Larry Knechtel passes

Pete Finney · Post by **Pete Finney** » 21 Aug 2009 2:56 pm

They can keep the harp and the wings when he gets to heaven; just get Larry a B-3, a glass of red wine and an ashtray and let the good times roll.

What can you say about a guy who played piano and arranged "Bridge Over Troubled Water", played organ on "Good Vibrations", the incredible bass part on "Mr Tambourine Man", the great wah-wah guitar solo on Bread's "Guitar Man"and played on as many hit records as anyone anywhere... and still treated you like a friend and equal from day one when you worked with him...

No false humility with Larry, he knew what his contributions were... But his joy in playing could still light up the room, and his crusty laugh and gleeful story telling (he had a million of 'em) will be missed.

Rest easy my brother...

Joachim Kettner · Post by **Joachim Kettner** » 22 Aug 2009 9:13 am

If there's a heaven he will meet Mama Cass again.
How good he was on all those Mamas and the Papas songs.

Mark Eaton · Post by **Mark Eaton** » 22 Aug 2009 12:05 pm

Oh man, this is a shocker.

One of the greats and so sorry to hear of this.

Pete, my wife and I attended the Oakland show on the last Dixie Chicks tour and enjoyed Larry's playing so much, as well as your playing, of course.

Larry had a musical resume as long as your arm.

RIP Mr. Knechtel.

James Pennebaker · Post by **James Pennebaker** » 23 Aug 2009 6:25 pm

I met Larry through my friend Rob Royer back in the mid 90s when he was living here. Rob and Larry were both original members of the band "Bread." Every fall Rob, Larry and James Griffin (also an original member) would get together and play shows around town billing themselves as "Toast." I had the honor to play guitar, pedal steel & fiddle with them for several years. After Larry moved back to WA he would still fly back here every fall for those "Toast" reunions until Jimmy Griffin passed away about 5 years ago. I guess the last time I saw Larry was at James' funeral. Very sad to know that Larry is gone now too. Being able to share the stage with musicianship the caliber of a Larry Knechtel is an experience of the highest order. We'll miss you Larry.

James P.

Skip Edwards · Post by **Skip Edwards** » 23 Aug 2009 7:36 pm

Such sad news. He was my hero.

Besides his keyboard fame, he was also a fine bass player, as Pete mentioned. He played bass on the Doors LPs, The Rightous Bros 'You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling", and tons of other hits. Check out his list of credits on allmusic.com.

As a keyboard player, I've had to cop his parts many times, and they were always the perfect part for the musical moment.

I've been lucky enough to have met him a few times, as well as sharing the stage with him once, and I'll always treasure the memory.

Go easy, Larry.

Joshua Grange · Post by **Joshua Grange** » 24 Aug 2009 7:44 pm

As a member of the legendary Wrecking Crew his nickname was "Prince Valiant".
To think of all the incredible music he was a part of.....

Dave Harmonson · Post by **Dave Harmonson** » 25 Aug 2009 7:48 am

This past weekend I played with a bass player who worked with Larry Knechtel when he first moved up here to Washington state. He had some great stories and fond memories he related to me. I never got to meet him personally, but it seems he was a true gentleman and certainly an amazing musician. A sad loss to the music world. RIP

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 25 Aug 2009 4:21 pm

http://www.yakima-herald.com/stories/20 ... 9-knechtel

Mark Eaton · Post by **Mark Eaton** » 28 Aug 2009 5:38 pm

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