moly This interview is a guitar nut's dream. Thumbs up to The Musicians HOF and Museum. Thank you.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching Rob......Joe

[@efhs1970]

Great interview Joe, Louie seems to be a real down to earth person! No big ego, just a quiet confidence, that produced some of the greatest riffs in Rock & Pop!💫

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Hi Larry.... you are very right. Louie is just like he seems on the interview. No ego at all plus played ( crested those great riffs) on some of my favorite songs. Merry Christmas Larry... Joe

[@melodymakermark]

The Wrecking Crew in LA, the Memphis guys at Stax and American Sound, the Funk Brothers at Motown, the Swampers in Muscle Shoals, I’m sure I’m leaving some out, but the talent in these hot spots all in the same era, 60’s and ‘70’s. Just an amazing time for music.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching Melody.... Joe

[@Anonymous99997]

If a person writes the musical hook for a song, they should get a writing credit plus royalties.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Hi Jeff.... I know what you mean but its much more complicated. Like Tommy Tedesco said to answer that question once.... they don’t take money back from us for all the songs that didn’t make hits! That’s kinda the deal. If a player is so good that they can make a hit most likely they are writing songs too. Other great session players just charge double or triple scale. Best.... Joe

[@oldbatwit5102]

@Pontiac Soviro Erm...... no they don't, though they might get AFM payments.

[@mikethebloodthirsty]

I think in a band situation then I agree... I was in a band as a guitarist and I was kind of a hook guitarist rather that lead or rhythm. But if you're being paid to do a session, it's a straight business transaction no matter how much magical music you make in the process. And that's the deal...

[@TheLarryBrown]

It all depends on what your lawyer can get for you. What seems fair is for the contract to state a flat fee plus a tiered royalty scale after a certain sales amount. Say 1% after half million in sales. That way producers can get off cheap with a flat fee if the record sells modestly, but if it blows up into big money the session musicians don't get just $250 off something that netted the producer a $million.

[@briantyson7744]

That has always puzzled me. I was in bands, we knew that we all wrote the songs.

[@stevenkarras3490]

This man is more of a treasure than most of the artists he supported. The riffs he created were imaginitive and authentic to every style. How humbe too!!!

[@davegilbertmusic]

Louie Shelton is one of my favorite musicians and human beings as well. He did it all and yet remains humble and approachable. His calm demeanor belies the fact that he's a monster on guitar, truly unique. We're much richer for having had him help contribute to the soundtrack of our lives, no small feat!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Well said Dave... thanks for watching... merry Christmas..Joe

[@davegilbertmusic]

@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum Merry Christmas Joe, and a happier New Year for you & yours!

[@sapelesteve]

WOW, what a terrific interview Joe! Never knew who played those guitar riffs on all of those Monkees songs. I was stationed in Munich Germany from 66' through 68' and we always listened to those tunes in the barracks as well as when we were out on field duty. So, those riffs bring back lots of good memories! Thanks Joe & Louie! 👍👍🎸🎸🎸🎸👍👍

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Hi Steve.... glad you enjoyed it... thanks.... Joe

[@donindri]

I grew up listening to this music on my transistor radio. Didn’t matter what song or what group, I would always be waiting to hear the guitar parts. Great to finally see who I was really a fan of!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching Don.......... Joe

[@philmstud2k]

First! Love The Wrecking Crew. Absolute legends.

[@ollieroger3032]

Genius at work! Louie makes it look easy. True mark of a master. Thanks for the great interview, Joe.

[@RickMcCargar]

What a lovely man with amazing dedication to his craft.

[@thebutton7932]

In the '80's in Sydney , Australia, i worked across the street from where some guy named Louis Shelton put a studio in, and recorded (amongst others things) an album by some friends of mine, which ended up being quite successful here. I had no idea who Louis was, at the time, but if i'd known the facts, I would have been over there like a shot.

[@mellotronn]

Dash Crofts was living there at one time and may have been involved with what you're talking about.

[@hodson58]

Holy Hell what a genius of guitar and music Louie Shelton is, Legendary. Great interview 👍🇦🇺

[@michaelfoort2592]

Respectful, humble and super skilled

[@christophervaca7116]

Great interview, and he brought his guitar. Too cool.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Hi Chris... yes he brought it to give to the museum... come see it next time you’re in Nashville... best, Joe

[@ontogeny6474]

Painted my Fender Squire the same color way back when -- must of been tuning in to Louie somehow :D

[@ralex3697]

Louie Shelton played with Boz Scaggs, what more is there to say

[@Joe-mz6dc]

For a guitar player and music lover like myself who was born in 64, I never had the knowledge that Louie was one of my most significant influences in my life! So surreal and paradoxical. I started playing at 9 so around 1973, so Louie would have been playing a ton of the songs that I loved. Thank you Louie!

