Legendary Drummer Hal Blaine Dead at 90

He was a famous drummer in the wrecking crew and one of most used drummers in the history of Rock and Roll. 

His family released the following statement. “Hal Blaine – loving father of Michelle Blaine; grandfather of Anthony, Josh, Aaron, Whitney, Tempest, Ever and Lyryk; and inspiration to countless friends, fans and musicians – has passed on today, March 11th, 2019 at the age of 90. May he rest forever on 2 and 4. The family appreciates your outpouring of support and prayers that have been extended to Hal from around the world, and respectfully request privacy in this time of great mourning. No further details will be released at this time.”

He was born Harold Simon Belsky on February 5, 1929. He was the son of Jewish Eastern European immigrants, Meyer and Rose Belsky and his resume says it all. He was the drummer for these #1 hits

Blaine is a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame. He was inducted into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame in 2010. In 2018, Blaine received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. – by John Beaudin

#1 hits

“Johnny Angel” – Shelley Fabares (03/03/62)

“He’s a Rebel” – The Crystals (10/06/62)

“Surf City” – Jan & Dean (06/22/63)

“I Get Around” – The Beach Boys (07/04/64)

“Everybody Loves Somebody” – Dean Martin (07/11/64)

“Ringo” – Lorne Greene (11/07/64)

“This Diamond Ring” – Gary Lewis & the Playboys (01/23/65)

“Help Me, Rhonda” – The Beach Boys (05/01/65)

“Mr Tambourine Man” – The Byrds (06/05/65)

“Eve of Destruction” – Barry McGuire (08/28/65)

“My Love” – Petula Clark (01/15/66)

“These Boots Are Made for Walkin'” – Nancy Sinatra (02/05/66)

“Monday Monday” – The Mamas & the Papas (04/16/66)

“Strangers in the Night” – Frank Sinatra (07/02/66)

“Poor Side of Town” – Johnny Rivers (10/08/66)

“Good Vibrations” – The Beach Boys (10/29/66)

“Somethin’ Stupid” – Frank & Nancy Sinatra (03/25/67)

“The Happening” – The Supremes (04/15/67)[12][5]

“Windy” – The Association (06/03/67)

“Mrs. Robinson” – Simon & Garfunkel (05/04/68)

“Dizzy” – Tommy Roe (03/15/69)

“Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” – The 5th Dimension (04/12/69)

“Love Theme from Romeo and Juliet” – Henry Mancini (05/24/69)

“Wedding Bell Blues” – The 5th Dimension (10/04/69)

“Bridge Over Troubled Water” – Simon & Garfunkel (02/14/70)

“(They Long to Be) Close to You” – The Carpenters (06/27/70)

“Cracklin’ Rosie” – Neil Diamond (08/29/70)

“I Think I Love You” – The Partridge Family (10/31/70)

“Indian Reservation” – The Raiders (05/29/71)

“Song Sung Blue” – Neil Diamond (05/13/72)

“Half Breed” – Cher (09/01/73)

“Annie’s Song” – John Denver (06/15/74)

“Top of the World” – The Carpenters (10/20/74)

“The Way We Were” – Barbra Streisand (12/22/74)

“Thank God I’m a Country Boy” – John Denver (04/05/75)

“Love Will Keep Us Together” – Captain & Tennille (05/24/75)

“I’m Sorry”/”Calypso” – John Denver (08/30/75)

“Theme from Mahogany (Do You Know Where You’re Going To)” – Diana Ross (01/24/76)