“My job was to add feel and groove to Brian’s written bass parts. I tried to keep it cooking for him”: Carol Kaye on how she made Pet Sounds with the Beach Boys – and why good basslines don’t come from scales

A trick question: what female musician played a seminal role in the music of a ’60s songwriting genius? No, not Dionne Warwick with Burt Bacharach – it’s Carol Kaye, the first lady of the electric bass, with Brian Wilson.

Alongside historic sessions for Help Me Rhonda, California Girls, Good Vibrations, and the albums Pet Sounds and Smile, Kaye also compiled countless movie and TV score credits; she also recorded with the likes of Joe Cocker, Frank Zappa, Quincy Jones, Ray Charles, Sonny & Cher, Frank & Nancy Sinatra, and was a member of producer Phil Spector’s famed studio team, the Wrecking Crew.

All the latest guitar news, interviews, lessons, reviews, deals and more, direct to your inbox!

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month**

Join now for unlimited access

US pricing $3.99 per month or $39.00 per year

UK pricing £2.99 per month or £29.00 per year 

Europe pricing €3.49 per month or €34.00 per year

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Prices from £2.99/$3.99/€3.49