[@WakadooPlaypen]

Love Louie, his tasty playing has spoken for itself for decades. I personally dont know him but he's been hanging out with my old buddy, Peter Cupples (Stylus) in Australia and making lots of music for a long while now.

[@skuzkathecat8664]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXTdi3xnhMSKqas

[@dwodo21]

Man, oh, man, do I admire this guy. He has the skills!! Thanks Louie for the great playing and producing on all those classic records.

[@ernestoborrego5102]

Love it! Can’t wait for part 2!!!

[@karmicselling4252]

The Silent Guitar Heroes ... Shelton, Kaye, Tedesco, Vic Flick, just to name a few. Every bit as good as those we all know and love. And just as deserving of our adulation. It's time the world heard about these wonderful musicians and received the credit or proper recognition due to them.

[@johndooley7812]

What a great interview. Louie Shelton is an incredible guitar player and a very humble down to earth person. Thank you for your incredible playing and contribution to rock/pop/music history. If you are in Australia please come over to New Zealand for a show.

[@BangTaoBeach]

Such a great interview and Louie Shelton is so down to earth. Thanks to both of you.

[@mattkaustickomments]

Monster chops, quick thinker and zero ego... no wonder he was so in demand! He played on some of my favorite records but this is the first time I've heard of Louie. Thanks for introducing him to us, Joe!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching Matt...Joe

[@MichaelSmith-ig8bw]

I could listen to Louie for hours. One of the kings.

[@JohnnyNowhere]

Those old Monkees licks really rocked honestly. Lot of talent in those two hands.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

So true Johnny... thanks again for watching.........Joe

[@DMDvideo10]

This still goes on today. A lot of bands don't play on their recordings... Worse off a lot of bands (country and pop especially) don't even play live. It's all pre-recorded...

[@clarkewi]

Awesome. I loved the Monkees first LP and the TV show.

[@jeffwylie5899]

I just found this video and i am absolutely amazed! Mr. Shelton is so humble and incredibly talented. Such a rare combination. I thank you for this beautiful piece.

[@doug941]

A gift from God! I'm watching you Louie!!

[@calsurflance5598]

I’ve been a fan of Louie’s work for a very long time! As I have said before, the best musicians are the studio guys, or at least the guys that came from studio work. This was a great one Joe! Thanks for posting.👍🎸🎼

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Cal…..Joe

[@andyford8359]

One of the unsung hero's of the music industry!!

[@tuskedbeast]

Oh how great. Louie's playing on those songs is just pure pleasure, and it's a gas to hear his tone on that unamplified Strat. Love Louie's personality. What a treat to see him here with you, Joe! Merry Christmas, pal.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Merry Christmas to you and family too Tusked... Joe

[@tomjampap7849]

I agree. It must have been exciting to hear Louie and Glen Campbell play together...

[@genemitchell]

Another great interview Joe. His appreciation and realization of being surrounded by the world's best and greatest artist was almost poetical

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Gene... much appreciated..Joe

[@scottkirkham1230]

The way he was describing being surrounded by the world's best, and appreciating the moment gave me goosebumps. I'm so glad these guys are getting the recognition, and deserved praise for all the music of my last 60ish years.

[@jackzaccardi1896]

These musicians behind 60's songs were just brilliant !!!

[@BryanPaull]

Fabulous insights, thanks so much for making this fascinating recap of influential musical history available!!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching too Bryan….Joe

[@majortwang6211]

great interview

[@jferg999]

I've been listening to and appreciating Louie's guitar talents since the mid-late 1960s...a true talent and a humble and gracious man. Thanks for all the great music Louie.

[@halhammond6831]

Great interview. It makes me happy to learn about talented, gracious people like Louie.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching Hal... Merry Christmas..Joe

[@shannongordon6746]

This man is amazing. So many dont know him but everyone knows his music. The Boz Skaggs songs that just flow right out of him, then the Lionel Ritchie song, and so on and so on, inspires me to want to be a better player.

[@drlock978]

Still like that stuff? Weeeee love it! As a kid,I remember playing air guitar over and over to Last Train back in 1971.the tune still rocks along with all the rest here in 2020. The soundtracks of our lives.

[@Odin029]

Great interview as always. And Louis's so smooth on the guitar.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks 029.... Joe

[@thedevilinthecircuit1414]

For those interested in the Princeton Reverb "master volume" thing Louie mentions, you can easily do this with any Fender amp containing a reverb pan--without permanent modifications. You convert the reverb control and footswitch to a boost/drive function using a 470K/0.5 watt resistor and two RCA plugs. Disconnect the reverb cables from the the Reverb SEND and RETURN jacks on the chassis rear panel. Bridge the two jacks' center conductors with the resistor and RCA plugs. That's it. When you step on the reverb foot switch, you'll get the level of boost you've preset with the front panel's reverb control. If you decide you need the reverb, pull the resistor and re-install the cables. Easy peasy.

