So, you want to be a Rock-and-Roll legend, huh?! Meet Johny Barbata and read about his extraordinary life as one of the premier drummers in popular music. Johny was the drummer for The Turtles, CSN&Y, and Jefferson Airplane and Jefferson Starship! An auto accident slowed his career in the mid-80s, but not his drumming! Johny fused his musicianship, jazz drumming techniques, and innate showmanship to become one of the most sought-after drummers in the mid-60s, through the 70s, and into the 80s. In fact, he is on close to 100 LPs and 20 hit singles during this time, including “Happy Together,” “She’d Rather Be With Me,”--and who wasn’t inspired by his incredible drum roll fill coming out of the middle 8!--”Elenore,” “Ohio,” “Miracles,” “Count on Me,” and more. Johny brought a different type of persona to the drums in the mid-60s after Ringo Starr and The Beatles stopped touring. You fell in love with the cuddly Ringo; you stood in astonishment at how Johny played! At the time, I didn’t know who Johny was; everyone, of course, knew Ringo, but I couldn’t stop listening to that rock-solid beat and subtle pyrotechnics that Johny added to the songs. Two of the greatest and most influential drummers--for different reasons. Johny became arranger/composer in the songs he played.
Now, you can read about Johny’s life and drumming style, see pictures of him, his family, and the artists he supported, as you read the new edition of JOHNY BARBATA: The Legendary Life of a Rock Star Drummer. I met Johny in Spring, 2005 at a book signing for the first edition of his book. We became friends and I invited Johny to talk to my Popular Music class at OU and present a masterclass in drumming to OU students. I was honored when he asked me to re-edit the book for a new edition. My passion for the music Johny contributed to and my respect for him as a person and musician demanded that I accept.
Most of us only dream about it! And he’s still playing, singing, composing, and producing as he and his wife, Angie, have two CDs out: OKLAHOMA and CALIFORNIA.
Click here to go to Johny’s website.
Johny playing with MidLife Crysis on Feb. 17, 2007.
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