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Chuck Kirkpatrick in the late
70's released a Beach Boys Medly that inspired me and many others.
Chuck Kirkpatrick—who went by Chuck Crane during his solo career—made a decision in the early 70s to discontinue a promising sound-engineering profession with the now legendary Criteria Studios in Florida in order to fulfill a life-long dream of becoming a rock star; and he set out to achieve that ambition in Los Angeles, California. But it didnt happen. "Many people with whom I worked side by side [at Criteria] eventually became famous, wealthy producers, and I too would have shared in that success had I not wanted to be a rock star more than an engineer/producer," says Kirkpatrick with a touch of regret.

In addition to Kirtpatricks impressive 60s and early 70s, historic engineering feats that included a number of well-known rock artists during that period of time, the following featured interview focuses on the ups and downs of a talented guitarist/vocalist who did everything possible, and then some, to establish himself as an artist of note despite the poor odds of doing so in a city known for its stingy and coldhearted misconduct toward its never-ending influx of aspiring artists—most of whom still in their gullible heyday of youth.

And even though Kirkpatrick didnt achieve his dream of fame, he was still rewarded with an invaluable insight into L.A.s complex world of rock in the 70s—a harsh but nevertheless sophisticated adventure that few rock-star aspirants have ever experienced.

"I have had an incredible ride," Chuck says with pride. "Ive sung and played with dozens of famous people, toured with a major band playing concerts to huge audiences, and had my own album released by a major label."

The first time I met the Bee Gees was in Los Angeles in the late 70's during their U.S. tour. I was invited to come down to the hotel where they were staying by my former roommate and old friend from Criteria Studios, Karl Richardson. I had been living in Los Angeles for several years after moving there from Miami with a rock band. Both Karl and Albhy Galuten had become hugely successful after becoming acquainted with the Bee Gees and producing several of their albums. When I was an engineer at Criteria Studios in the late 60's / early 70's, Karl, Albhy, and I shared a house in North Miami. All 3 of us worked at Criteria; Karl and myself as engineers, and Albhy as a production assistant. I can only speculate as to where my career might have gone had I not moved to California.

I met Karl at the hotel bar where he introduced me to Robert Stigwood and Robin. After a cocktail and some conversation, Karl took me up to their suite where I was introduced to Barry and Maurice. I well remember the double doors of the suite opening up into a huge room with Barry seated on a couch facing a fireplace - indeed an elegant setting! I would have attended the concert that evening, but I had to perform at a club with my own band.