Each musician has a hero or two whose art has influenced them-and in some cases, changed their lives. I remember looking at the back of a Righteous Bros. album and seeing this woman’s picture. As a little girl in the 60’s, this blew me away…and the caption read something like “Carol Kaye-bass”.
A GIRL as a pro musician? Commonplace as that is today, this was a big deal then…and it changed my life. I could dream of doing the same. And I did, thanks to the inspiration of this incredible musician.
The theme to “Mission: Impossible”…the Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations”…Nancy Sinatra’s “These Boots Were Made for Walking”… Stevie Wonder’s “I Was Made to Love Her”…the Monkees’ “I’m A Believer”….The Supremes, Quincy Jones, Barbara Streisand…yeah, folks, there’s a good chance that’s a chick on bass. And the list goes on and on!!
Carol not only is a bassist, but has laid tracks on guitar for an amazing number of major hits as well. Carol’s gear includes Ibanez guitars, Gallien-Krueger gear, and George Benson and Thomastik strings. She remains very active on the music scene, and provides lessons to some of the best.
So, bassists, consult the best! She has a website (www.carolkaye.com) where you can find all kinds of history, articles, charts, audio and video clips, etc…it’s all info you can use. You, too WILL be inspired. Tell her myfavebands.com sent you (she does answer emails…go for it!…you will be able to say with all honesty that you have corresponded with a legend!!).
One day, I will shake the hand that inspired me.
Until that day, I will use her website! She is in fact the “first lady of bass”, and to her I will be eternally grateful.
Carol, thank you. YOU ROCK!