Jeff Porcaro is a vital part of drumming history, shaping how drummers play today. 🙏🏼 You can play along these songs inside Drumeo - Click on the link to get started: www.drumeo.com/trial.
Amazing video about one of the greatest drummers of all time! Just one little detail! Jeffs work for Earth wind and Fire wasn't on the album 'Touch the World' but on 'I Am'. ;-)
Joe Porcaro was a teacher of mine at PIT in 1991. He was an amazing drummer and human. He would tell us Jeff's latest session or touring stories all the time(like Bruce Springsteen offering Jeff a million dollars to go on tour). We had a Steely Dan class, and one day, while I was onstage playing caves of altimira, Jeff walked in. I was about to freak out. He walked right up to me and put his hand on my shoulder and said quietly..."relax"...we both laughed out loud. He was such a humble person. Watching him play up close was truly extraordinary.
Toto basically wrote most of the music on Thriller, and made a few thousand bucks while MJ got to be a mega star. They said "FK THAT" and stop being session musicians. Toto was born. That's what happened.
I STILL find songs I grew up listening to (I'm 54) that when I look at the credits, there's Jeff Porcaro. That dude played on damn near everything. I think the one thing that set him apart (other than that cats inhuman playing ability) is how generous he was with his time. There's a very old VHS interview on YT of him doing a clinic at the Musicians Institute. In this clinic he states how he would help other upcoming musicians and not charge them a cent for his playing. This guy is one of the most recorded and in demand session drummers of our time. And he gave of his time and talents. Jeff is the role model our world needs!!! RIP Jeff... you're influence is still felt and heard today as it was when you were in the studio.
@@murrayaforsman The crazy thing is a few months ago, I heard a song that I hadn't heard in DECADES. Its called, "You Should Hear How She Talks About You" by Melissa Manchester. I almost immediately recognized the drumming and thought, "that sounds like Porcaro.." well.... he did the drum track. He is just on another level man... Stay safe...
@@sirjer73 I know right? That guy played on so much back then. He played drums on Christopher Cross' "Arthur's Theme", Eric Clapton's "Forever Man".... and on and on... If you are a music history buff like me, I HIGHLY recommend reading Steve Lukather's book, "The Gospel According to Luke" and most definitely the two books from Robyn Flans on Jeff Porcaro. All great reads on how the music scene was back in the 70s, 80s and 90s.
As an adolescent, I was all about technical drummers like Peart, Portnoy, Weckl, Donati, etc. Now, as a 40 year-old professional player myself, the drumming of cats like Jeff Porcaro, Ed Greene, Steve Gadd, Bernard Purdie and J.R. Robinson are where my priorities and heart are. Grooving, making your bandmates comfortable and your audience tap their feet...that's the biggest lesson I've learned from Jeff Porcaro! A true *musician* par excellence, there will never be another like him. Thanks for this important tribute to a groove titan.
It was back in the late 80s (1988). I joined the army (in Finland)…a depressing time ahead. My band had recently broke up,and it seemed like I was going nowhere . Then the album “the seventh one “ came out. And as soon as I heard his drumming on Home of the Brave, I decided to continue playing, no matter how bad I felt inside. He was and still is, a special inspiration , an uplift every time I get the same feeling and mental breakdown that I had back in those days. R.I.P Jeff.
The thing with Jeff that always gobsmacked me is that you can solo out his track and still hear the song always. Amazing musician and my favorite drummer of all time
I was with the Toto Touring crew in the early 80s , I will never forget Jeff, the craft,skill, power and as a drummer he would always stop and talk and show his trade .A true gentleman and pure musician 🎶🎵🥁🥁
@@flowerlandofjohn sorry, I should have explained; in a sense, yes. He’s got such deep pocket, incredible chops and something quasi-melodic about his parts.
The biggest and deepest pocket ever. But not just that. The subtlety, finesse, feel, and technical ability, all combined with a sense of time like a masterwork clock. You know you're at the top when Fagen and Becker want you to play on so many of their tracks.
This is beautiful. I'm not even a drummer. He was indeed a real legend and a master of his instrument. His legacy on Toto and pop music will live forever. Almighty Groove Master, Jeff Porcaro! Greatly missed.
My No1 drummer since I was a kid & still (56yrs old) a massive influence on my musical taste and drumming. Was lucky enough to meet him 3 times & see him play with Toto before he was taken from us way too early. His other trait that struck me personally when I first met him in 88 was how humble he was, a quality he taught me when I was 21 & is still with me today!
I'm also 56, and a drummer. I've never met Jeff, but still listen and play along to his grooves. Toto was hugely admired among musicians here in Sweden.
I'm 58.... never met him. Kicking myself that I never went to see TOTO concert in Japan in the late 80s (I'm in Australia and they never came here until after he passed). Big influence on my music life for sure.
Legend! I was his father's student at PIT back in 1992 when he sadly passed away. A lot of the PIT students went to his funeral. I was there. Will never forget.
Since I started learning drums, my appreciation for Jeff Porcaro's drumming has skyrocketed. His way of playing a beat that can sound deceptively simple but actually be really tricky. Also his drum beat for Pink Floyd - Mother is mind-blowing.
Over the years, I have loved particular songs more than others. Upon looking deeper, it came as a surprise that all of them had Jeff on drums. He left his fingerprints over them all. Gone way too soon but left a hell of a legacy in his short time in this earth. Absolutely loved this video.
