This is very interesting. I knew Riley Shepherd in Hollywood. I rented a studio across from his on Hollywood Boulevard. I was teaching guitar when I ran into Riley who had a number of aliases. He was very knowledgeable and I found it hard to reconcile his eminent folk song acumen with his self-admitted writing of pornography. We discussed a music business plan together involving a number of people in the industry whom he knew.

He suggested that it would be a good idea to form a musical outfit that would service publisher's demonstration recordings. I thought it was a good idea and I discussed this with Craig Doerge, (married to Judy Henske). Craig is a brilliant pianist and worked with some seasoned LA musicians. He took to heart the idea and formed a group that became the "Section" for James Taylor. They moved far beyond the demo stage.

I was on the periphery of this scene. I might have even pulled Craig into a session, I don't remember. This all predated the Wrecking Crew.

I never knew exactly what to make of Riley although he was very knowledgeable about the music business as well as folk and country music. He knew my step-uncle, the singer David Street and his actress wife, Mary Beth Hughes. He was the brother of my step-father, Phil Street.

It's strange to hear about a guy I knew in Hollywood who I almost went into business with. I haven't heard his name in years.