Lematt Productions

By the late 1980s, Larry Carlton was already one of the most in-demand guitarists in music — the sound behind Steely Dan, Joni Mitchell, and the solo on Kid Charlemagne.

Then, at the height of this fame, he was shot outside his home studio, Room 335.

It was 1988, and he was working from Room 335 when he was shot in the throat by an unknown attacker.

The bullet caused serious nerve damage. His left arm was paralysed and, for months, he could barely play at all.

Recovery was slow.

He spent months rebuilding strength and control, effectively relearning his instrument, and it was close to two years before he was able to perform again.

He didn’t disappear.

Instead, he returned with On Solid Ground — an album whose title wasn’t accidental — and went on to tour internationally, win multiple Grammys, and cement his reputation as one of the most influential guitarists of his generation.

Who's heard the album?

📸 Larry Carlton by Kenneth C. Zirkel, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Had a great time with Mudmen. A Celtic rock band at the Oaks Theater last night.

We’ve lost a big part of our neighborhood. 😢 Sad to pass along that Joe Negri, one of the country's best jazz guitarists and “Handyman Negri”, a key part of "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood," for 30 years has passed away.

Joe would have celebrated his 100th birthday on June 10th.

I had the pleasure of meeting Joe many times over the years, even going back to him performing frequently when I worked at South Hills Country Club when I was in high school. Always kind. Always classy and what an incredible guitarist. Rest easy 🕊️🎶🎸

My condolences to his family, friends and all who knew him! ❤️