Every year we celebrate the birthday of Alan Kuperschmidt, better know as Al Kooper, and today is that day, February 5th. But we celebrate his music and career 365 days every year.
Here we go:
Positively 4th Street - 1966 , After his iconic organ riff on Bob Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone,” Al became one of the most in demand session organists in popular music.
I Wanna Be Your Driver – 1966, The Blues Project. Here they cover a Chuck Berry tune with Al on keyboards and vocals.
I Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Steal My – 1968 Taj Mahal’s early album, but he still demonstrates his syncopated half step off style of playing.
Just to Be with You – 1968, Al’s back on organ on this classic Paul Butterfield song.
Stop – 1968, “Super Session” with Al, Mike Bloomfield, Harvey Brooks, and Edie Hoh. On the second day, Stephen Stills stepped in due to Mikes disappearance.
So Much Love/Underture – 1968 Blood Sweat and Tears, and after the initial album he left the band
I Stand Alone – 1969, Al’s first solo album.
Looking For A Home – 1969 “Kooper Session features 15-year-old guitar phenomenon Shuggie Otis.
Thoughts of Polly – 1969, Appaloosa , my all time favorite album.
I Got A Tiger By The Tail – 1969, “Sweet Linda Divine” led by Linda Tillery.
You Never Know Who Your Friends Are – 1969, Al’s second solo album.
Love Theme From The Landlord – 1970, From the movie “The Landlord,’ Al’s first venture into scoring a film.
Sad, Sad Sunshine – 1970, Al’s double disc third album.
Time – 1971, This finds Al, the sideman, on this Patti LaBelle tune.
More Than You’ll Ever Know – 1971, Al plays both organ and guitar on this cover by Bo Diddley.
The Piano Player’s Missing – 1972, Michael Gately, who sang backup on Al’s 5th album.
Ad for Al’s 1st album, I Stand Alone.
Touch The Hem Of His Garment – 1972, off his “Naked Songs” .
Jolie – 1973, Lattimore, Al arranged, produced, wrote the song and played piano and organ.
Mississippi Kid – 1973, Lynryd Skynyrd , Al is songwriter, arranger, producer and plays mandolin and bass drum.
Haloes – 1975, The Tubes, Al considers it the best album he ever produced.
This Diamond Ring – 1976, Written by Al in 1964, and originally released by Gary Lewis and The Playboys,
Unconsciousness Rules – 1981, George Harrison’s album.
Wrack My Brain – 1981, Ringo Starr album,” Al played piano and electric guitar.
Runaway – 1986, Theme from “Crime Story” starring Dennis Farina. Al was music director.
Made In The Shade – 1995, A live album of old and new tunes with John Sebastion on harmonica and Al on mandolin.
God Don’t Never Change – 1996, Radio cut with Jimmy on vocals and Al on mandolin.
Staxability – 2008, from his last album, it pays homage to the soul of Memphis.
Happy 82nd Al Kooper.
