Leland Sklar Finally Speaks Up About Tommy Tedesco

At 77, Leland Sklar finally speaks up about Tommy Tedesco—a story that’s been waiting decades to be told, hidden behind the curtain of studio sessions and late-night recordings.

[johnmacdonald]

Leland has told this story numerous times over the years. He didn’t just now “unleash” it.

[SHENDOH]

The world misses Tommy and doesn't even know it. I miss his Guitar Player magazine columns

[pointnemo]

Here is one story that Herb Ellis told about a session they were playing on. It was a full orchestral session. They had been rehearsing and recording the conductor was attempting to get it completed before overtime kicked in during a short intermission Tommy leans over to Herb and says "Do you want some overtime?" Herb nods. Tommy then raises his hand the conductor says 'Yes Tommy.' Tommy says 'On bar 119 the chart shows a C on bar 3, I distinctly hear a C#', The conductor starts scrambling through the score pauses and says 'Tommy you right! Okay overtime everybody!

[maverickranger]

I can't watch this whole vid. I would rather listen to a human tell these stories.

[tipsterbl]

Tommy on the Gong Show and Fernwood 2Nite was amazing.

[Sonormuseum]

Glad to see that Zappa used these guys and appreciated what they had to offer.

[ci]

I love hearing the stories about TT and the musicians behind our favorite great when they receive their props

[daviddesmond]

Sounds like Casey Kasem has done a story about Tommy with just a few clips probably not authorized by Leland. Poor quality.

[patrickmurphy]

A completley unnecessarily florid narration but hey, what can ya do?

[twobarsfourstars]

The Wrecking Crew documentary you’re pulling from is on YT full and is worth the watch, made by Tommy’s son.

[tipsterbl]

I’ve watched The Wrecking Crew a half a dozen times at least. My dad was a musician and Tommy reminds me of him.

[richierich]

Tommy was an inspiration and a mentor to every guy in Niagara Falls who ever picked up a guitar! Thom Rotella, Ed Supple, John Mameli, Frank Grizanti, myself, and many others! His legend will live on in infamy!

[michaelbrown]

I thank God I got to see this video. Tommy T is a guitar player’s guitarist. I hold him in the same esteem as Wes Montgomery, Joe Pass and the like. Thank you for this tribute. Tommy is my guitar hero for ever. What an extraordinary talent and excellent man. Thank you.

[stephanleo]

3:21 That's the wrong Tim May! You got a pic of Tim May the country flatpicker, not the studio ace.

[PeterByker]

Check out Tommy's work in 'Happy Kyne & The Mirth Makers' if you know where to find them!

[thraknik]

I saw Tommy duet with Herb Ellis at a Chicago NAMM, I think '89. Terrific performance, and yes, Tommy could hang.

[scottbreseke]

Your video actually shows him playing a mandolin.

[ianbuxton]

Hey you're THE Lee Sklar who played on Billy Cobham's BRILLIANT own-name debut album Spectrum.

That alone is enough to make any musician go down in history.

[RICCARDOREARDON]

PHENOMENAL VIDEO....I LOVE THIS VIDEO..THANK YOU FOR UPLOADING THIS VIDEO...

[rogwheel]

I wish you would’ve let Lee tell his story as the title implied