Al Casey

Biography

Alvin Wayne Casey (October 26, 1936 – September 17, 2006) was born in Long Beach, California, and moved to Phoenix, Arizona, in 1938, where he immersed himself in the local music scene as a teenager. He joined the Sunset Riders, worked with vocalist Jody Reynolds, and became a key session guitarist in Phoenix, performing on 95% of local recordings in 1958. His early breakthrough came in 1956 when he connected with radio DJ Lee Hazlewood, recommending schoolmate Sanford Clark to sing 'The Fool,' which became a national hit peaking at #9; Casey played guitar on the track.

In the early 1960s, Casey formed the Al Casey Combo, scoring three Billboard Hot 100 instrumental hits: 'Cookin'' (#92, 1962), 'Jivin' Around' (#71, 1962), and 'Surfin' Hootenanny' (#48, 1963), blending rockabilly, surf rock, and twangy guitar styles influenced by Duane Eddy and Dick Dale. Session players included Hal Blaine and Leon Russell, with backing vocals by the Blossoms as the K-C-E-Ttes. In 1965, he relocated to Los Angeles, joining the Wrecking Crew as a prolific studio musician for over 18 years, contributing to recordings by the Beach Boys ('Pet Sounds,' 'Good Vibrations,' 'Sunflower'), Phil Spector, Elvis Presley ('68 Comeback Special), Glen Campbell, Simon & Garfunkel, Frank Sinatra, and many others.

Returning to Phoenix in 1983, Casey taught guitar at Ziggie's Music and performed occasionally until his death. His rockabilly contributions earned induction into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame and Arizona Music Hall of Fame in 2005; he was featured posthumously in the 2008 documentary 'The Wrecking Crew.'

Fun Facts

• Casey performed on 95% of Phoenix recording sessions in 1958, establishing him as the go-to guitarist in the local scene.
• He loaned his red Hagström Viking II guitar to Elvis Presley for the '68 Comeback Special and played on its live and studio sessions.
• The backup vocal group on his 'Surfin' Hootenanny' album, the K-C-E-Ttes, were actually the renowned Blossoms.
• Despite his twangy rockabilly roots, his first combo hits 'Cookin'' and 'Jivin' Around' featured bluesy instrumentals with jazzy organ grooves played by Casey himself.

Associated Acts

• Al Casey Combo - eponymous, original

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Lee Hazlewood - Disc jockey and producer who discovered Casey and collaborated on early hits ('The Fool' (1956), 'Surfin' Hootenanny' (1963)) [1950s-1960s]

Key Collaborators

• Sanford Clark - Lead vocalist on hit single recommended by Casey ('The Fool')
• Duane Eddy - Frequent session work in Phoenix rockabilly scene (Various 1950s recordings) [1950s]
• Beach Boys - Wrecking Crew session guitarist ('Pet Sounds' (1966), 'Good Vibrations' (1966), 'Sunflower' (1970)) [1960s-1970s]
• Elvis Presley - Loaned guitar and played on comeback project ('68 Comeback Special)
• Hal Blaine - Drummer in Al Casey Combo (Al Casey Combo hits including 'Surfin' Hootenanny') [Early 1960s]
• Leon Russell - Organist in Al Casey Combo (Al Casey Combo recordings) [Early 1960s]

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz