Carol Kaye To Be Inducted Into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame In 2025

After decades of shaping the sound of modern music from behind the scenes, Carol Kaye is finally getting the star treatment she deserves. One of the most recorded bassists in history, Kaye will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2025 — a momentous recognition for a musician whose work has echoed through generations of pop, rock, and soul.

Induction Details

The ceremony is scheduled for November 8, 2025, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. It will stream live on Disney+, with an ABC broadcast to follow and full access on Hulu the next day. Kaye’s induction falls under the Musical Excellence category — a distinction that celebrates artists and contributors whose impact transcends the spotlight.

This news was officially announced on April 27, 2025, during an episode of American Idol, placing her in the same class as acts like Bad Company, Chubby Checker, and Outkast. And while those names might headline the bill, it’s Kaye’s legacy that resonates deepest with musicians and insiders.

A Career That Redefined Bass 

Carol Kaye began session work in 1957 and famously transitioned to the electric bass in 1963. From there, her influence exploded. She’s estimated to have played on around 10,000 recordings — a staggering number that includes tracks with the Beach Boys, Simon and Garfunkel, the Supremes, and Frank Zappa.

Though she was a core member of the famed “Wrecking Crew,” Kaye herself has voiced discomfort with that label. Still, there’s no denying her pivotal role in transforming bass from background filler to melodic powerhouse. Her grooves didn’t just support songs — they drove them.

A Teacher and Trailblazer

Beyond the studio, Kaye has been a guiding force for generations of aspiring bassists. She’s authored numerous instructional books and videos, becoming a foundational voice in music education. For many, her lessons were the first steps into a lifelong relationship with music.

Industry Cheers and Fan Celebration 

News of her induction has sparked applause across the music world. On Reddit’s r/BassGuitar, fans called it a “long-overdue win” and praised the Hall’s growing recognition of “behind-the-scenes legends” since Jann Wenner’s exit. Media outlets from Billboard to USA TODAY echoed the excitement, noting the symbolic weight of Kaye’s inclusion.

Even Quincy Jones once said, “Carol Kaye is the best bassist I’ve ever heard.” High praise from one legend to another.

Part of a Growing Trend

Kaye joins fellow 2025 inductee Nicky Hopkins (another session giant) in a clear trend: the Hall of Fame is finally pulling back the curtain to honor the architects of sound, not just the faces in front. These are the people who built rock and roll’s foundation — track by track, take by take.

The Final Word

Carol Kaye’s induction on November 8, 2025, isn’t just about a career — it’s about legacy. It’s a long-awaited standing ovation for someone whose basslines quietly shaped the soundtrack of the 20th century. And for once, the spotlight will be exactly where it belongs: on her.