Jim Keltner facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jim Keltner
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Keltner performing at The Concert for Bangladesh in 1971
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | James Lee Keltner |
| Born | April 27, 1942 Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
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| Years active | 1965–present |
James Lee Keltner (born April 27, 1942) is an American drummer who is famous for his work as a session musician. A session musician is someone hired to play on other artists' recordings. He is so respected that Bob Dylan's biographer called him "the leading session drummer in America."
Keltner has played on hundreds of famous albums and songs. He has worked with music legends like John Lennon, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Bob Dylan, and Eric Clapton.
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Early Life and Career
Jim Keltner was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma. As a teenager, he was inspired by jazz music and wanted to become a jazz drummer. However, by the time he was starting his career, rock and pop music were becoming much more popular.
He moved to Los Angeles to find work. His first big job as a session musician was in the mid-1960s. He recorded the song "She's Just My Style" with the pop group Gary Lewis & the Playboys. For a few years, work was slow, but by the end of the 1960s, he was one of the most in-demand drummers in L.A.
His work with the band Delaney & Bonnie got him noticed by many famous musicians. This led to him joining singer Joe Cocker for the famous Mad Dogs & Englishmen tour. After that, his career took off. In the early 1970s, he played on albums for Carly Simon, Barbra Streisand, and Booker T. Jones.
Working with The Beatles
One of the most important parts of Keltner's career was his work with three members of The Beatles after the band broke up.
John Lennon
Keltner played drums on some of John Lennon's most famous solo albums. This includes the classic album Imagine and the song "Jealous Guy". He also played on Lennon's albums Mind Games and Walls and Bridges.
George Harrison
Keltner had a long and close friendship with George Harrison. He played on many of Harrison's solo albums, including Living in the Material World and Cloud Nine. He also performed at the famous The Concert for Bangladesh organized by Harrison in 1971. Keltner even appeared in the music video for Harrison's song "This Song" as a judge. He continued to work with Harrison until his final album, Brainwashed, which was released after Harrison's death.
Ringo Starr
Keltner also worked with the Beatles' own drummer, Ringo Starr. When Ringo recorded his hit album Ringo, Keltner played drums on five of the songs. In 1989, Keltner toured as part of Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band.
The drummers were such good friends that Keltner and Ringo once played drums together on the Harry Nilsson album Pussy Cats.
Famous Bands and Collaborations
Besides working with individual artists, Keltner was also a member of some amazing bands and worked on many classic songs.
Supergroups
Keltner was part of two "supergroups," which are bands made up of already famous musicians.
- Traveling Wilburys: In the late 1980s, he was the drummer for this legendary group. The band included George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne, and Roy Orbison. Keltner played on both of their albums under the funny nickname "Buster Sidebury."
- Little Village: In 1987, Keltner played on John Hiatt's album Bring the Family with guitarist Ry Cooder and bassist Nick Lowe. They had so much fun that a few years later, they formed a band called Little Village.
Working with Bob Dylan
Keltner played drums on several of Bob Dylan's albums. One of the most famous was for the movie Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid. This album included the worldwide hit song "Knockin' on Heaven's Door". Keltner said that recording this song was a very emotional experience for him.
Other Famous Recordings
Keltner's drumming can be heard on many other hit songs and albums, including:
- "Josie" by Steely Dan
- "Dream Weaver" by Gary Wright
- "You Can Leave Your Hat On" by Randy Newman
- Albums for Eric Clapton, Neil Young, The Rolling Stones, and Pink Floyd.
Drumming Style
Keltner is known for a drumming style that sounds simple and relaxed, but is actually very precise and skillful. He has a unique "feel" that many other drummers admire. He influenced many younger drummers, including Jeff Porcaro of the band Toto.
He uses DW drums, Paiste cymbals, and Remo drumheads.
Later Career
Jim Keltner has never stopped working. Throughout the 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s, he continued to tour and record with a new generation of artists.
Some of his more recent work includes:
- Touring with Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young in 2000.
- Playing at the Concert for George in 2002, a tribute to his friend George Harrison.
- Recording with Fiona Apple, John Mayer, She & Him, and Conor Oberst.
- Playing on the soundtrack for the 2019 movie The Irishman.
Even in the 2020s, Keltner remains an active and respected musician in the industry.
See also
In Spanish: Jim Keltner para niños
