Artie Kaplan: The Soulful Saxophonist of Rock & Roll

Artie Kaplan is an American saxophonist and arranger whose powerful horn sections became a signature sound on numerous classic rock and pop records. Hailing from New York City, his career is defined by his work as a prolific session musician for major labels, contributing to hit songs that have sold millions of copies worldwide.

Early career

Born in 1932, Artie Kaplan began his musical journey in the vibrant jazz and big band scene of New York. His professional start came in the late 1950s, where his technical skill and adaptability quickly made him a sought-after player for recording sessions and live performances.

By the early 1960s, Kaplan was regularly working in famed studios like Bell Sound and A&R Recording, laying down tracks for a variety of artists. This period established his reputation as a reliable and creatively gifted session musician.

Breakthrough

Artie Kaplan's breakthrough into the mainstream rock sphere came with his contributions to the 1965 hit “Hang On Sloopy” by The McCoys. His iconic saxophone riff on that chart-topping single cemented his place in rock history and led to a flood of session work. Throughout the late 1960s and 1970s, he became a fixture on recordings for major labels like Columbia, Atlantic, and A&M.

Key tracks

Hang On Sloopy — His saxophone work on this number-one single for The McCoys is his most instantly recognizable performance.

Sweet Caroline — Kaplan played the memorable saxophone parts on Neil Diamond’s enduring 1969 anthem for Uni Records.

The Letter — He contributed the urgent saxophone lines to the 1967 box office smash for The Box Tops on the Bell label.

Time of the Season — Kaplan’s atmospheric saxophone enhances this 1968 psychedelic classic by The Zombies.

Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo — He provided the blistering sax solo on Rick Derringer’s 1973 rock standard for Blue Sky Records.

Beyond these signature songs, Kaplan’s session credits are vast, including work with artists like Dusty Springfield, Van Morrison, and John Lennon. He was also a key arranger, writing horn charts for albums such as Lou Reed’s 1972 breakthrough Transformer.

His versatility allowed him to move seamlessly between rock, pop, and soul, making him a first-call musician for producers seeking a authentic, powerful brass sound. Kaplan continued session work steadily into the 1980s and beyond, leaving an indelible mark on the era's recorded legacy.

Fans of Artie Kaplan’s gritty, melodic style should also explore the work of similar session greats. Listen to Clarence Clemons for another iconic sax voice in rock history. Check out Bobby Keys for a comparable career of legendary session work on Rolling Stones records. Discover Junior Walker for a frontman who brought the saxophone to the forefront of soul. Explore David Sanborn for a later generation of influential pop and jazz saxophone.

Artie Kaplan's music remains a staple on classic rock FM stations and oldies radio formats, where his saxophone solos are an essential part of the sonic fabric. His contributions are regularly featured on specialty programs dedicated to the stories behind hit songs and session musicians.

You can hear the influential music of Artie Kaplan on the radio stations featured here on onairium.com. Tune in to discover the depth of his catalog and the timeless tracks he helped create across multiple genres of American music.