Joe Porcaro is a legendary drummer, percussionist and educator who is still busy teaching and gigging while in his mid 80s. We met during his lunch break at LACM – I was all ears and one camera.
Reunion with Joe Porcaro
When I was studying at the Los Angeles Music Academy (today: LACM) at the turn of this century, Joe Porcaro (JoPo) was my teacher for jazz drums, along with Tony Insalaco and Sherman Ferguson. Even back then he could have enjoyed his pension, but he didn’t, and he still doesn’t. Joe still loves to spread his passion among youngsters from all over the world.
Mainly he does so by teaching classes at the Los Angeles College of Music in Pasadena. Together with Ralph Humphrey he is the drum department chair – together they wrote the curriculum as well. JoPo always took his vocation very seriously. I remember one day, when he run out of class in a rage, because none of us had practiced his assignments from the week before. You can bet that was the last time, we didn’t. In this video Joe gives away the most important lesson for drummers who want to become a pro.
When I went by my old school after the NAMM Show this year, I was surprised to hear that JoPo is still teaching. Ralph Humphrey suggested to call him up and also schedule an interview with him. So I did and the next day Joe skipped his lunch between classes and talked to me about whatever came into his mind. He also answered all of my questions of course. How great to see him again.
No Toto without Jopo
Yet another outstanding drummer with a long career in the music business. As many of the great ones, Joe Porcaro never had a plan B. Nonetheless the self-taught drummer worked several jobs until he was able to make a living as a musician. JoPo started out on the East Coast and later in the 1960s followed his dear friend and percussion legend Emil Richards to the West Coast. Together with his wife Eileen he became parent to three boys and one daughter.
All of the boys were part of the band Toto: Jeff, Mike and Steve Porcaro. And Joe guest-starred in almost every one of their records. Guess, what he played in “Africa”!? In this video Joe talks about his kids when they were still young and learning about music. He remembers the Grammys in 1983 as one of the greatest moments in his life. And he also talks about Jeff – his talent, commitment, groove and drawing skills.
Nowadays his grandchildren carry on the musical torch of the family: Paige and Chase Duddy for example are the sister and brother duo XYLØ.
Still gigging
Back in the days Joe performed or recorded with giants of the music industry like Frank Sinatra, Pink Floyd, Sarah Vaughan and Madonna. He also cut hundreds of movie tracks. If you don’t know Joe yet, he is still gigging. Just some weeks ago he went to Tokio to perform there with his quartet. But he also plays once a month in Los Angeles, usually with Emil Richards on the vibes. As JoPo would say: “Be there, when you get there.”
Stay on or by(e)
Yours Cat
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Get in touch with Joe Porcaro
Joe Porcaro’s Books
Joe Porcaro’s Drumset Method
Odd Times – Patterns for Jazz, Rock & Latin at the Drumset
Recordings Joe mentions in the video
Dizzie Gillespie – Immortal Concerts: Toronto, Massey Hall (1953)
Trio Music – Chick Corea, Miroslav Vitous, Roy Haynes (2001)
Toto – IV (1982)
Frank Sinatra – Duets (1993)
Some recordings with Joe Porcaro on
Nancy Sinatra – Sugar (1967)
Johnny Cash – John R. Cash (1975)
Bonnie Raitt – Home Plate (1975)
Pink Floyd – The Wall (1979)
Toto – Turn Back (1981)
Tom Waits – One From The Heart (1982)
Toto – The Seventh One (1988)
Toto – Kingdom Of Desire (1992)
David Garfield & Friends – Tribute To Jeff (1997)
Diana Krall – Christmas Songs (2005)
Gladys Knight – Before Me (2006)
Joe Porcaro’s Gear
DW Drums
Zildjian Cymbals
Vic Firth Sticks
Aquarian Drumheads