Quite literally your favorite drummer's favorite drummer. The energy and feel that he injects in every song cannot be replicated...you can go through the motions exactly, with perfect timing...but the fluidity of his dynamics within each phrase could only come from him.
Jeff is my biggest musical influence, and I'm not even a drummer. Extremely good taste, impeccable execution and, apparently, he was the nicest guy. It's impressive to see how everyone who knew him personally idolizes him.
On "I Keep Forgetting" he said he broke a stick coming out of the chorus at 2:00 so he threw it behind him, did the fill with one hand and grabbed another stick. You can hear where it happens when he comes back in because there is an accent on the hihat on the & of 2. But if you'd never know unless you were told because it fits perfectly. It sounds intentional. I hear it every time and it makes me love the song even more.
The first drummer I ever listened to and got me to understand what a beat was. I remember my dad told me he had died a few years back and I started crying and could not understand that he was no longer with us. Such strong memories, while I was playing drums on buckets with 2 pens to Toto’s records. Jeff will be my favourite drummer forever! Thanks for doing this video, it means the world to me ❤️
Absolutely unreal! I had no idea he did some of those songs like "I Keep Forgettin'", "Dirty Laundry", "Human Nature", and "Beat It". Drumeo, your work and research is literally second to none. Everything you put out is incredible, but I truly love 'The Genius of' series. The in-depth research, interviews, down to the sheet music at the bottom is absolute perfection. Going into this, I mostly just knew "Rosanna", "Africa", and "Hold The Line" but now I'm truly gonna check out every Steely Dan record he cut and other session albums by the likes of Michael McDonald, Don Henley, and Michael Jackson. Thanks for opening my eyes and ears to songs I knew kicked ass but had no idea they were all from this one amazing drummer!
It's almost as if the list of sessions that Porcaro DIDN'T play on is shorter than the list of sessions he did! Jeff's drumming was everywhere in the mid-70s to early-90s, and for good reason. Don't forget about Boz Scaggs: Lido Shuffle and Lowdown are Jeff's, too. 🤯
If you can, seek out some of the old Modern Drummer interviews with Jeff. I know one in particular from maybe 1987 or 88 he gets asked about his playing on some of those sessions. Also look for the Rickie Lee Jones incident! Even after walking out on her (she treated him so bad and unfairly), he was humble and gracious enough to come back and play with her a couple years later when another producer called him for the session...
This was the best all-encompassing video on Jeff's life and career I've ever seen! You did a phenomenal job providing great insight into his life! I'd like to share a story I have of Jeff. I met him at an autograph session when they toured for Toto IV. I told him how much I admired their session work as well as being an avid fan and he was so gracious and humble in his response. To show my dedication to the band, I actually brought my "Turn Back" album for them to sign! Luke said to the guys... "Hey we did sell one of them!" But the best part was they were drinking beers from the signing table and my brother and I were the last in line to get their autographs. It was a hot day and I said to Jeff "that beer looked good" and he replie, "You want one?" and gave me a beer!!! (That would never happen in the PC world today.) This is what makes him special. We all know the incredible talent and God given gift he had as a drummer, but you also hear all the time how he gave back and helped others... and I got to experience that for myself! RIP, Jeff. Gone but never forgotten!
Seriously, Jeff Porcaro remains my favourite drummer of all time. The legacy of music that Jeff left us is truly outstanding, given his short time with us. I can't tell you how many times I've listened to Jeff's playing and it inspires me every time. Just the way he was able to make a groove feel was just pure magic!
Legendary. As an adult I was blown away to find that Jeff was the feel behind so many of the songs I loved as a kid in the 70s and 80s. Simply one the greatest drummers of all time. And an outstanding human being from all that I’ve read and heard. Sad he left this earth so young. Thank you for this fantastic video @DrumeoOfficial
I had the oppertunity to go and visit Jeff at Forrest lawn when I was in high school. We flew in from Sweden because we had a couple of concerts in LA, which was a very cool experience! However, me and a friend went to pay our respects to Jeff, whom is still the biggest influence on my musical journey and when we parked the car at the cemetary I experienced something I”ve never had experienced before. Before even leaving the car, I just broke down sobbing and crying and it didnt stop, same as for my friend. It was so special to get that oppertunity to meet your hero like that in another part of the world, even if Jeff had been gone for 25 years by then. I feel very blessed and I hope to come back and visit him again some day.
I know what you mean - In 2016 I got to visit him and Mike both (I’m a bassist primarily and Mike is my favorite bassist) and it was so surreal, but such an honor to sit and hang with them for a bit. I had met almost everyone from Toto prior to the visit, and afterwards it felt full circle.
Man this is one of the best/finest tribute to The Master Jeffrey I have ever seen! First time I heard "Hold the line" in 79', I was beyond my imagination of what you can do to make groove to a song. My son is born in 95' and I named him Jeffrey to salute The Master! ❤ I know Jeff makes the heaven groove...
As a fellow drummer, I’m so glad to see this tribute! Jeff was one of the most unique, solid, and considerate drummers; always putting the song first. I love Toto!
From all possible drummers I’ve seen or heard Jeff is the number one. The excitement he brings to the songs, more like a songwriter, makes me feel that everything he did was focusing on what the songs are about. No matter what experiment, methods. Having fun while creating meaningful tracks.
