Unsung Heroes of Rock

The Masters Behind the B-Sides

Behind every legendary rock song, every mind-blowing album, and every unforgettable riff, there are hidden geniuses—the session musicians, producers, engineers, songwriters, and visual artists who shaped the sound and image of rock but rarely got the credit they deserved. These unsung heroes didn’t just work on the hits—they crafted some of the most iconic B-sides, deep cuts, and overlooked masterpieces that fans have come to cherish.

This is their story.

1. Producers Who Shaped Rock (But Stayed in the Shadows)

Producers are the sonic architects of rock. While the frontmen and guitar gods stole the spotlight, these legends were behind the console, turning raw recordings into timeless tracks.

Glyn Johns – The Man Behind the Sound of the '60s and '70s

Glyn Johns’ fingerprints are all over rock history. He engineered and produced records for Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, The Who, and The Eagles, shaping their signature sounds. While Zeppelin’s “Hey, Hey, What Can I Do” (the only non-album track they ever released) remains a beloved B-side, few know that Johns helped capture their early raw power in the studio.

George Martin – The Fifth Beatle and B-Side Architect

George Martin’s classical expertise and experimental mindset gave The Beatles their sonic depth. Beyond the hits, he was instrumental in the creation of “Rain”, a groundbreaking B-side that introduced backward vocals and layered textures that would inspire generations.

Bob Ezrin – The Rock Theorist

Known for his grand, cinematic production, Ezrin was the mastermind behind Pink Floyd’s “When the Tigers Broke Free”, an eerie, haunting B-side originally left off The Wall. His work with Alice Cooper, KISS, and Lou Reed gave rock its dark theatrical edge.

Rick Rubin – The Revivalist

Rubin had a gift for stripping music down to its essence. He was the force behind Johnny Cash’s late-career revival, produced Metallica’s “The Unforgiven II”, and worked with countless rock legends to keep their sound alive and vital.

2. The Session Musicians Who Made Magic (But Never Got the Spotlight)

Some of the most famous guitar licks, basslines, and drum fills weren’t played by the band members themselves but by studio musicians hired to get the perfect sound.

Carol Kaye – The Bass Goddess Behind the Scenes

A member of the famed Wrecking Crew, Carol Kaye played bass on countless rock and pop records, including uncredited performances for The Beach Boys, Simon & Garfunkel, and The Doors. Ever wonder why Steppenwolf’s “Born to Be Wild” has such a punchy groove? Thank Carol Kaye.

Nicky Hopkins – The Piano Man of Rock

Hopkins' piano work added magic to countless records by The Rolling Stones, The Kinks, The Who, and The Beatles. His ethereal playing shines on The Stones’ “Child of the Moon”, a stunning B-side that might have remained forgotten if not for his haunting melody.

Jimmy Page – The Session Wizard Before Zeppelin

Before Led Zeppelin, Page was a sought-after session guitarist, contributing to countless hits and obscure B-sides. His work appears on The Who’s early recordings, The Kinks’ “You Really Got Me”, and many hidden gems of the ‘60s British rock scene.

3. The Engineers and Songwriters Who Crafted Legendary B-Sides

Ken Scott – The Sound Magician

Ken Scott engineered some of rock’s most sonically adventurous records, including David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. He was involved in Bowie’s B-side “Velvet Goldmine”, a glam-rock stomper that nearly vanished into obscurity before being rediscovered by fans.

Bert Berns – The Songwriting Hitmaker

Berns wrote and produced some of the most soulful, blues-driven rock songs of the ‘60s, including “Piece of My Heart” (made famous by Janis Joplin) and Them’s “Here Comes the Night”. His influence extended to deep cuts and B-sides that later became cult classics.

Chris Thomas – The Punk and Prog Engineer

Chris Thomas helped craft the sound of The Sex Pistols’ “Did You No Wrong” (a ferocious B-side) and worked on Pink Floyd’s “Have a Cigar”, giving it a sharp, polished edge that made it one of the band’s most iconic non-hit tracks.

4. The Visual Architects of Rock

Rock isn’t just about sound—it’s about image, attitude, and storytelling. Some of the most legendary albums and B-sides had visual masterminds behind them.

Hipgnosis – The Pioneers of Album Art

Hipgnosis, the design team led by Storm Thorgerson and Aubrey Powell, created Pink Floyd’s surreal covers (like The Dark Side of the Moon), as well as iconic images for Led Zeppelin, Yes, and Black Sabbath. Their eerie, dreamlike style became the visual language of progressive and psychedelic rock.

Roger Dean – The Master of Fantasy Rock Art

Dean’s artwork for Yes and Asia created a whole new visual world for rock fans. His floating landscapes and surreal imagery gave rock album covers a larger-than-life presence.

Peter Saville – The Minimalist Genius

Responsible for Joy Division’s Unknown Pleasures cover, Saville’s stark, minimalistic approach to album design set a new standard for post-punk and new wave aesthetics.

5. B-Sides That Wouldn’t Exist Without Them

Here’s a playlist of must-hear B-sides that showcase the genius of these unsung heroes:

The Beatles – “Rain” (Produced by George Martin, one of rock’s most innovative tracks)

The Rolling Stones – “Child of the Moon” (Nicky Hopkins’ piano work elevates it into something mystical)

Led Zeppelin – “Hey, Hey, What Can I Do” (A folksy gem with Glyn Johns’ production)

David Bowie – “Velvet Goldmine” (Ken Scott helped craft its glam-rock shine)

Pink Floyd – “When the Tigers Broke Free” (Bob Ezrin’s theatrical genius on display)

The Who – “Glow Girl” (Produced by Kit Lambert, hinting at Tommy before its release)

Queen – “See What a Fool I’ve Been” (Brian May’s bluesy, experimental guitar work)

U2 – “The Sweetest Thing” (A stunning B-side that became a belated hit)

Joy Division – “These Days” (Peter Saville’s artwork made Love Will Tear Us Apart iconic)

Final Thoughts: The Legends in the Shadows

Rock history is often told through its stars, but it was built by an army of unsung geniuses. The producers who sculpted the sound, the session musicians who laid the foundation, the engineers who polished the mix, and the artists who gave albums their unforgettable visuals—without them, rock wouldn’t be what it is today.

So next time you dig into a classic rock B-side, take a moment to appreciate the unsung heroes who made the magic happen.

Until next time, rock on 🤘. Remember to look me up in social media for regular updates and sneak peeks into more of rock’s untold stories and hidden gems. On Monday we're exploring the wildest concerts in rock history.