EXCLUSIVE! Legendary Session Drummer Picks His 5 Favourite Albums!

Renowned drummer Russ Kunkel, unveils the captivating stories behind his top five favorite records. Experience the behind-the-scenes magic of influential albums that have left an indelible mark on the music industry. From studio collaborations with legendary artists to the creation of timeless classics, Russ shares exclusive insights into the making of platinum-certified, Grammy-honored masterpieces. Discover the artistry and the profound impact of these albums as Russ takes you on a journey through the transformative era of music. Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity to witness the untold tales and unparalleled artistry that shaped a generation.
0:00 Intro
2:15 Album 1
6:14 Album 2
10:06 Album 3
13:26 Album 4
19:27 Album 5

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@bobwade5842]

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

[@user-bd9yv8ku3s]

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!

[@lawrence2087]

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

[@mjoyce1111]

Ditto

[@danjtomlinson]

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

[@user-fs5bc1se8m]

Russ's work with Lyle Lovett is beautiful.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@user-lf2kj4hk6b]

I couldn't be more JEALOUS!😂

[@1960BobD]

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

[@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.

[@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!!!

[@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. 👍🎸😎✌️

[@davidstein9129]

Thanks for your 'service to the song' Russ.

[@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.

[@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.

[@FreeRange9]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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~!

[@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.

[@jacktoddy9783]

One of my favourite drummers - such a subtle touch.

[@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.

[@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!❤

[@jhardy0786]

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

[@webbvandiver9139]

I’m with ya! They were so in sync

[@amherst88]

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

[@ibleebinU]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@Laguna724]

The consummate song drummer! ❤️🥁

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@randyschiffer3265]

Russ if you see this I would really love to see you do a KZbin channel like Leland Sklar's. Maybe just once a week pick a favorite album you played on. Like here, play a couple tracks and just tell a few behind the scenes stories. You're very easy to listen too, I hope you do it.

[@Anita3kidsS.]

YES! ❤ Please 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.

[@clydebermingham121]

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

[@robertofrejat6907]

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

[@cheribee968]

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

[@Smackwater587]

I miss Dan Fogrlberg. Gone too soon! RIP ❤

[@RoaroftheTiger]

Joni Mitchell has explained, that "A Free Man in Paris" is about David Geffen. While the "Telephone Screamer " was Don Henley !

[@litup6465]

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

[@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.

[@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! ❤

[@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.

[@billlepine528]

Very surprised that “Running on Empty” didn’t make the list

[@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!

[@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!!!

[@Mattshank-uo6jl]

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

[@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.

[@freddieblue6351]

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

[@MrTommyg4]

Steamroller blues was my introduction to the blues.

[@user-kd5ri7wd3g]

Going to see Russ and Leland in two weeks with Lyle Lovett’s large band. Thanks for the interview. Really love to hear the stories while we still can!

[@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.

[@pedrofernandez8729]

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

[@petersavageau581]

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

[@Yaskwhy]

I've seen Dan 5 times. One time at the Hollywood Bowl, Jackson Browne showed up to support b his friend. Excellent show. Another time, Bonnie Raitt showed up and was beyond fabulous. He had a lot of supportive musician friends.

[@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).

[@stephenlongo8185]

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

[@DevilsDevices666]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@pumkinbreath]

CSN. Dark star is perfection

[@grouchosays]

I saw Carole King, Leland, James and Russ together in concert

[@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 🫶🏼

[@jamesmcghee3440]

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

[@TheKevinSchollProject]

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

[@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)

[@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 👍🤘

[@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.

[@seand67]

Great interview

[@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.

[@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 ❤️

[@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.

[@clydebermingham121]

Those recordings he played drums on were even more than just great music … but Social Time Stamps to those who were alive during those days …

[@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.

[@christophernoto]

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

[@stackystackpole8826]

Thought Jackson Browns's Running On Empty would have made the cut.

[@doublehelix3952]

^^this^^ Came here to say the same thing, stacky, if nothing else for the recording process & the "life on the road" motif

[@wrldchamps04]

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

[@jarrahdrum]

Fantastic, thank you

[@eojeda1375]

Wonderful drummer !!!! perhaps he forgot Steve Winwood, Back to the High Life live concert which is incredibly EXCELLENT, UNIQUE, FANTASTIC !!!!

[@glennbucc7107]

He forgot Bob Seger, The Distance. Listen to that record. Fantastic music and wonderful drumming.

[@XOXOX007]

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

[@dewimatthews6037]

Literally...Who?

[@toneman501]

Rock on Russ...

[@brucestanley9656]

Very humble, great guy!

[@mjoyce1111]

Loved his work on Harry Chapin's Heads and Tales album!

[@user-mv5bu2kk8b]

I would love to meet russ some day

[@gurgisjones1120]

I only know him from his work with Jimmy Buffett, so would say "One Particular Harbor" (1983) might be Album 6. Good to learn of his earlier work.

[@vls3771]

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

[@MrDavesf]

When Translator went to NY to mix our third album at Right Track Studios (1985), our producer Ed Stasium had, for the first time ever, got a limo to meet us at Newark (and yes, in a Spinal Tap moment, the driver's sign said "Transistors" on it). We pulled up at our hotel in NY, the Mayflower, and I saw Russ Kunkel standing in front, seemingly looking to see who might be getting out of the car. I walked over to him and said "Wow, Russ Kunkel!" He replied, "Well, yes, but why do you know that?" I explained I was a drummer in town working on an album and of course I knew who he was. We had a lovely chat. Next day we show up at the studio and Russ is there, working on a Carly Simon record with Tony Levin on bass. "Hey! It's YOU!" he says. I felt ten feet tall. After they were done for the day, I went in and tapped each drum in his kit - they were in spectacularly perfect tune. I commented on that to his engineer who said "Yea, Russ's guy set them up and tuned them, and we mic'd them up. Russ came in, tweaked the drums a little bit and said "I'm gonna play for fifteen minutes. These drums are tuned exactly how I want them, so if you can't get a good sound in that amount of time, it's on you guys." Which he did, and they did too! Great seeing him here! What a cool guy and great drummer.

[@VRPRocks]

Great story, he sounds like a great guy in person too which is good to hear. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@dxates1]

Amazing person and drummer!!

[@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

[@francismcgovern5042]

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

[@Smackwater587]

I bet Carly is on the list!!!! ❤❤

[@gsmith207]

Legend

[@murther4906]

Everyone oddly makes the mistake of saying that Tapestry directly followed Sweet Baby James. Not true. Carole King's first solo album, Writer, was the next project. Then, a year later, it was Mud Slide Slim, Tapestry, and Blue.

[@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.