Larry Knechtel

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Larry Knechtel (born Lawrence William Knechtel, on 4 August 1940, in Bell, California) is a legendary session musician best-known for his work with Simon and Garfunkel, The Beach Boys (Pet Sounds, Smile) and as part of the 1970s band, Bread.

Knechtel's musical education began with piano lessons. In 1957 he joined the Los Angeles based rock 'n' roll band Kip Tyler and the Flips, followed in 1959 by four years with Duane Eddy's touring group, The Rebels. Continuing to work with Eddy in the studio, Knechtel became part of the Hollywood session musician scene, working with Phil Spector as a pianist used to create the famous Wall of Sound effect. His most famous piano work is his 1971 Grammy award winning contribution to Bridge over Troubled Water by Simon and Garfunkel.

Like many session musicians, Knechtel is proficient in other instruments, notably the harmonica and also the electric bass guitar (which can be heard on "Mr. Tambourine Man" by the Byrds ). In 1971 he joined Bread, where his many contributions include the memorable guitar solo on the hit single "Guitar Man."

Knechtel now lives in semi-retirement on his large farm property in Naches, WA. He has however worked with producer Rick Rubin, contributing keyboards to albums by Neil Diamond and the Dixie Chicks.