After watching this video, I realise that Jeff Porcaro has been with me my whole life. Jeff was involved in all the music I love. He was truly a genius and thank God he was with us all. Thank you for this extraordinary documentary film. Congratulations from Bavaria, Germany
As a young drummer listening to Toto I learned how important groove was and that you need to serve the music. I always noticed that in Toto’s music the drums were grooving and then the fills would explode to make you feel the real highs of the song but the fills weren’t busy they were just tasteful and strong. Love it just as much today! RIP Jeff.
In a world full of Awesome drummers, I still admire and consider Jeff Porcaro as my Number 1 guy on drums until this day. I'm a guitar player myself and Jeff is definitely the drummer I would have love to had behind me on stage.
Always loved Jeff's style and swagger but didn't realize the depth of his involvement and contribution to so many different artists. Monster percussionist with a humble and giving attitude. Still sad at his passing....
There is a lot of drummers I love and respect deeply, but Jeff is the benchmark I all compare them to. And none, absolutely none of them even comes close to Jeff. Thanks for this video and congratulations for the huge job you made on the making of this documentary. I learned one thing from Jeff : the groove lies into the soul you put into your playing and in the dynamics between the hats and the snare.
The biggest thing I've learned from Jeff's drumming is that feel is the most important thing. You could be the best technical drummer in the world or be able to play the most complex, wild stuff, but if you can't make a simple rock beat sound good and feel right, nobody is going to hire you.
RIP Jeff Porcaro. Wow I had no idea he played on so many of these tracks ! He had such a big impact on shaping me as a drummer. Thank you Jeff 🙏🏻 Gone but not forgotten ❤️
Porcaro is my fav of all time for groove and beats...even above Gadd...I LOVE playing Lido Shuffle with my band back in the day...he's the master of the studio drummers...usually first takes too!
Thank you BRANDON. Couldn’t ask for a more fitting tribute for such a Humble Genius, in Jeff Porcaro. To this day, one of my absolute favorites, often copied, never duplicated. He lives in our hearts and through his magical contributions to music and drumming. Well done DRUMEO. 🙏🙏🙏
Jeff drummed on everything. I read a story about him recording for Bryan Duncan on the album Anonymous Confessions of a Lunatic Friend. In the article, Bryan Duncan was asking the engineers, “when can you tell when this guy is playing his best?” What a privilege to be able to listen to Jeff!
it blows my mind he accomplished so much and had such influence on so many famous songs and musicians ,all in a short period of time 38 years old trully a blessed man and musical genius
Gary Katz (producer of Steely Dan) told this story about the Jeff and Rickie Lee Jones incident wherein Rickie Lee Jones wants to report Jeff Porcaro to the union about the incident. But Gary Katz told her and her producer that once she reported Jeff Porcaro to the union, she will never ever get a musician in L.A again, and he said that’s how famous Jeff was during those days.
@@KitWriterApparently,Ricky Lee Jones was being impossible with JP, where nothing he did was working for her. He lost his temper and stabbed through all of the drum heads with a stick and walked out of the session.
This brought tears to my eyes! Jeff's contribution for music is so huge that me here in brazil recognize almost every hit that he played on. He is like a part of the family, all the memories around the songs and everything. But hey he is just that: an imortal member of the global drumming community! God bless the Porcaro Family!! Thank You all from Drumeo for this tribute!!
The song 'Mother' by Pink Floyd, you mentioned the producers were on a tight schedule and that was the reason Jeff played. Pink Floyd's drummer Nick Mason wasn't able to play the off time signature beat that Roger and or the producers wanted. Hence this is the real reason they had Jeff record that song.
This is by far the best one you’ve produced. I’m having chills and tears watching this. I remember crying like a baby the day I heard of his passing. There will never be another Jeff Porcaro
Yep. The best drummer I've ever heard. He left us too soon but, he lives in everyone of us who tried to copy his work. The Man. The master. The Drummer!
I have squillions of drummers I got inspiration from over the past 50 years, but Jeff was one of my early idols since I first heard Rosanna in 1982. After the sad news of his all too soon death, I even went and purchased a black Pearl SLX Session Elite kit with a Jeff Porcaro signature drum rack along with Paiste cymbals to pretty much match Jeff’s kit at the time. I still have that kit and it’s been around the world with me. There is one song that could have been a mention in this great video by Drumeo, “These Chains” from the Seventh One album. The shuffle, the ghosts notes, the intricacy of how Jeff played it is nothing short of sublime.
Man, Jeff Porcaro. I just know you now but you taught me drumming and open all my mind about drumming and music. Thanks for the revelation master. Rest in Peace Jeff Porcaro ❤
Thanks for this wonderful tribute to Jeff. I consider myself to be a very lucky man because I went to high school with the musical Porcaro Bros. I graduated with Mike in 73. In 1974, I saw Jeff play his first gigs with Steely Dan and saw Mike play with Seals and Crofts. It was quite a year for both of them. I'm glad you mentioned Jack Daughtry and The Class of Nineteen Seventy One. Jeff, at 17, double drumming with Jim Keltner on 3 songs, it's fantastic. Word was that Jeff had to leave the session early. He had a math test the next day.
Damn it man...😢... such a great tribute.. Im Definitely embarrassed about the lack of knowledge of everything that he has done outside of Toto I had no idea... Dude was as cool as other side of the pillow..... cheers to you Jeff🍻
Jeff taught me that no matter what's going on in the song, in my playing, or in my restless soul, never leave the pocket. The pocket is the drummer's home, and without it I have no business playing a single stroke.
Put on When I Need You by Leo Sayer. Some of Jeff's absolute best work. Incredible feel, completely transparent & soulful. His work cannot be duplicated or even emulated.
