“I probably hauled in 20 guitars. I listened to the record top to bottom, turned to him and said, ‘It doesn’t need anything’”: Jeff “Skunk” Baxter on the one studio session where he lugged a ton of guitar gear – and didn't use any of it

Jeff “Skunk” Baxter performs at Living History Live: Jeff “Skunk” Baxter at The GRAMMY Museum on December 08, 2022 in Los Angeles, California.

Aside from his pivotal work with Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers, Jeff “Skunk” Baxter is the six-stringer behind some multi-generational favorites. Who can forget that searing (pun intended) guitar solo on Donna Summer's Hot Stuff? Or the downright bouncy – and unequivocally fun – guitar part on Dolly Parton's anthem 9 to 5?

But beyond his hefty credits, Baxter was sometimes recruited just to give his honest opinion – like what happened one night when he received a call from Steely Dan producer Gary Katz.