Drummers

Zoro

(November 25, 2007)

One of the world’s most masterful drummers, Zoro is also servant to a Master. Born June 13, 1962, Zoro was raised with six siblings by his single mother, Maria, whom he credits with having “more strength and honor … than most men.”

Adrian Young

(November 25, 2007)

Adrian Young is a quite a character, of that there’s no doubt. Born Aug. 26, 1969, in Long Beach, Calif., Adrian Samuel Young is one of five sons born to a hippie couple. His mother left the boys when Adrian was young.

Tony Williams

(November 25, 2007)

Tony Williams’ life and career were cut short, but his discography lives on and represents a quality and volume of work that would’ve taken others two lifetimes to achieve. Anthony Tillmon Williams was born Dec. 12, 1945, in Chicago, but he grew up in Boston. The lad began studying the drums with Alan Dawson at an early age, and was a pro by the time he was 13, backing saxophonist Sam Rivers. Jackie McLean, another sax player, hired Williams three years later, and the youngster made an even bigger jump in stature by joining the legendary Miles Davis’ “Second Great Quintet” when Williams was just 17 years of age.

Paul Wertico

(November 25, 2007)

Seven-time Grammy winner Paul Wertico has been drumming since he was 12, has worked with musicians from around the world, and of late has decided to put his family first. Wertico was born Jan. 5, 1953, in Chicago. He took up the drums, self-taught, at age 12 and was a pro by the age of 15. He developed his own style by listening not only to American jazz and rock music, but to a variety of genres from throughout the world. His playing has been compared to the work of impressionist painters – he’s also been described as an “inspired madman.”

Dave Weckl

(November 25, 2007)

Once he’d graduated high school and was free to test out the world, Dave Weckl didn’t waste much time becoming an accomplished percussionist. Born Jan. 8, 1960, Weckl graduated from Francis Howell High School in St. Charles, Mo., in 1978. He was quickly off to the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut, where he majored in jazz studies.

Chad Wackerman

(November 25, 2007)

From a drumming family and with an enviable resume, Chad Wackerman continues to leave his own unique mark on the music world. Wackerman was born March 25, 1960, in Long Beach, Calif. His father, Chuck, was director of the Los Alamitos High School Band. Chad’s also the older brother of Brooks Wackerman, who’s been a member of groups such as Suicidal Tendencies and Infectious Grooves, and is currently the drummer of the long-lived and always evolving punk group, Bad Religion.

Tony Verderosa

(November 25, 2007)

Tony Verderosa is a technological genius with percussion. Widely considered a leading authority on live sample triggering and electronic drumming, Verderosa has spent years perfecting his one-man, live techno concept that originated in New York City’s underground music scene. He’s released records on his own New York-based label, Thwak!, and also has issued three videos of live performances that document his innovative approach to electronic percussion and music. His recordings have been critically acclaimed both in the underground music community and in more mainstream circles. His live DJ videos are considered to be essential resources for musicians hoping to learn from and emulate his style.

Glen Velez

(November 25, 2007)

Glen Velez has shaped the percussion world with the artistry of his own hands. Velez, of Mexican-American ancestry, grew up on Texas, but moved to New York City in the late 1960s. He began his percussion career playing on a jazz drum set, but soon felt himself drawn to hand drums from around the world – frame drums particularly – and sought out teachers from many different genres.

Lars Ulrich

(November 25, 2007)

As a youth, Lars Ulrich swung a mean tennis racket. But he swung even better drumsticks. Born the day after Christmas, 1963, in Gentofte, Denmark, Ulrich was the son of Torben Ulrich, an accomplished tennis pro from the late 1940s through the early 1980s. Lars was a quite a prodigy in the sport and at age 17 moved to Los Angeles to pursue his training. There, he ended up a drummer instead. He posted an ad in a local paper called “The Recycler,” met James Hetfield from that ad, and the two formed the now-legendary hard rock group Metallica.

Chester Thompson

(November 25, 2007)

Chester Thompson has a name in common with another musician, but a talent for the drums that is quite uncommon. Born Chester Cortez Thompson on Dec. 11, 1948, in Baltimore, Md., he isn’t to be confused with Chester Thompson who is noteworthy as the keyboardist for Santana.

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