Yeah. His dynamics on that song is superfinest. And that fills after sax solo. Its so powerful. It sounds simple in ear but actually it is hard when you try to do it, maybe you can get the pattern but not the feel. Same as Vinnie was saying to Rosanna, most of them can play the beat but as he said, they cannot get the feel.
Jeff was about always drumming in service to the song, never overshadowing anyone, always trying to make the track better. He was never flashy, yet ironically I am often distracted by just how *perfect* his drumming could be 😂 But I suspect that Jeff, in all his modesty, would be ok with that.
I remember watching Jeff’s instructional videos on loop, there is something haunting about the way he explains things… the porcaro family has given the world so much!
Gavin Harrison has always said that Jeff is his greatest inspiration and role model. If you put on Dire Straits - Planet of New Orlean, you get the feeling that it's Gavin playing it. But it's Jeff playing it. It's the finest work.
I know nothing about drumming but love music. This guy's drumming puts me in another world. Like Neil Peart, I went and stared at the drummer in concert, not the other members.
Yes! The phenomenal Jeff Porcaro. Been waiting for this one. Hopefully we get a playthrough of Jake To The Bone by someone one day. One of my fav instrumentals. And Kingdom Of Desire is one of my fav albums. Sadly his last with TOTO
Solid tribute, I didn't even know until I was far into adulthood, and as a drummer, how much Jeff was an influence. A million and a half amazing drummers in the world today, owe Porcaro a debt of gratitude.
I cut my teeth listening to him play hold the line...that song came out when I had been playing for a year or so. Totally blew me away then and still does 45+ years later
I am a bass player and can say that Jeff’s music and influences are not only restricted to drumming. The feel, the swing, the great music that he created has reached so many people in the world that 10 generations of musicians will carry his legacy. I am only one of those and I hope to be blessed in any way with his magic.
Jeff Porcaro is a vital part of drumming history, shaping how drummers play today. 🙏🏼 You can play along these songs inside Drumeo - Click on the link to get started: www.drumeo.com/trial.
About time you did this! Thank you so much! Love to watch you vids! Greetings from Argentina!! Drum on!
Amazing video about one of the greatest drummers of all time! Just one little detail! Jeffs work for Earth wind and Fire wasn't on the album 'Touch the World' but on 'I Am'. ;-)
Jeff non era solamente un batterista....era la Batteria...❤
Those Istanbul Cymbals sound gorgeous! 😮
Nice T-shirt, Brandon!
Stoked how this one turned out! Thanks for watching!❤
Brandon i am a huge fan of you and drumeo keep up the good work
hey Brandon! it would be great if you make an episode focused on Carlos Vega as well!
This was great, very great. For me, Drumeo and Beato is number one in music journalism.
I had tears in my eyes to be honest..🥲 beautiful! 🙏♥️
Hell yeah man, great job
Joe Porcaro was a teacher of mine at PIT in 1991. He was an amazing drummer and human. He would tell us Jeff's latest session or touring stories all the time(like Bruce Springsteen offering Jeff a million dollars to go on tour). We had a Steely Dan class, and one day, while I was onstage playing caves of altimira, Jeff walked in. I was about to freak out. He walked right up to me and put his hand on my shoulder and said quietly..."relax"...we both laughed out loud. He was such a humble person. Watching him play up close was truly extraordinary.
I'm happy for you, that you've had that experience.
@@radkon67have you had same experience?
What experience do you mean?
☝️🏻❤️🔥
I bet. That's fantastic man!
Jeff's work on 99 made me realize how crucial it is to FEEL THE GROOVE. Those hihat lifts are PERFECT too.
Underrated song
And that cowbell......(that I just "discover" few years ago) listening 99 since I can remember🤷🏻♂️ shame on me.
Toto basically wrote most of the music on Thriller, and made a few thousand bucks while MJ got to be a mega star. They said "FK THAT" and stop being session musicians. Toto was born. That's what happened.
beat it wouldnt exist without Jeff Porcaro saving the 1st gen tapes with new click track
I STILL find songs I grew up listening to (I'm 54) that when I look at the credits, there's Jeff Porcaro. That dude played on damn near everything. I think the one thing that set him apart (other than that cats inhuman playing ability) is how generous he was with his time. There's a very old VHS interview on YT of him doing a clinic at the Musicians Institute. In this clinic he states how he would help other upcoming musicians and not charge them a cent for his playing. This guy is one of the most recorded and in demand session drummers of our time. And he gave of his time and talents. Jeff is the role model our world needs!!! RIP Jeff... you're influence is still felt and heard today as it was when you were in the studio.
Yeah Man. ❤❤❤❤
I'm the same age and fully relate to your comment. 😊
@@murrayaforsman The crazy thing is a few months ago, I heard a song that I hadn't heard in DECADES. Its called, "You Should Hear How She Talks About You" by Melissa Manchester. I almost immediately recognized the drumming and thought, "that sounds like Porcaro.." well.... he did the drum track. He is just on another level man... Stay safe...
@@mikebyrddrumsWow he played on that. GREAT TRACK!!!
@@sirjer73 I know right? That guy played on so much back then. He played drums on Christopher Cross' "Arthur's Theme", Eric Clapton's "Forever Man".... and on and on... If you are a music history buff like me, I HIGHLY recommend reading Steve Lukather's book, "The Gospel According to Luke" and most definitely the two books from Robyn Flans on Jeff Porcaro. All great reads on how the music scene was back in the 70s, 80s and 90s.
