His students know he’s experienced, but it’s doubtful that many realize just how experienced drummer Johnny Blowers is. In a career that spans six decades, Blowers has recorded with jazz greats such as Sidney Bechet, Bobby Hackett, Eddie Condon, Red Norvo, Yank Lawson, and Bob Haggart. He’s also drummed with big bands led by Bunny Berigan, Ben Bernie, Woody Herman, Jan Savitt, Billy Butterfield, Artie Shaw, and Sy Oliver. For five years, he was staff musician at CBS. He also spent seven-and-a-half years at NBC and two-and-a-half years at ABC. Blowers was on the date when Billie Holliday recorded her classic “Lover Man,” when Ella Fitzgerald did “Try A Little Tenderness,” and when Louis Armstrong cut “Blueberry Hill” and “La Vie En Rose.” Ask Frank Sinatra about Johnny Blowers. Their association on recordings, broadcasts, and concert dates lasted for ten years. Kenny Davern, the great soprano sax and clarinet player, […]

July 1985 Issue