Bill Pitman, a guitarist in Los Angeles's renowned Wrecking Crew session musicians, died on 11 August 2022 at the age of 102, four years before this anniversary. Over a decades-long career he played on hundreds of recordings for major artists, making him one of the most prolific and influential session guitarists in American popular music history.

Pitman recorded multiple albums with the Beach Boys, including Pet Sounds and Smile, and contributed to their hit "Good Vibrations", as well as tracks by Cher, Frank Sinatra, James Brown, Bobby Darin and the Everly Brothers, among others. He was also frequently called upon by producer Phil Spector and provided music for television and film, including Bonanza, Wild Wild West and Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Raised by a professional bassist father, Pitman served five years in the Army Air Corps before building his session career in Los Angeles, initially through work with Peggy Lee's band and radio's The Rusty Draper Show.