[@bluesingmusic3443]

Thank you for this. I've heard so much of his work, & didn't even know it. Watched part 2 first, as it popped up before this. Love his statement, about learning & get acquainted with the Blues!(I've told the younger guys who ask me, the same thing). Very talented man. So glad I caught these videos. Have enjoyed this channel since I found it about 4 days ago. Great job.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

The blues...Joe

[@billyboy1093]

I'm 3 mins in can't believe what a wonderful human being this man is not to mention his delivery is just flawless. I wanna be just like Louie when I grow up!

[@tomstiel7576]

WOW I love hearing about the gear they used,,,,great great interview Joe !!!!!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Tom.... Merry Christmas.....Joe

[@laurabaldschun]

Love your channel and the very interesting content. Thank you!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Laura.... best, Joe

[@sylvainpaquette6485]

The guitar intro remind me the song Straight Shooter, a song of Mamas and Papas which is similar to the one Louie play on The Last Train or vice versa, anyway he's a hell of a guitar virtuoso. And this is a great interview as usual, Thanks Joe..

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Sylvain.... Joe

[@christophej4923]

You're right. "Straight Shooter" came out on 28th February 66, played by the Wrecking Crew before Joe joined in. Joe is saying they'd rehearsed "the Last Train..." a few days before recording it on 25th July 66. He must have heard Straight Shooter, the album was such a hit. Indeed the guitar riff is much closer to Straight Shooter than Paperback Writer.

[@66impala71]

I saw the Monkees in 1967 (?) at the municipal auditorium and went crazy for them. By 1970 I was into Led Zeppelin and saw them at the same place.☮️

[@Madmanmarque]

Love these! Thank you!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Madman...... joe

[@funnybone2632]

I love the Wrecking Crew.

[@shaunmcgee4204]

What an incredible talent and so modest. Great interview, thanks for posting! 💜

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Shaun......Joe

[@philmoore71]

its always so nice to hear stories from that wonderful period of music... classics forever

[@philmoore71]

here i am relistening to this 2 yrs later :)

[@TheRokjok]

Joe great post. Always enjoy your posts you have awesome guests. Louie seems like a super humble guy.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

TheRokjok, thank you for your kind comments and support for the channel- it would have meant so much to my dad Joe. You are right Louie is a great guy, super sweet & humble. Hope you can visit the museum sometime. All the best, Britt

[@AllenPinchloaf]

Thank you for featuring my favorite picker Louie Shelton.

[@writereducator]

What a humble and gracious man.

[@kentbeery4941]

Another Great one !! Thanks Joe

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thank you Kent... Joe

[@jjoosneaphh]

Incredible ❤️🙏 so humble, blessed....thanks Joe

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thank you aphh.... Joe

[@louchan04]

BRILLIANT INTERVIEW

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Julian... Joe

[@louchan04]

@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum thanks for all the amazing interviews you do with these amazing musicians ... really fantastic work

[@abelincoln95]

Mr. Shelton "did the work" and became very savvy in the studio. Tim Pierce has also said that practicing different genres got him more gigs than anything he has done. To be able to deliver what was asked for in the session. Merry Christmas, Joe!!!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Abe.... Merry Christmas to you and family too... Joe

[@celebratingtheclassicswithearl]

Great interview Joe, happy Holidays :)

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Early.... much appreciated... Merry Christmas to you and family too... Joe

[@kenbrownfield6584]

I thoroughly enjoyed this interview with Louie !!!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Ken... Best...Joe

[@robertm2000]

I got to see Louie Shelton live in Southern California in 1969! He was playing a benefit concert for a Catholic girls' school in the area, as a band member for Boyce and Hart. It is quite a surprise to see this video on him and his playing - Shelton is good!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching 2000.......Joe

[@jpsmusicandmore5457]

Great interview. Joe you are sorely missed and you would always respond which was so amazing to me. Thank you for these videos

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Jp’s Music, dad truly appreciated his friends, like you, here on YT. Thank you for your continued support of the channel. Best, Britt

[@Craig_Fussell]

Love your channel and the amazing interviews! So great that you’re sharing the backstory behind the music we all love. Songwriters are also another huge talent group who sometimes don’t get enough credit. Studio musicians who played on the songs should be on the stage with the performer and the writer(s) when the awards are passed out. Heck, have you ever stayed through the credits at the end of a movie? Everyone gets listed! ✌🏻🎸🎶

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Hi Craig... thanks for watching... I’m looking at bringing in songwriters too. Best...Joe

[@47AndyT]

I've done some reading on the various session groups and they are amazing. My favorite one is the Wrecking Crew!

