A Look at What Rock and Roll Calls a Sideman

The Rock and Roll Alphabet continues with a look at a category that the Hall calls ‘Sideman.’ These talented musicians stood behind the star, providing the inspiration, direction, and often times discipline that we often forget.

Scotty Moore, inducted into the Hall in 2000, stood behind Elvis for over 30 years. Scotty began as a studio session guitarist with Sun Records, and yes he was behind the glass when a young Elvis came into Sun Records to record a song for him mama. D.J Fonta is also in the Hall, inducted in 2009 as a result of also being the drummer or sideman for Elvis. Scotty died in June of 2016.

Saxophonist King Curtis was inducted into the Hall in 2000, and is one of the earlier studio or session players to achieve success with the Coasters, Lionel Hampton, and in later days the Allman Brothers or Eric Clapton. Fellow saxophonist Steve Douglas played on all the Beach Boy, Ronettes, Crystals, and/or all of the Phil Spector songs.


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