Guitarist
Composer
Studio musician
Wrecking Crew member

Foreword by Carson Cohen

In 19th century London, the name “David Cohen” was used by police for unidentified Jewish men - a “John Doe” for Jews. The point being, it’s a very common name, And in the 1960s and 70s there were MANY working musicians by that name, two of whom were very successful.

Unfortunately, today people frequently get them confused. Even reputable sites like Wikipedia and Discogs often credit one with the other’s work, or even treat them as one person. But they are two different people: David Hershel Cohen and David Bennet Cohen.

Full disclosure: David Hershel Cohen is my uncle, and this website is motivated by my desire for him to receive proper credit for his work. Frankly, I don’t think it ever bothered him at all.

- Carson Cohen

here’s a quick summary…

David hershel cohen

- Member of the Wrecking Crew

- NOT a member of Country Joe and the Fish

- Primarily a studio player

- Primarily a guitarist (with occasional dobro, mandolin, etc.

- Based in Los Angeles

- Released guitar version of “Amazing Grace” under the name The Great Awakening

- Played on records by John Lennon, Frank Sinatra, The Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, Sonny and Cher, BEACH BOYS, Harry NilSson, Neil Diamond, The Four Tops, Kenny Rogers and the First Edition, Dusty Springfield, The Monkees, Bobby Darin, Helen Reddy, Joe Cocker, Townes Van Zandt, Henry Mancini, Bobby Blue Bland, Mike Post, Noel Harrison, Dori Previn, Hoyt Axton, The Cake, Barry White, Tim hardin, sammy walker.

David bennetT cohen (far right)

- Member of Country Joe and the Fish

- NOT a member of the Wrecking Crew

- Primarily a live player

- Primarily a keyboardist (with occasional guitar)

- Based in the Bay Area

- Played on records by Country Joe and the Fish, Blues Project, Melvin Van Peebles, Alice Stewart, Rory Block

Highlights

**Bobby Darin**
“If I Were a Carpenter” (acoustic guitar)
**Jackson Five**
“I Am Love” (electric guitar solos)
**Harry Nillson**
“Mr. Bojangles” (acoustic guitar)
**Beach Boys**
“When A Man Needs A Woman” (guitar)
**Helen Reddy**
“I Am Woman” (guitar)
**Stevie Wonder**
“Sugar” (acoustic guitar fills)
**Joe Cocker**
“Feelin’ Alright” (guitar - inaudible in final mix)
**First Edition**
“Just Dropped in to See What Condition My Condition Was In” (backwards guitar intro)
**John Lennon**
Rock and Roll LP [exact songs unknown - LA sessions] (guitar)
**The Monkees**
“If I Knew” (acoustic guitar)
**Leadbelly OST**
(six string guitar)
**Sonny and Cher**
“Good Times OST” (guitar)
Dusty Springfield
“Who Gets Your Love” (guitar)
**Paul Revere And The Raiders**
“Indian Reservation” (guitar)

Glen Campbell tribute show, 2019

In 2019, members of the Wrecking Crew were reunited for a tribute performance for Glen Campbell. Although David did not perform, he caught up with friend DON RANDI, and mentor, Don Peake.

David continueD to compose classical works in LOS ANGELES, California UNTIL HIS PASSING IN APRIL 2024.