Who Is Carol Kaye? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on March 24, 1935, Carol Kaye is a celebrated American bass guitarist renowned for her groundbreaking contributions to music. With a career spanning over six decades, Kaye has played on thousands of recordings and has been influential in shaping the sound of some of the most iconic songs in modern music history. She gained fame as a key member of the Wrecking Crew, a group of studio musicians famous in the 1960s and beyond. As of 2025, Carol Kaye is 90 years old, still actively inspiring countless musicians around the world.
| Occupation | Guitarist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 24, 1935 |
| Age | 90 Years |
| Birth Place | Everett, Washington, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Carol Kaye's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Carol Kaye's physical attributes are reflective of her vibrant energy and passion for life. Although specific height and weight details may vary, she is known for her petite stature, generally estimated around 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm). Exact weight details remain private, but her agile presence on stage showcases her fitness and dynamic performance style. Measurements are not publicly available but are irrelevant to the impact she has made in the music industry.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
While Carol Kaye has always kept much of her personal life private, she has shared that she has been married and has children. Kaye’s focus on her family and music has often intertwined, forming a strong foundation for her career. As of 2025, she remains unmarried, focusing on her music and her legacy. Details about potential dating or a current boyfriend are not publicly disclosed, emphasizing her preference for privacy over media speculation.
Her father was a jazz trombonist who played in big bands. In 1942, he sold a piano in order to finance a move to Wilmington, California. She later said her father was violent towards her, and she persuaded her mother to separate from him, but music was the one thing that could unite the family.
Net Worth and Salary
Throughout her illustrious career, Kaye has built an impressive net worth through her work in the music industry. As of 2025, estimates suggest her net worth to be around $3 million. Considering her extensive portfolio that includes decades of session work, songwriting, and teaching, her income reflects her expertise and impactful contributions to hundreds of timeless songs. Her ongoing engagement in music-related projects continues to supplement her earnings.
Career, Business and Investments
Carol Kaye's career is marked by her role as one of the first female bass guitarists in rock and pop music. Beyond playing, she is a celebrated educator, sharing her knowledge and skills through workshops and instructional materials. Her investment in music education has inspired a new generation of musicians. Kaye has also authored several instructional books and educational series, enhancing her influence in the music community. Her innovative approach to bass playing and composition has opened doors for aspiring musicians and solidified her status as a true pioneer.
Carol Kaye (née Smith; born March 24, 1935) is an American musician. She is one of the most prolific recorded bass guitarists in rock and pop music, playing on an estimated 10,000 recordings in a career spanning over 65 years.
Social Network
Carol Kaye remains active on social media, using platforms to connect with fans and share her passion for music. Through her official Facebook and Instagram accounts, she often posts updates on her work, personal reflections, and music tips. Her online presence allows her to maintain a connection with her audience and inspire new artists while promoting her love for bass music.
By 1969, Kaye was exhausted and had become disillusioned from doing session work; she stated that the music had "started to sound like cardboard". At the same time, many newer rock bands disapproved of using session players, preferring to play the instruments themselves.
She decided to make a change so her career evolved from playing primarily pop music to performing mostly soundtrack work, as well as writing and teaching. She wrote How To Play The Electric Bass, the first in a series of tutoring books and instructional video courses.
Her soundtrack sessions from this time included playing on the themes to M.A.S.H., The Streets of San Francisco and Across 110th Street. Kaye had already performed on a number of soundtracks and had worked closely with Lalo Schifrin, playing on the theme to Mission: Impossible and the soundtrack for Bullitt.
She regularly collaborated with Quincy Jones, later saying that he "wrote some of the most beautiful themes I've ever heard in my life". Kaye was also a part of Jones' orchestra at the 43rd Academy Awards.
Education
Though details about her formal education are limited, Kaye’s musical education has largely been experiential, shaped by her time in the studio and collaborative environments. She is a self-taught musician whose skills were honed through practical application and relentless practice. Kaye’s passion for learning continues to motivate her to this day, as she values the importance of education in the arts.
At age 13, Kaye took guitar lessons from Horace Hatchett (1909–1985), an esteemed instructor and graduate of the Eastman School of Music who eventually set her up with gigs playing bebop in L.A. nightclubs. At age 16, Kaye gave birth to their child.
