If I might add some Al Kooper facts, observations, opinions, and correct a few others... AK left BS&T in '68, not long after Child was released. Clive Davis decided that AK would continue on Columbia as both a solo artist and staff producer. He produced not only his own albums, but Linda Tillery, Appaloosa and Don Ellis orchestra, among others. AK later produced Nils Lofgren, The Tubes, Rick Nelson (unreleased), Lenny White, David Essex, BB King and manny moore.
Super Session was the first and most successful of AK's post BS&T Columbia projects. The second BS&T album is their most popular, my own personal favorite, and in my 10 favorite albums. BS&T is a spectacular Q8/SQ release. Child was the first album of theirs I heard upon its release in early '68. It still ranks in my 100 favorites. As a former CBS employee, I've heard the unreleased Quad mix. IMHO, not that impressive. Still, I eagerly await the 5.1 SACD.
AK was already moderately successful in '59 as the 14 years old guitarist for the Royal Teens. They had a hit in '58 with Short Shorts, which AK did not appear on.
AK was not a founding member of Blues Project. He was discovered by the band during their failed Columbia Records audition. AK was in the Columbia studio recording with Dylan. Blues project signed to Verve, added AK, and recorded their first album. AK was NOT an organ player, but switched to that instrument upon being blown away by Mike Bloomfield's guitar playing on the Dylan session. AK left Blues Project after their second album.
AK then led/formed BS&T, which also featured ex-BP guitarist Steve Katz. Although Kooper had already left BS&T, his influence continued into the David Clayton Thomas era. On '68's BS&T (2), AK had a hand in arranging several tracks, including You've Made Me So Very Happy. BS&T live version w/AK on vocals, w/I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLenEHCRbsE On '71's BS&T4, they recorded AK's John the Baptist.
AK guested on albums by Rolling Stones: You Can't Always Get What You Want, B. B. King, Dylan's Self Portrait, New Morning, Infidels, Empire Burlesque, Under the Red Sky (and '81 tour, and 30th anniv), Who, Jimi Hendrix Experience's Long Hot Summer Nights, Sam Bush, Judy Collins, Joan Baez, Gene Pitney, Alice Cooper, Cream, Phil Ochs, Peter, Paul & Mary, Moby Grape, Taj Mahal, Rita Coolidge, Brewer & Shipley, Bill Wyman, Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Leo Sayer, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Tricia Yearwood, Joe Walsh, Joe Cocker, Tom Petty, and Lynyrd Skynyrd's first three albums.
He also discovered Skynyrd and produced their first three albums, which appeared on his Sounds of the South imprint, pressed by MCA. 1n '74, he sold Sounds of the South to MCA. AK later arranged and played on three tracks on George Harrison's SOMEWHERE IN ENGLAND album.
AK also scored the '70 Hal Ashby film The Landlord, which featured Beau Bridges. In his later years, he also taught at the Berklee School. AK also scored the
Crime Story TV show and the mini-series The Drug Wars, as well as producing some of the soundtrack for the John Waters film "Cry Baby". Jay Z sampled AK on Soon You'll Understand.
There's so much more to know and hear about AK. I'll second the thought that he most assuredly belongs in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. IMHO, he is one of the most overlooked talents ever in rock, along with Bill Champlin and Laura Nyro, who was recently inducted AND was briefly lead vocalist in BS&T after AK left. She also dated BS&T bassist Jim Fielder. I'd love to hear tapes of LN/BS&T if any exist.