08/05/2026
HAPPY HEAVENLY BIRTHDAY to LARRY KNECHTEL! 🎂🪽
Today we celebrate the life and legacy of Larry Knechtel (August 4, 1940 – August 20, 2009) — an extraordinary musician whose fingerprints are all over some of the greatest recordings in music history. 🎹🎸❤️
Before joining BREAD in 1971, Larry was one of the legendary members of The Wrecking Crew, the elite group of Los Angeles session musicians who played on countless classic records. His incredible talent can be heard alongside artists including Simon & Garfunkel, The Beach Boys, Elvis Presley, The Doors, The Byrds, Neil Diamond, and so many more. He even earned a Grammy Award for his work on Bridge Over Troubled Water.
When Larry joined BREAD, he brought far more than keyboards and bass. His unmistakable musicianship helped shape the Baby I'm-a Want You and Guitar Man albums, and he even performed the iconic guitar solo on the title track, "The Guitar Man."
Larry eventually made his home in the Yakima, Washington area, where he spent his later years before his passing in 2009.
Happy Heavenly Birthday, Larry. Thank you for the timeless music and the incredible legacy you left behind. Your artistry continues to inspire musicians and fans around the world. 💙🎶
YAKIMA friends: Join us as TOAST – The BEST of BREAD returns to the Capitol Theatre on Tuesday, August 25 to celebrate the unforgettable songs Larry helped create. We'd love to honor his memory with you for a very special night of BREAD's timeless music! 🍞🎵
