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Hugh McCracken facts for kids

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Hugh McCracken
Born (1942-03-31)March 31, 1942
Glen Ridge, New Jersey, United States
Died March 28, 2013(2013-03-28) (aged 70)
New York City, United States
Genres Rock
Occupation(s) Musician
Instruments
Years active 1960s–2013
Associated acts Steely Dan, Paul Simon, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, B. B. King, Roberta Flack, Neil Diamond, Dr. John, Yoko Ono, James Taylor, Billy Joel, Phoebe Snow, Aretha Franklin, Van Morrison, Hall & Oates, Bob Dylan, Garland Jeffreys

Hugh Carmine McCracken (born March 31, 1942 – died March 28, 2013) was an amazing American musician. He was best known as a rock guitarist and a "session musician" based in New York City. A session musician is someone who plays instruments on recordings for many different artists, but isn't usually a permanent member of a band. Hugh was also great at playing the harmonica and mandolin. Besides playing, he also helped arrange music and produce records.

Hugh McCracken's Early Life and Career

Hugh McCracken was born in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, and grew up in Hackensack, New Jersey. He became very popular in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. He played on many recordings for famous artists.

Working with Famous Musicians

Hugh McCracken played on albums for many well-known musicians. These included Steely Dan, Billy Joel, Roberta Flack, B. B. King, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, the Monkees, Paul Simon, James Taylor, Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, Van Morrison, and Hall & Oates. He was a very busy and talented musician!

In the mid-1960s, Hugh played in a band called the Funatics in North Jersey. Later, he was part of Mike Mainieri's White Elephant Orchestra from 1969 to 1972. This was a large jazz-rock band in New York City.

Hugh's Most Famous Guitar Parts

Hugh McCracken played some guitar parts that many people still recognize today. His most famous work includes:

  • The cool slide guitar solo in "All By Myself" by Eric Carmen.
  • The guitar parts in "Hey Nineteen" by Steely Dan.
  • The main guitar fills on Van Morrison's classic song "Brown-Eyed Girl".

In 1971, Hugh was so busy that he even turned down an invitation from Paul McCartney. McCartney wanted Hugh to help form his new band, Wings. Hugh also worked with Dr. John, playing on, arranging, and helping produce his albums City Lights (1978) and Tango Palace (1979).

Hugh McCracken's Passing

Hugh McCracken passed away on Thursday, March 28, 2013, in Manhattan. He was 70 years old. His wife, Holly, shared that the cause of his death was leukemia.

Discography

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