This is a campaign to increase awareness of the contributions to music,
our lives and rock n roll in particular, of one particularly significant
"sessions" or "sidemen" drummers of our lifetime. So far, his name and
accomplishments have eluded the selection processes of both The Grammies
and the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame.
His drumming can be found behind such diverse talents as Aretha
Franklin, Frankie Avalon, Tony Bennett, Don Croce, Bob Dylan, Bing
Crosby, Dinah Washington, Dionne Warwick, Perry Como, Bobby Vinton, Gene
Pitney, Neil Sedaka, Frank Sinatra, The Drifters, The Coasters, Petula
Clark, Van Morrison.
The list is rather long (to
download) and covers over three decades from over 16,000 studio
sessions! Those who are familiar with Gary's work from Detroit to Philly
and New York City understand my renaming "Oldies" radio stations to
"Gary Chester Radio." This short download
list is not as complete but won't take any time to view.
Full disclosure forces me to reveal that Gary married my cousin Janis
fifty years ago. He passed away in 1987 leaving a family that misses him
to this day. His books on drumming, entitled, New Breed and "New Breed II" are
published by Modern Drummer and are are widely studied. Jazz Drummers has
him listed in their search engine.
Gary's teaching style has been blessed by drummers from John Molo to
Louie Belsen among many others. Please pass this around to drummer
friends of yours. His techniques will improve their styles. Pass it
around to friends too. His accomplishments and the value his rich
drumming has added to our lives are phenomenal. The fact that the songs
he backed are among the most cherished of all oldies is in itself fine
recognition.
Thanks.
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