15 Classics Which Feature Bass Legend Klaus Voorman
He Gained Immortality By Backing Carly Simon On Her Biggest Hit
Voorman Recently Paid A Visit To NPR
Even though it was a few weeks after Christmas, the hosts of a popular radio program received a visit from a man whose name is synonymous with St. Nick. The gifted guest in this case was not Santa, but instead was Klaus.
That is the first name of the talented veteran musician Voorman, who in over six decades has played with the biggest stars in the business. Featured on the latest edition of Sound Opinion on National Public Radio, Klaus Voorman was interviewed by co-hosts Jim Rogatis and Greg Kot.
Voorman gained notoriety by playing bass for the members of The Beatles, as each pursued solo work after the band's demise in 1970. His work spanned more than just the Fab Four and rock in general, as he also backed in the studio folk legends and several blues artists.
Here are fifteen of the memorable songs which feature Voorman, a list certainly reflecting his versatility and prominence.
1. Kings and Queens with Loudon Wainwright
While the folk veteran jokes about Ferdinand and Isabella on the Unrequited album, Voorman can be heard thumping his four strings.
2. Sweet Home Chicago with Leon Russell
Since Russell was hanging out with George Harrison, it was natural that Klaus would end up playing on the piano player's self-titled debut.
3. Instant Karma with John Lennon and the Plastic Ono Band
He played on every track for the record, but this hit has proven the most enduring from the initial Lennon collaboration with his wife Yoko Ono.
4. Spaceman with Harry Nilsson
Voorman is prominent on all of his friend's recordings, so I picked the lead track from the Son Of Schmilsson album.
5. You're So Vain with Carly Simon
Mick Jagger can be heard on the refrain of this timeless classic, and behind the lyrics is the bass playing of Voorman.
6. Perfect Day with Lou Reed
David Bowie produced the Transformer album, which featured "Take a Walk On the Wild Side", "Vicious" and this beautiful single.
7. My Sweet Lord with George Harrison
Numerous collaborations were made with Harrison, and this huge hit was found on All Things Must Pass.
8. Photograph with Ringo Starr
Since he had already worked with Lennon and Harrison, Klaus decided to bass for the drummer on what turned out to be Ringo's biggest hit.
9. Lotta Love with Nicolette Larson
Neil Young composed Larson's most successful single, which was backed by Voorman.
10. Short People with Randy Newman
Controversy surrounded this hit from Little Criminals, Newman's highest charting song in a sixty year career.
11. I Only Have Eyes For You with Art Garfunkel
Simon's former partner had several successful solo hits, including "All I Know" and this one from Angel Clare.
12. Don't You Feel My Leg (Don't You Get Me High) with Maria Muldar
Her first album marked a breakthrough in late Sixties folk music, and Voorman played on two of its tracks.
13. Basketball Jones with Cheech and Chong
The comedy duo's satire on pro athletes proved to be their first radio hit, on which Voorman's bass can be distinctly heard.
14. Mohamed's Radio with Susan Cowsill
Klaus helped the folk singer made a hit with a version of this Warren Zevon tune.
15. Don't Worry Baby with Keith Moon
He sat in on most of the Who drummer's first solo record, which comprised covers of classics like this one.
