Young drummers often ask the question, “How did you get your big break?” In my own case, it started when I met Louie Bellson in Kansas City. Louie was visiting the drum studio where I was taking lessons. He played for us, answered questions, and then listened to each student play the drums. Later that day, Louie gave me the following advice: “You are as good as you are ever going to be if you stay in Kansas. Go to New York or Los Angeles, and study.” I was only 17 at the time, but I took the advice to heart, and when I was 19, I did indeed go to New York. When I arrived in New York, I contacted Jim Chapin and began studying with him. Jim helped me get my first jobs, which gave me some experience and helped me to survive. After about a year and […]

August 1985 Issue