[@casperkittae2651]

What a nice guy. Very calming.

[@oilycanvas8374]

Great interview Joe! Like so many kids back in the sixties I wore out those Monkeys records on a Close and Play record player and his guitar was the thing that got me.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks oily.... joe

[@bobwright7415]

Wow, must be great to look back on such an amazing career! What a humble musician! I wish he wrote a biography.

[@SimirJohnson]

Great interview. This guy is so interesting. Loved it.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching Simir....Joe

[@ministerofdarkness]

Another fantastic interview Joe! The Best channel on the Tube! PLAY LOUD with a Princeton!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Minister....Joe

[@erikkibler3466]

I have such a huge respect for this man.my humble hero

[@xxbulldog74]

What a great guy!!!!!! Like his personality! Keep up the great work ....i like your show!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Rod... merry Christmas..Joe

[@rodney4266]

Great human being thanks for the music!

[@dinocardamone9586]

Beautiful sweet powerfully important show, the real unsung talent behind maybe the last great wave of popular music...maybe the best wave. Truly deep refined musical genius. Thank you for your very sensitive and intelligent documentation. To us aspiring musicians it is such critical insight.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Dino... Thank you too.... Best...Joe

[@jmd76family]

So glad you are documenting true legends before their stories are lost!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thank you too for supporting us shroom... Joe

[@patrickostrom2762]

Dam Louie still playing great! Starving musician worked the circuit with other top artist, musicians!

[@ceedoubleyou]

geez, he looks good for 79yrs old.

[@jesselp50]

Excellent interview thanks

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Jesse...Joe

[@stubaker2574]

great interview great musician II grew up in 60's and AM radio no FM////electricity was in the air and this guy played literarly most all that i enjoyed....thanks

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Stu....Joe

[@stubaker2574]

@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum no problem Ive watched alot and at 66 (that was a good year music wise) I saw those years ignored as if it was childish but thats were things were changed forever and Ive read of so many past on..even Freddie(& dreamers) left years ago...a rude awakening i grew up in the mtn.'s of east Tn at end of the hollar at foot on mtn...radio was my connection with the rest and i dreamed of being there with it all but music what can i say it molded me to a degree to always smile and shine the light if its in us treat everyone equal fall inlove an raise a family...american dream but my childhood dream's were torn down by reality over time i can still feel alittle of the electricity(magic) when i hear the songs of thuse times..there's only day and night man added calender's clocks etc...remember R Crumb? 40 year ol hippie here Im 66 or 67 have to think hard.....thanks for your hard work and hope i haven't said too much from so much memory thats fading...

[@alwolf2325]

Yes! Thank you, Joe.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Al.... Joe

[@brownmebrown]

Thanks Joe, Louis playing on the music of real life. One great soundtrack after another.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Mike... glad you enjoyed it....Merry Christmas....Joe

[@jpsmusicandmore5457]

Louie is amazing

[@nellymoriarty_5783]

Wonderful stuff Thanks Joe

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks again Nelly........Joe

[@broncodeviltexas]

Love anything Wrecking Crew. One of my favorite things to say about 60s music..." My 5 favorite drummers from the 60s are Hal Blaine!" 😁 Thanks Louie for all the riffs

[@alphabeets]

Great stuff, Joe!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks beets.... Joe

[@BrianKlobyGuitar]

Most awesome, thanks :)

[@outtathyme5679]

Louie is an absolute genius

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks again for watching 567..... Joe

[@georgescarlett2320]

What a Gentleman! Where are they today? Under ground! Thanx so much Louie! Gb

[@delstanley1349]

I remember a track long ago by the Jackson 5 called "2-4-6-8." It was part of an album package that I don't think was ever released as a single. I doubt many here have ever heard it, but you can KZbin it of course. It was a cute little bubble-gummy puppy love thing co written by Pam Sawyer. It had a great opening guitar wah-wah riff and cool drums! Then, I could never get that riff out of my head it was so cool. Tito was TJ5 guitar player, but I didn't think he was THAT good. It wasn't until THIS video that my suspicion that someone other than Tito was actually playing that riff. Hooray for Louie Shelton you're a real pro! Thanx for the videos. Again.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching and sharing your story Del... Joe

[@larrydrozd2740]

Again...another FANTASTIC Mr. Joe Chambers interview!!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Larry... merry Christmas..Joe

[@grahamslater3260]

One of the greats of that time and onwards.simply fine,uncomplicated players and people

[@cryptohalloffame]

great interview!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks DSAS.... joe