THE HIDDEN GROOVE Carol Kaye and the Foundations of Modern Music — A Deep Look at the Bass Virtuoso Who Shaped Generations of Sound from Behind the Studio Glass She wasn’t just playing bass—she was rewriting the language of modern music. Behind nearly every hit that defined an era was a woman most people never saw, never heard of, and never knew they owed so much to. In an industry dominated by towering male icons, Carol Kaye quietly changed everything. As a self-taught jazz prodigy turned first-call session musician, she laid down the groove for hundreds of the most iconic songs of the 20th century—from Pet Sounds to A Taste of Honey, from the Mission: Impossible theme to You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’. Her basslines weren’t background—they were the heartbeat. The Hidden Groove tells the electrifying, soulful, and sometimes heartbreaking story of a musical genius who made history from the shadows. It’s a journey through smoky jazz clubs, behind studio glass in L.A.'s golden era, and into the guts of an industry where the credits didn’t always go to the right names—but the impact couldn’t be erased. Discover how: Carol transformed a broken childhood and early career setbacks into creative fuel that made her unstoppable She shattered gender expectations in the high-pressure world of session musicianship becoming a master among legends like Brian Wilson, Quincy Jones, and Phil Spector Her distinct “pick style” and instinctive melodic phrasing revolutionized bass playing and set the standard for generations to come She battled industry erasure, family sacrifice, and societal indifference—yet emerged as one of music’s most respected mentors and educators Through rare interviews, studio archives, and cultural insights, this book shines a long-overdue spotlight on the woman who gave music its soul, one groove at a time. More than a biography, The Hidden Groove is a tribute—to artistry, resilience, and the magic that happens when the right hands find the right strings. If you love music, you’ve heard Carol Kaye. Now you’ll never forget her. From The Beach Boys to Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles to Simon & Garfunkel, Carol Kaye laid down the rhythm that moved a nation—and no one knew her name. Until now.The Hidden Groove is a powerful and immersive portrait of one of music’s most prolific and mysterious forces. A quiet trailblazer in a man’s world, Carol Kaye played on over 10,000 recordings—often uncredited—defining the pulse of pop, rock, soul, and film scores without stepping into the spotlight. This is the untold story of the woman whose fingers carved the grooves we’ve danced to for decades. With a blend of biography, cultural history, and insider musicology, this book pulls back the studio curtain to reveal: The secret sessions that birthed iconic songs like Good Vibrations, The Beat Goes On, and Feelin’ Alright Carol’s bold journey from jazz guitarist to first-call bassist for the legendary Wrecking Crew The personal trials she overcame as a single mother, a working woman, and a fiercely independent artist How her techniques, tones, and trailblazing presence continue to inspire new generations of musicians If you’ve ever tapped your foot to a classic groove, you’ve heard Carol Kaye. Now it’s time to hear her story. Perfect For Fans Of: Rick Rubin • Questlove • Joni Mitchell • Linda Ronstadt • Motown • Music history • Feminist biographies 🎸 The Wrecking Crew (documentary & book) 🎙️ Rick Rubin: The Creative Act 🎼 Women Who Rock 📚 This Is What It Sounds Like by Susan Rogers 💿 Motown, Surf Rock, Classic Pop, Jazz, Funk, and Golden Age Recording Culture