On this Richard Bennett interview, GREAT stories about playing with Mark Knopfler, Neil Diamond, Billy Joel, Helen Reddy, Jim Stafford, Glen Campbell, Steve Earl, Al Casey… his unique approach to writing and recording, a difficult low point that found Richard struggling for almost a year, becoming a top producer and realizing he had to stop… how he went from playing dingy beer joints at 14, to playing on the most desirable sessions and touring the world, by “falling forward”… favorite musicians he’s enjoyed playing with, and the ONE musician who taught him more than he could ever have imagined… 2 toughest decisions he’s ever made, humility, kindness, eating well and carrying less on your shoulders. INCREDIBLE conversation, what a lovely guy

Richard Bennett is THE most successful side man I’ve had on this show. He’s also as humble as he is talented. He’s been Mark Knopfler’s guitar player in the studio and on the road since 1994 (26 yrs), and spent 17 years before that as Neil Diamond’s guitar player – again, both studio and touring. Here’s a very small sample of the people he’s played with since his first session in 1968. Bear in mind, for most of these artists, Richard played on several to many of their records: Eric Anderson, Big Al Anderson, Al Casey, David Cassidy, Partridge Family, Steve Earl, Vince Gill, Billy Joel, Dave Mason, Mac McAnally, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Lee Roy Parnell, Helen Reddy, Jim Stafford, Nancy Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Weird Al, Duane Eddy, Glen Campbell, the Ventures & about a dozen soundtracks including The Wrecking Crew documentary and one of my favorite movies, Westworld. He’s also produced LOADS of records for major artists, and released 6 excellent instrumental CDs of his own.