"I Play Yamaha"
Steve Gadd

Steve Gadd is one of the most sought-after musicians in the world. Regarded as the most influential drummer in contemporary music, Gadd can play anything, easily bridging different musical styles. His feel, technique, and musicality on such tunes as Paul Simon's "Fifty Ways", Steely Dan's "Aja", and Chick Corea's "Nite Sprite" were so awe-inspiring and his concepts were so innovative that they instantly assured his special position in the history of the percussive arts. He is often called as "God" of drummers both for his outstanding musicianship and for his name "Gadd".
Gadd was born in Rochester, New York in 1945 and started to play drums at the age of 7. He attended the Manhattan School of Music for two years, then finished at Eastman School of Music. Before that, he studied privately with Bill and Stanley Street and John Beck. He established himself with Chuck Mangione, then spent three years in the Army prior to coming to New York and doing studio work in 1971.
He rapidly rose to prominence on the studio scene and has since played with a wide variety of artists, including Carly Simon, Phoebe Snow, Aretha Franklin, Al DiMeola, Stanley Clarke, Rickie Lee Jones, Tom Scott, Frank Sinatra, and Stuff.
After a period of touring and recording with his own band, the Gadd Gang, he provided the spark that ignited Paul Simon's South African inspired, Grammy Award-winning recordings and dynamic live touring band.
Today, Gadd is as busy as ever, balancing frequent recording dates with a hectic touring schedule. He has been playing with numerous artists including Eric Clapton, David Sanborn, Marcus Miller, Joe Sample, and James Taylor.