Al Kooper is an American musician, songwriter, and record producer who was born on February 5, 1944, in Brooklyn, New York. He is best known for his work as a keyboardist and guitarist, as well as his collaborations with some of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.

Kooper began his music career in the 1960s as a session musician and songwriter, working with artists such as Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, and The Who. He played the organ on Dylan's seminal album "Highway 61 Revisited," and he also co-wrote the classic song "This Diamond Ring," which was a hit for Gary Lewis & the Playboys.

In 1967, Kooper formed the band Blood, Sweat & Tears, which fused rock, jazz, and soul music to create a unique sound that would become known as "jazz-rock." Kooper played keyboards and guitar for the band and also sang on some of their songs. He co-produced their first album, "Child Is Father to the Man," which is widely regarded as a classic of the genre.

Kooper has also released numerous solo albums throughout his career, including "I Stand Alone," "You Never Know Who Your Friends Are," and "Naked Songs." He has continued to collaborate with other musicians, including Mike Bloomfield, Stephen Stills, and Shuggie Otis.

In addition to his work as a musician, Kooper has also produced albums for other artists, including Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Tubes, and Nils Lofgren. He has also written several books, including his autobiography, "Backstage Passes and Backstabbing Bastards."

Al Kooper began playing professionally at the age of 15. -GSH

1. "Super Session" (1968) (with Mike Bloomfield and Stephen Stills)
2. "The Live Adventures of Mike Bloomfield and Al Kooper" (1969) (with Mike Bloomfield)
3. "I Stand Alone" (1969)
4. "You Never Know Who Your Friends Are" (1969)
5. "Kooper Session" (1970) (with Shuggie Otis)
6. "Easy Does It" (1970)
7. "Landlord soundtrack" (1971)
8. "New York City (You're A Woman)" (1971)
9. "A Possible Projection of the Future/Childhood's End" (1972)
10. "Naked Songs" (1972)
11. "Unclaimed Freight - Al's Big Deal" (1975)
12. "Act Like Nothing's Wrong" (1976)
13. "Championship Wrestling" (1982)
14. "Rekooperation" (1994)
15. "Soul of a Man: Al Kooper Live" (1995)
16. "Rare + Well Done: The Greatest & Most Obscure Recordings" (2-CDs) (2001)