As an adolescent, I was all about technical drummers like Peart, Portnoy, Weckl, Donati, etc. Now, as a 40 year-old professional player myself, the drumming of cats like Jeff Porcaro, Ed Greene, Steve Gadd, Bernard Purdie and J.R. Robinson are where my priorities and heart are. Grooving, making your bandmates comfortable and your audience tap their feet...that's the biggest lesson I've learned from Jeff Porcaro!
A true *musician* par excellence, there will never be another like him. Thanks for this important tribute to a groove titan.
Å
Let's also not forget Omar Hakim, Sonny Emory, Dennis Chambers and Carter Beauford, who all play with incredible feel and pocket as well.
Peart may have been a technical drummer but hey it's Rush.
Same here! still love the technical guys, but getting older i’ve found myself really loving the groove and pocket players
It was back in the late 80s (1988). I joined the army (in Finland)…a depressing time ahead. My band had recently broke up,and it seemed like I was going nowhere . Then the album “the seventh one “ came out. And as soon as I heard his drumming on Home of the Brave, I decided to continue playing, no matter how bad I felt inside. He was and still is, a special inspiration , an uplift every time I get the same feeling and mental breakdown that I had back in those days.
R.I.P Jeff.
The thing with Jeff that always gobsmacked me is that you can solo out his track and still hear the song always. Amazing musician and my favorite drummer of all time
Gosh you’re boring
Yess
I was with the Toto Touring crew in the early 80s , I will never forget Jeff, the craft,skill, power and as a drummer he would always stop and talk and show his trade .A true gentleman and pure musician 🎶🎵🥁🥁
His legacy is that feel & groove is everything. Something that desperately needs to be rekindled in today’s musical climate!
I think that you are doing that with your channel!!!👍😎
@@Drumn4Him1 Well hi there! 🤩
Thank you, greatest compliment ever. I certainly try to work in that direction 🙏🏻😅
Sleep Token
@@5609Ali I don’t follow, as in a drummer that doesn’t need rekindling?
@@flowerlandofjohn sorry, I should have explained; in a sense, yes. He’s got such deep pocket, incredible chops and something quasi-melodic about his parts.
The biggest and deepest pocket ever. But not just that. The subtlety, finesse, feel, and technical ability, all combined with a sense of time like a masterwork clock. You know you're at the top when Fagen and Becker want you to play on so many of their tracks.
Yeah playing with the Dan at 19 that's like Tony Williams playing with Miles at 17!!!!!
"Silk Degrees" alone captures every aspect of pinnacle drumming.
I need to check that out! For me it's "I keep forgettin". It's just...perfect.
Man that’s how I feel about “Katy Lied” haha! “Silk Degrees” is so killer, too!
Low Down
Harbor lights...
This is beautiful. I'm not even a drummer. He was indeed a real legend and a master of his instrument. His legacy on Toto and pop music will live forever. Almighty Groove Master, Jeff Porcaro! Greatly missed.
My No1 drummer since I was a kid & still (56yrs old) a massive influence on my musical taste and drumming. Was lucky enough to meet him 3 times & see him play with Toto before he was taken from us way too early. His other trait that struck me personally when I first met him in 88 was how humble he was, a quality he taught me when I was 21 & is still with me today!
I'm also 56, and a drummer. I've never met Jeff, but still listen and play along to his grooves. Toto was hugely admired among musicians here in Sweden.
I'm 58.... never met him. Kicking myself that I never went to see TOTO concert in Japan in the late 80s (I'm in Australia and they never came here until after he passed). Big influence on my music life for sure.
Legend! I was his father's student at PIT back in 1992 when he sadly passed away. A lot of the PIT students went to his funeral. I was there. Will never forget.
Pourquoi est il parti si vite ?
J'ai pris une méchante baffe lors de sa mort, je crois que j'ai pleuré 😢
Since I started learning drums, my appreciation for Jeff Porcaro's drumming has skyrocketed. His way of playing a beat that can sound deceptively simple but actually be really tricky. Also his drum beat for Pink Floyd - Mother is mind-blowing.
Over the years, I have loved particular songs more than others. Upon looking deeper, it came as a surprise that all of them had Jeff on drums. He left his fingerprints over them all. Gone way too soon but left a hell of a legacy in his short time in this earth. Absolutely loved this video.
Quite literally your favorite drummer's favorite drummer. The energy and feel that he injects in every song cannot be replicated...you can go through the motions exactly, with perfect timing...but the fluidity of his dynamics within each phrase could only come from him.
I was Joe's student when Jeff walked in and said can I borrow the black drum set dad? A-l-o-h-a
Jeff is my biggest musical influence, and I'm not even a drummer. Extremely good taste, impeccable execution and, apparently, he was the nicest guy. It's impressive to see how everyone who knew him personally idolizes him.
On "I Keep Forgetting" he said he broke a stick coming out of the chorus at 2:00 so he threw it behind him, did the fill with one hand and grabbed another stick. You can hear where it happens when he comes back in because there is an accent on the hihat on the & of 2. But if you'd never know unless you were told because it fits perfectly. It sounds intentional. I hear it every time and it makes me love the song even more.
I love when you can hear stuff like that, I’m gonna go listen!
Oh, that's awesome. Off to listen.
Jeff Porcaro is on my Mount Rushmore of rock drummers with Pratt, Copeland, and Bonzo. He had a pocket that will never be equaled.
Him and Copeland have 2 of the best pockets
Pratt??
