Overview

In Rhythm Makers: The Legendary Drummers of Nashville in Their Own Words, Tony Artimisi documents through extensive interviews the work of some of the most influential drum kit players in popular music today, opening a window onto one of the most vibrant music scenes in modern American history. Telling their stories in their own words, each legendary figure walks readers through the realities of how musical opportunities arise in Nashville, how the recording process has changed over time, what it is like to drum behind some of the top artists in American music, and how one makes it as a professional drummer. Artimisi’s subjects together have performed on literally thousands of recordings, from master recordings to demos, jingles to sound-alikes. Having played behind nearly everyone who passed through Nashville, from Dolly Parton and Elton John to Glen Campbell and Johnny Mathis, Eddie Bayers Jr. regales readers with stories of the many areas in the industry he worked to build his legendary career. Master drummer Jerry Kroon, whose credits include work with Ricky Skaggs, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard and numerous others, shares his secret for maintaining good relationships with various personality types in music. Percussionist extraordinaire Tom Roady, who has recorded with Wilson Pickett, The Dixie Chicks, and Kenny Chesney—too name but a few—offers insights into what makes a drummer in his recollection of his career start. One of the most inventive instrumentalists, Kenny Malone, who has worked with Waylon Jennings, Garth Brooks, Johnny Cash and many more, discusses his own unique experiments in drumming technique in order to maintain his creative edge. Finally, Tommy Wells, whose career beginnings in Motown led him to Nashville, where he drummed for Charley Pride, The Statler Brothers, and The Charlie Daniels Band, offers a true insider’s perspective offering insights into how jingle and sound-alike sessions operate, which can be a valuable part of the professional sideman’s work. This work is the ideal for readers interested in the history of country music and the Nashville recording scene more generally, record and music production, popular music, and drumming as both art and profession.

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9781442240117

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Reviews

Rhythm Makers: Nashville's Drumming Legends in their Own Words is not only an informative resource for musicians and music enthusiasts, but a great account of music history directly by the people who formed the musical backbone for Nashville. A great read, and a must for drummers and percussionists so that they can truly get to know the unsung heroes of Country music. -- Taku Hirano, studio/touring percussionist and educator Tony Artimisi's Rhythm Makers: Nashville's Drumming Legends in their Own Words lovingly details the lives and careers of some of Nashville's most iconic and respected drummers. It is a fascinating, inspiring and well-written glimpse behind the curtain into the workings of the music business. As a lover of music, history and drumming, I welcome Tony's book as an important new resource! -- Daniel Glass, author The Roots of Rock Drumming

Drummer Artimisi's interviews with some top timekeepers of country music will please a select audience. The author's interview skills...[allow a] conversational style that imparts personal information, playing techniques, and a little industry gossip...Artimisi also heaps much-deserved praise on musicians who rarely taste the glory...These guys are legends, even if most people singing along to Jason Aldean's singles couldn't pick them out of a line at McDonald's. While this book probably won't change its subjects' profiles, it...honors them with the respect they deserve while sharing some of what makes these drummers so darn good. Verdict: Drummers and Nashville insiders will love this title. Library Journal Rhythm Makers: Nashville's Drumming Legends in their Own Words is not only an informative resource for musicians and music enthusiasts, but a great account of music history directly by the people who formed the musical backbone for Nashville. A great read, and a must for drummers and percussionists so that they can truly get to know the unsung heroes of Country music. -- Taku Hirano, studio/touring percussionist and educator Tony Artimisi's Rhythm Makers: Nashville's Drumming Legends in their Own Words lovingly details the lives and careers of some of Nashville's most iconic and respected drummers. It is a fascinating, inspiring and well-written glimpse behind the curtain into the workings of the music business. As a lover of music, history and drumming, I welcome Tony's book as an important new resource! -- Daniel Glass, author The Roots of Rock Drumming Rhythm Makers: Nashville's Drumming Legends in Their Own Words, is a fascinating and well-written book about five of Nashville's finest drummers, all of whom have had a big impact on Music City's recording scene. The interviews give great insight into the influences and motivation behind the successful and influential careers of these fine musicians. The background information in the book gives the interviews context and makes for informative and fun reading. As a bassist who has worked extensively with all five of these players, I can say that Rhythm Makers captures the heart, soul and personalities of these unique musicians, all of whom have had a big influence on the way music, and drums, are recorded in Nashville. The lives and stories of these players are inspiring and entertaining as well. I highly recommend this book to any fan of music, drumming and recording. -- Dave Pomeroy, Bassist and President, Nashville Musicians Association, AFM Local 257

Author Information

Tony Artimisi is assistant professor of music at Winston Salem State University. He is formerly a professional drummer in Nashville, Tennessee, and worked with an array of artists and producers. He is an endorsing artist for Paiste, Mapex Drums/Majestic Percussion, and Grover Pro Percussion. He has contributed articles to Percussive Notes and MEIEA’s e-zine.

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