Klaus Voormann: Klaus in the House

This week’s playlist celebrates Klaus Voormann who turns 83 on 4/29! As you can see from the playlist, Klaus was in the house during many mythical moments of ‘60s & ‘70s rock.

Much like Bobby Keys & Nicky Hopkins, Klaus Voormann was happy to play sideman & enjoy the rock & roll ride outside of the spotlight. Similar to these other unsung heroes, you’ve probably seen a picture of Klaus tucked away in some ‘70s album photo montage.

But most likely, you’ve come across his GRAMMY winning cover art on The Beatles’ groundbreaking 1966 album, Revolver.

In the first draft of the album cover Klaus really pushed hard to secure the title of “the 5th Beatle.”

Klaus is a German-born artist who befriended The Beatles as they were just starting out in Hamburg & remained friends throughout their lives.

Klaus was a member of the Plastic Ono Band…

…and played bass on various solo records for all the former Beatles – except Paul because there’s only room for one bass player, damnit!

(Paul finally recorded with Klaus for his 2009 A Sideman’s Journey, also captured for the All You Need is Klaus documentary. McCartney’s talents – and awkwardness – are on full display in this clip.)

Klaus was also an original member of Manfred Mann as well as session musician who can be heard on classic songs like Lou Reed’s “Satellite of Love,” Carly Simon’s “You’re So Vain,” Randy Newman’s “Short People” & the smash Cheech & Chong hit, “Basketball Jones.”

OK, “Basketball Jones” is far from a hit, but certainly sums up the magic of early ‘70s rock. The era where superstars & world-class musicians like George Harrison, Carole King, Nicky Hopkins, Billy Preston & more lend their talents to the closing track of a 1973 Cheech & Chong record. And of course, Klaus was in the house, keeping time & adding his sweet, simple bass lines.

(Clearly the song made a impact since there’s a version in Space Jam with the help of Chris Rock & Barry White. It’s the song played when Sir Charles & other the players are having trouble “performing.”)

Klaus was also the bass player on almost all Nilsson albums…but before you get too excited, he was demoted to rhythm guitar for “Jump In The Fire.”

Enjoy select works from his little discussed career with this Klaus Voormann playlist. And feel free to cuss us when the Voormann produced “Da, Da, Da” gets stuck in your head.

So how much Klaus you got in your house?

Ya know, how many albums do you have featuring Klaus Voormann? (Full list of Klaus credits on All Music.)

Our current Klaus count is 9.

But Klaus is always welcome in our house!