Rod Morgenstein’s history behind the drum kit is rich and varied.

Born in New York on April 19, 1953, Morgenstein attended the University of Miami in Florida, where he co-founded a groundbreaking band before he was even out of school. At Miami, Morgenstein met Steve Morse, Andy West and Allen Sloan, and the Dixie Dregs were born.

A jazz fusion group, the Dregs released their first album, “The Great Spectacular,” in 1975. Considered by many to be merely a demo, the recording was re-released on CD in 1997. The group, while passing through a series of labels, ultimately have survived despite several members’ interests in other bands, and the Dregs have released 14 albums and two DVDs, and have six Grammy nominations to their credit in the category Best Rock Instrumental Performance.

Morgenstein is probably best known, however, as the drummer of the 1980s heavy metal sensation Winger. A group founded by former Alice Cooper bassist Kip Winger, the band  released a self-titled debut album that struck platinum in 1988 four major hits: “Madalaine,” “Headed For A Heartbreak,” “Hungry” and “Seventeen.” Winger backed up that success with a platinum second album, as well, as the disc “In The Heart Of The Young” peaked at No. 15 on the album chart thanks to hits “Can’t Get Enuff,” “Easy Come Easy Go” and top-20 single “Miles Away.”

During lulls in the activity of Dixie Dregs, Morgenstein joined Morse in the group “The Steve Morse Band,” which recorded two albums and toured with Rush. Morgenstein has played with Fiona, Platypus (and its offshoot Jelly Jam) and Jazz is Dead, the latter of which features creative improvisations of Grateful Dead tunes. Morgenstein in 1997 and 2001 went to his former bandmate Kip Winger’s house in Santa Fe, N.M., to record the drum tracks for Winger’s solo efforts, “This Conversation Seems Like A Dream” and “Songs From the Ocean Floor.” Morgenstein and Dream Theater keyboardist Jordan Rudess released a self-titled album “Rudess/Morgenstein Project” in 1997, as well.

Of late, Morgenstein has become a music educator. He is an associate professor of percussion at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston. He has also offered budding drummers a procession of instructional videos, audio cassettes and books, including “Drum Set Warm-Ups.”

Amid his unquestioned success, Morgenstein also has dealt with personal tragedy. On Dec. 10, 2005, he lost his beloved wife, Michele, whom he’d known since childhood, to a 22-year battle with breast cancer. On the anniversary of her death in 2006, Morgenstein posted a heartfelt and moving tribute to Michele on his personal Web site at http://www.rodmorgenstein.com/michele.html.