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The 1960s were pivotal years in musical history—a time when rock ‘n’ roll was on the rise and many of the most popular artists made their way to California to make it big. But the documentary The Wrecking Crew shows that many of the iconic artists of the ‘60s had more in common than you may realize.
This musical documentary meets some of the men (and one woman) who were responsible for some of the most beloved songs of the ‘60s. Known as The Wrecking Crew, this group of 15-30 studio musicians (no one’s really sure how many there were) played their instruments for artists like The Beach Boys, The Mamas & The Papas, The Righteous Brothers, and The Monkees. They added their own talent and experience to singles like “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’,” “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling,” “California Dreamin’,” and so many others—yet they were hardly ever credited for their contributions.
Directed by Denny Tedesco, son of late Wrecking Crew guitarist Tommy Tedesco, The Wrecking Crew uses interviews, archive footage, and (of course) plenty of music to offer a fascinating look inside the music industry of the ‘60s. At the center of the film is a kind of roundtable interview from 1996, when Tedesco gathered his father and a number of his former colleagues together to talk about the artists, the music, and their time together. But it also features interviews with artists like Nancy Sinatra, Mickey Dolenz, Cher, and Brian Wilson—people whose careers were shaped by these previously nameless, faceless musicians.
Admittedly, the footage is generally grainy and low-quality, and the storytelling isn’t entirely focused. But it tells a fascinating story—a story that came out of the rise of rock music in California and ended as the industry began to focus on artists that played their own music. And it’s especially interesting when they get specific, talking about specific artists and specific songs—and how they were able to transform basic songs with basic melodies into something unforgettable.
Meanwhile, though the film could have featured even more music, the songs that are included pair well with the musicians’ stories to create a documentary that’s energetic and infectious—one that will have you singing along and dancing in your seat.
The Wrecking Crew offers an absorbing look into rock music history. Whether the music of the ‘60s is the soundtrack of your childhood, your parents’ childhood, or even your grandparents’ childhood, it’s a great find for any music lover.
