Danny Kortchmar

Video

Oral History Information

Danny Kortchmar formed his first band in the 1960s called The King Bees. The year was 1964 and Danny was already hooked on a career in music. He went on to become one of the most sought after studio musicians in Los Angeles, recording with Linda Ronstadt, Carole King, Carly Simon, James Taylor and Jackson Browne, among others. He formed a strong partnership with Don Henley for whom he wrote or co-wrote such songs as “You’re Not Drinking Enough” and “Man with a Mission.” As a member of the famed studio musicians group known as The Section, Danny recorded on Jackson Browne’s iconic hit “Running on Empty,” Carole King’s album Tapestry (1971), as well as the classic James Taylor album Sweet Baby James (1970). His impressive list of credits also includes writing music for films such as Up In Smoke and producing (and playing on) Jon Bon Jovi’s 1990 number one album Blaze of Glory. At the heart of Danny’s playing is his own heart, his passion for the music and his interest in making each take count. And he does.