Hello Hello! Billy Amendola in my “Bubble” with
today’s guest, who is not only one of the most respected
musicians/producers on the planet, but he’s also been a mentor, an
inspiration, and a dear friend to me for decades.
He appeared on the scene in NYC from Michigan as a
drummer and teacher. A few of his students include Omar
Hakim, the late Tony Thompson, and many others who launched
successful careers.
At 21, he joined the Mahavishnu Orchestra on the
recommendation of their previous drummer (who was at the top of his
game with the title “greatest drummer”), the one and only Billy
Cobham.
Now a band-member, he goes from the road into the studio to work on
the next Mahavishnu album with John McLaughlin, Jan Hammer, and
legendary Beatles producer George Martin.
A few years later, he took the world by storm on the dance
floor by releasing his solo album; singing, writing, producing, and
playing, and he became a star in his own right.
If that wasn’t enough, a few years later, he became one of the
world’s Top Ten producers of all time, crafting number-one hits for
Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, George Michael, Mariah Carey,
Cindy Blackman, the list goes on and on.
With Multiple hit records, Grammy after Grammy, as a band
leader, solo artist, producer, singer/songwriter, spiritual leader,
and drummer, touring with Jeff Beck, Journey, and his band, there’s
nothing the man can’t do.
We catch up to discuss his latest album “Euphoria” and more.
Please welcome Narada Michael Walden back to Drum Channel.
Enjoy!