Caroline Buckman, '98 BM

Caroline was a music major, under Dr. Majors (viola) and went on to be a very successful studio musician in LA (From Adele and Jonas Brothers to movie soundtracks of Star Wars and Frozen, to name a few.) Caroline played on what would be the last Beatles' Album in 2022, but never learned what the project was, because she passed away before it was released. She and I were two southern girls (she, from Virgina and I am from South Carolina), plucked out of the south to study classical music in the southwest - a completely different climate and culture than we were used to. No sweet tea! She formed her own rock band, played in ASU's lyric opera and often accompanied her fellow musicians in their yearly recitals. When not in the practice room, she could be found working at Tower Records or Bookman's in Mesa. She knew every genre of music - from Misfits to Mozart.

One of my favorite things: Gnarls Barkley's popular tune "Crazy" - when the strings enter during the chorus - that's HER! I love that even though it's been almost three years since she passed away, if I hear that song on the radio or in an elevator, watch Ratatouille, Star Wars or Frozen - there's Caroline! Her musical talents will live forever - nurtured and shaped at ASU. I reached out to her family about any additional stories they'd like to share and between the Rolling Stones Article and her obituary - that really captures incredible her contribution to the genres of pop and movie music. Her obituary lists all the movies and bands/musicians she played with: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/dailyprogress/name/caroline-buckman-obituary?id=50897930 

Story submitted by Caroline Buckman's friend, Robin Hallyburton.