@@Hhhlll7778 Chris Pratt
@@Hhhlll7778 Pratt refers to Neil Peart of RUSH. Whose nickname was Pratt.
Where Vinnie? Where Niel?
The first drummer I ever listened to and got me to understand what a beat was. I remember my dad told me he had died a few years back and I started crying and could not understand that he was no longer with us. Such strong memories, while I was playing drums on buckets with 2 pens to Toto’s records. Jeff will be my favourite drummer forever! Thanks for doing this video, it means the world to me ❤️
Absolutely unreal! I had no idea he did some of those songs like "I Keep Forgettin'", "Dirty Laundry", "Human Nature", and "Beat It". Drumeo, your work and research is literally second to none. Everything you put out is incredible, but I truly love 'The Genius of' series. The in-depth research, interviews, down to the sheet music at the bottom is absolute perfection. Going into this, I mostly just knew "Rosanna", "Africa", and "Hold The Line" but now I'm truly gonna check out every Steely Dan record he cut and other session albums by the likes of Michael McDonald, Don Henley, and Michael Jackson. Thanks for opening my eyes and ears to songs I knew kicked ass but had no idea they were all from this one amazing drummer!
It's almost as if the list of sessions that Porcaro DIDN'T play on is shorter than the list of sessions he did! Jeff's drumming was everywhere in the mid-70s to early-90s, and for good reason.
Don't forget about Boz Scaggs: Lido Shuffle and Lowdown are Jeff's, too. 🤯
If you can, seek out some of the old Modern Drummer interviews with Jeff. I know one in particular from maybe 1987 or 88 he gets asked about his playing on some of those sessions. Also look for the Rickie Lee Jones incident! Even after walking out on her (she treated him so bad and unfairly), he was humble and gracious enough to come back and play with her a couple years later when another producer called him for the session...
Also his work with George Benson and AL Jarreau especially Breaking Away!!!
This was the best all-encompassing video on Jeff's life and career I've ever seen! You did a phenomenal job providing great insight into his life!
I'd like to share a story I have of Jeff. I met him at an autograph session when they toured for Toto IV. I told him how much I admired their session work as well as being an avid fan and he was so gracious and humble in his response. To show my dedication to the band, I actually brought my "Turn Back" album for them to sign! Luke said to the guys... "Hey we did sell one of them!"
But the best part was they were drinking beers from the signing table and my brother and I were the last in line to get their autographs. It was a hot day and I said to Jeff "that beer looked good" and he replie, "You want one?" and gave me a beer!!! (That would never happen in the PC world today.) This is what makes him special. We all know the incredible talent and God given gift he had as a drummer, but you also hear all the time how he gave back and helped others... and I got to experience that for myself! RIP, Jeff. Gone but never forgotten!
Seriously, Jeff Porcaro remains my favourite drummer of all time. The legacy of music that Jeff left us is truly outstanding, given his short time with us. I can't tell you how many times I've listened to Jeff's playing and it inspires me every time. Just the way he was able to make a groove feel was just pure magic!
Legendary. As an adult I was blown away to find that Jeff was the feel behind so many of the songs I loved as a kid in the 70s and 80s. Simply one the greatest drummers of all time. And an outstanding human being from all that I’ve read and heard. Sad he left this earth so young. Thank you for this fantastic video @DrumeoOfficial
His 16th’s, ghostnotes and sense of time and groove (shuffle, swing etc.). One of my idols. ❤
I had the oppertunity to go and visit Jeff at Forrest lawn when I was in high school. We flew in from Sweden because we had a couple of concerts in LA, which was a very cool experience!
However, me and a friend went to pay our respects to Jeff, whom is still the biggest influence on my musical journey and when we parked the car at the cemetary I experienced something I”ve never had experienced before. Before even leaving the car, I just broke down sobbing and crying and it didnt stop, same as for my friend.
It was so special to get that oppertunity to meet your hero like that in another part of the world, even if Jeff had been gone for 25 years by then.
I feel very blessed and I hope to come back and visit him again some day.
I know what you mean - In 2016 I got to visit him and Mike both (I’m a bassist primarily and Mike is my favorite bassist) and it was so surreal, but such an honor to sit and hang with them for a bit. I had met almost everyone from Toto prior to the visit, and afterwards it felt full circle.
Man this is one of the best/finest tribute to The Master Jeffrey I have ever seen! First time I heard "Hold the line" in 79', I was beyond my imagination of what you can do to make groove to a song.
My son is born in 95' and I named him Jeffrey to salute The Master! ❤ I know Jeff makes the heaven groove...
Toto is iconic and the Porcaro family is a treasure to us all.
As a fellow drummer, I’m so glad to see this tribute! Jeff was one of the most unique, solid, and considerate drummers; always putting the song first. I love Toto!
From all possible drummers I’ve seen or heard Jeff is the number one. The excitement he brings to the songs, more like a songwriter, makes me feel that everything he did was focusing on what the songs are about. No matter what experiment, methods. Having fun while creating meaningful tracks.
After watching this video, I realise that Jeff Porcaro has been with me my whole life. Jeff was involved in all the music I love. He was truly a genius and thank God he was with us all. Thank you for this extraordinary documentary film. Congratulations from Bavaria, Germany
As a young drummer listening to Toto I learned how important groove was and that you need to serve the music. I always noticed that in Toto’s music the drums were grooving and then the fills would explode to make you feel the real highs of the song but the fills weren’t busy they were just tasteful and strong. Love it just as much today! RIP Jeff.
