“I didn’t record with compression or any of that. I just taped a doubled-up piece of felt over the strings at the bridge”: How Carol Kaye set the tone for Quincy Jones’ Hikky-Burr, the theme for The Bill Cosby Show

When heavyweight producer Quincy Jones was putting together a group of musicians in 1969 to record music for Bill Cosby’s first solo TV series, there was little doubt who’d be holding down the bass guitar chair: studio legend, and 2008 Bass Player Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Carol Kaye. 

“Quincy told me he wouldn’t do a film call or TV show in that period without me,” Kaye told Bass Player. “He loved my sounds, the way I could make up a good part according to style, and that I could sight-read. At the time, I was the No.1 call for most of the record companies – and practically all the film-score work in the Hollywood area. I loved to work for Quincy; I admired his fine music immensely.”

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