How the "Immediate Family" Doc Can Motivate You and Your Team

Left to Right - Russell Kunkel, Danny Kortchmar, Leland Sklar, Waddy Wachtel, Steve Postell

By: Danny R. Gall

April 2025

Read Time: 3 minutes

The Immediate Family - What and Who are They?

First, the Immediate Family (IF) is a band, a rock documentary, and an album but more importantly the Immediate Family is a group of session musicians that shaped the late 60s/70s pop landscape.

And this isn't an exaggeration by any stretch.

I have been a fan of these session musicians for years, and to watch the documentary (now streaming for free) on Tubi was nothing but pure enjoyment. As a matter of fact, a couple of years ago we went to see James Taylor and Jackson Browne in concert and apart from being over the top to see this double bill I was actually more excited about seeing the session musicians playing with Taylor and Browne, but sadly was not to be, as the tour had other musicans backing them up. While that backup band was excellent, they just weren't The Immediate Family.

I first became aware of the Immediate Family with Jackson Browne's 1977 "Running on Empty" album. An album that became a regular on my summer soundtrack that year and an album that stands the test of time. It was then that I started following these studio musicians and came to realize very quickly that these players were and are regarded as the most renowned session players in the world.

The Immediate Family documentary does an excellent job in detailing how impactful and important these musicians are and also does a great job in framing out how influential they were in the making of hit records. I was gobsmacked when the doc went through a list of artists that they have supported and recorded with over the years. From backing up such Hall-of-Fame artists such as James Taylor, Keith Richards, Jackson Browne, Linda Ronstadt, Carole King, Stevie Nicks, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Phil Collins, Hall & Oates, Don Henley, Neil Sedaka, Warren Zevon, Bill Withers, Kim Carnes, and Steve Perry (the above are just some of the performers they have supported).

What truly captivated me while watching the documentary was the band's dedication, love, and passion for their craft. Consider doing what you do for as long as they have and still having the love and motivation to continue excelling in it. They practice, perform, record, tour, and genuinely love their work. I believe there is nothing more important in life than not only creating but also loving what you create.

This documentary is not only a pop music history lesson, it is also a business lesson.

No matter what you do, as long as you love it and enjoy doing it, it will never feel like work. However, you must truly love it. Indeed, you need passion, dedication, and plenty of practice, but if you don't genuinely believe in the purpose (such as becoming a great musician or a great manager or leader), without commitment, passion, hard work, and extensive practice, it will just become another job.

The Immediate Family is about relationships, togetherness, being the best one can be, working together as a team, willing to not always be in the spotlight, and accepting the fact that you win and lose as a team.

The Immediate Family documentary is worth watching not just for its entertainment value and nostalgic journey, but also to experience the immense joy of doing what you love and the significance of being with like-minded individuals to help achieve your goals and dreams.

For more information on how to inspire, motivate and create passionate, motivated winning team contact dannyrgall.com for a free consult.