In a world full of Awesome drummers, I still admire and consider Jeff Porcaro as my Number 1 guy on drums until this day. I'm a guitar player myself and Jeff is definitely the drummer I would have love to had behind me on stage.
Jeff Porcaro is an absolute legend! And I love that I'm named after him!
Always loved Jeff's style and swagger but didn't realize the depth of his involvement and contribution to so many different artists. Monster percussionist with a humble and giving attitude. Still sad at his passing....
Finally. It was about time. In fact, this is way overdue. Porcaro is the GOAT!
This man was a true genius. The rosanna intro is still one of my favourite shuffles
Jeff is the definition of “Genius” I still remember the day he died. The Greatest of all time!
Jeff's story on turning down Zappa amazes me. Zappa was always meticulous of his drummers and to be invited by him says a great deal.
His pocket, time and feel are nearly impossible to replicate. What a drumming genious and a humble guy.
There is a lot of drummers I love and respect deeply, but Jeff is the benchmark I all compare them to. And none, absolutely none of them even comes close to Jeff. Thanks for this video and congratulations for the huge job you made on the making of this documentary. I learned one thing from Jeff : the groove lies into the soul you put into your playing and in the dynamics between the hats and the snare.
One of my favorite drummers. Even when I mostly listened to Metal and hard rock only, I always listened to ToTo and Jeff's drumming. Gone way to early
The biggest thing I've learned from Jeff's drumming is that feel is the most important thing. You could be the best technical drummer in the world or be able to play the most complex, wild stuff, but if you can't make a simple rock beat sound good and feel right, nobody is going to hire you.
Precisely why I am not impressed with Donati.
He is technical for the sake of technical with usually no regard to feel, groove, soul..
RIP Jeff Porcaro. Wow I had no idea he played on so many of these tracks ! He had such a big impact on shaping me as a drummer. Thank you Jeff 🙏🏻 Gone but not forgotten ❤️
Porcaro is my fav of all time for groove and beats...even above Gadd...I LOVE playing Lido Shuffle with my band back in the day...he's the master of the studio drummers...usually first takes too!
FINALLY! 😂 He’s really a drummers drummer. Forget charts and rudiments… play from your heart.
Where can I begin…a genius, a huge inspiration and influence for me. All my admiration and respect for Jeff.
Thanks, Thanks, Thanks for This.
Jeff Porcaro forever ❤️
Thank you BRANDON. Couldn’t ask for a more fitting tribute for such a Humble Genius, in Jeff Porcaro. To this day, one of my absolute favorites, often copied, never duplicated. He lives in our hearts and through his magical contributions to music and drumming. Well done DRUMEO. 🙏🙏🙏
Jeff was a drum master. His playing was so on point with the music. Incredible musician. Thanks to God we were able to enjoy this man!
Jeff's 16th notes on the hi-hat are out of this world *chef's kiss*
Jeff drummed on everything. I read a story about him recording for Bryan Duncan on the album Anonymous Confessions of a Lunatic Friend. In the article, Bryan Duncan was asking the engineers, “when can you tell when this guy is playing his best?” What a privilege to be able to listen to Jeff!
I would've never guessed that these genius videos would bring me close to tears, more so than any other media lol.
it blows my mind he accomplished so much and had such influence on so many famous songs and musicians ,all in a short period of time 38 years old
trully a blessed man and musical genius
Gary Katz (producer of Steely Dan) told this story about the Jeff and Rickie Lee Jones incident wherein
Rickie Lee Jones wants to report Jeff Porcaro to the union about the incident. But Gary Katz told her and her producer that once she reported Jeff Porcaro to the union, she will never ever get a musician in L.A again, and he said that’s how famous Jeff was during those days.
So what was the incident?? 😆
@@KitWriterApparently,Ricky Lee Jones was being impossible with JP, where nothing he did was working for her. He lost his temper and stabbed through all of the drum heads with a stick and walked out of the session.
Jeff Porcaro was the drummer with the perfect balance between creativity and soulful feeling that ever walked this earth.
My favorite drummer of all time. I enjoyed this video very much. Didn't know about Chicago 17. wow! Amazing album.
This brought tears to my eyes! Jeff's contribution for music is so huge that me here in brazil recognize almost every hit that he played on. He is like a part of the family, all the memories around the songs and everything. But hey he is just that: an imortal member of the global drumming community! God bless the Porcaro Family!! Thank You all from Drumeo for this tribute!!
I love Toto thanks for going in depth on Jeff what a wonderful soul.
Jeff Porcaro the Magician! Every time he plays on a track, he gave it a special feel that make me felt so good.
The song 'Mother' by Pink Floyd, you mentioned the producers were on a tight schedule and that was the reason Jeff played. Pink Floyd's drummer Nick Mason wasn't able to play the off time signature beat that Roger and or the producers wanted. Hence this is the real reason they had Jeff record that song.
Mason failed prog school!
Also, JOE Porcaro played ROPE drum on one of the tunes on this iconic record.
I saw Elton in Biloxi a few years ago. "EMPTY GARDEN " was the only track not played.
Mason was a crap drummer
There’s a mountain of lucky guys in the history of rock music, and Mason stands at the top
This is by far the best one you’ve produced.
I’m having chills and tears watching this.
I remember crying like a baby the day I heard of his passing.
There will never be another Jeff Porcaro
Excellent tribute to one of the best drummers that will ever be. Well done Brandon
Yep. The best drummer I've ever heard. He left us too soon but, he lives in everyone of us who tried to copy his work. The Man. The master. The Drummer!
all these songs I didn't know jeff played on !!
