Carol Kaye, a legendary bassist known for her work on countless hits in the 1960s, has officially declined induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (RRHOF). The 90-year-old musician, whose notable credits include tracks for the Beach Boys, Simon & Garfunkel, and Barbra Streisand, communicated her decision via email to the Associated Press. This announcement follows a now-deleted Facebook post in which she explicitly stated, “NO I won’t be there,” in reference to the upcoming awards show.
Scheduled for induction in November alongside artists like Joe Cocker and Cyndi Lauper, Kaye expressed her reluctance, stating that the RRHOF does not adequately recognize the contributions of studio musicians from the era she is associated with. She highlighted her extensive work during the golden age of 1960s music, emphasizing that the Hall’s portrayal of studio musicians does not reflect their importance. Kaye also addressed her discomfort with the term “Wrecking Crew,” a label assigned to her group of session musicians, which she found derogatory and insulting.
Kaye’s legacy includes iconic bass lines such as those in Simon & Garfunkel’s “Homeward Bound” and the Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations.” Despite discussions around inclusion, her decision stands firm, reflecting her belief that her contributions and those of her contemporaries are not appropriately honored by the Hall. Traditionally, the RRHOF has inducted artists posthumously or in absentia, but Kaye’s choice to decline sets her apart from previous inductees who have had similar reservations.
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