I have squillions of drummers I got inspiration from over the past 50 years, but Jeff was one of my early idols since I first heard Rosanna in 1982. After the sad news of his all too soon death, I even went and purchased a black Pearl SLX Session Elite kit with a Jeff Porcaro signature drum rack along with Paiste cymbals to pretty much match Jeff’s kit at the time. I still have that kit and it’s been around the world with me. There is one song that could have been a mention in this great video by Drumeo, “These Chains” from the Seventh One album. The shuffle, the ghosts notes, the intricacy of how Jeff played it is nothing short of sublime.
As a huge fan of Jeff, I thoroughly enjoyed this.
What a great tribute to one of the greatest ever to sit behind the drums. Thanks Brandon and thanks Drumeo.
Man, Jeff Porcaro. I just know you now but you taught me drumming and open all my mind about drumming and music. Thanks for the revelation master. Rest in Peace Jeff Porcaro ❤
Thanks for this wonderful tribute to Jeff. I consider myself to be a very lucky man because I went to high school with the musical Porcaro Bros. I graduated with Mike in 73.
In 1974, I saw Jeff play his first gigs with Steely Dan and saw Mike play with Seals and Crofts. It was quite a year for both of them.
I'm glad you mentioned Jack Daughtry and The Class of Nineteen Seventy One. Jeff, at 17, double drumming with Jim Keltner on 3 songs, it's fantastic. Word was that Jeff had to leave the session early. He had a math test the next day.
I’ve been waiting for this video ever since I stumbled across this series, Jeff is my #1 favourite drummer of all time
Brandon you did a wonderful job celebrating Jeff Porcaro drumming and musicality
Except that he got Rosanna wrong.
A really comprehensive review of his career. Great job, Brandon.
Damn it man...😢... such a great tribute..
Im Definitely embarrassed about the lack of knowledge of everything that he has done outside of Toto I had no idea...
Dude was as cool as other side of the pillow..... cheers to you Jeff🍻
Thanks Drumeo ! Jeff is a giant ❤
R.i.p 🥁 ❤Heaven Jeff Porcarco⚘️🎶🥁
He played drums on "mother" by pink floyd on The Wall album. He is truly great and he is literally everywhere. where you would least expect it
Jeff taught me that no matter what's going on in the song, in my playing, or in my restless soul, never leave the pocket. The pocket is the drummer's home, and without it I have no business playing a single stroke.
What a tribute, good job Brandon and the Drumeo crew!
❤
Probably one of the best drummers. Probably one of the best music docus I have ever seen, wow.
Put on When I Need You by Leo Sayer.
Some of Jeff's absolute best work.
Incredible feel, completely transparent & soulful.
His work cannot be duplicated or even emulated.
Yeah. His dynamics on that song is superfinest. And that fills after sax solo. Its so powerful. It sounds simple in ear but actually it is hard when you try to do it, maybe you can get the pattern but not the feel. Same as Vinnie was saying to Rosanna, most of them can play the beat but as he said, they cannot get the feel.
I’m 63, and Jeff has been one of my all time favorite drummers!
Incredible musician!! RIP to Jeff although he will live in our souls for ever!!
NO ONE will ever be able to imitate Jeff's feel and deep, deep pocket. It's just not possible!!
Jeff was about always drumming in service to the song, never overshadowing anyone, always trying to make the track better. He was never flashy, yet ironically I am often distracted by just how *perfect* his drumming could be 😂 But I suspect that Jeff, in all his modesty, would be ok with that.
I remember watching Jeff’s instructional videos on loop, there is something haunting about the way he explains things… the porcaro family has given the world so much!
Gavin Harrison has always said that Jeff is his greatest inspiration and role model. If you put on Dire Straits - Planet of New Orlean, you get the feeling that it's Gavin playing it. But it's Jeff playing it. It's the finest work.
Manu Katche played that song.
@@user-fc7xr3eg4c Oh my god, I didn't know that))) Thank you!
So, only the first part of my post is relevant then!
They are both great.
I know nothing about drumming but love music. This guy's drumming puts me in another world. Like Neil Peart, I went and stared at the drummer in concert, not the other members.
Yes! The phenomenal Jeff Porcaro. Been waiting for this one. Hopefully we get a playthrough of Jake To The Bone by someone one day. One of my fav instrumentals. And Kingdom Of Desire is one of my fav albums. Sadly his last with TOTO
Solid tribute, I didn't even know until I was far into adulthood, and as a drummer, how much Jeff was an influence. A million and a half amazing drummers in the world today, owe Porcaro a debt of gratitude.
We need only two words to describe Jeff' drumming . 'Simple' 'Hard'. Sounds 'simple' but 'hard' to play. Great job bro.
I cut my teeth listening to him play hold the line...that song came out when I had been playing for a year or so. Totally blew me away then and still does 45+ years later
Great tribute to Jeff, he was simply the best groove drummer and the best guy in the room, big respect 🥁🪘
I am a bass player and can say that Jeff’s music and influences are not only restricted to drumming. The feel, the swing, the great music that he created has reached so many people in the world that 10 generations of musicians will carry his legacy. I am only one of those and I hope to be blessed in any way with his magic.
My favorite Toto song Straight for the heart has some incredible drumming too. That's what I loved about him...he gave his all on every track!
The way Jeff and Mike held it down together was incredible.
He was the best groove drummer ever to come out of the studio in a long time