Tag Archives: Motown

Benny Benjamin’s Unbeatable Timing

SKF NOTE: Piecing together for my History of Rock Drumming series the mystery that was Motown‘s drummers, I called Motown’s offices for help, and Brian Holland spoke with me! I didn’t ask to speak with Mr. Holland. I imagine the … Continue reading

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George Benson on Motown’s Jazz Musicians

SKF NOTE: A music history lesson from guitarist/singer George Benson. He’s absolutely correct about Motown’s now famous studio jazz musicians. I was surprised at first to learn how many rock musicians of the 40s and 50s were either jazz musicians, … Continue reading

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Al Duncan – Great Ears and a Good Memory (Circa 1981)

SKF NOTE: (April 11, 2022) – Today I added the audio for Al Duncan’s interview with me around 1981. Mr. Duncan’s nephew, Michael Haggins, is a musician too. He has three smooth jazz CD’s of his own available, and he … Continue reading

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Nice to Meet and Hear You, Smokey Johnson

SKF NOTE: There’s always one more drummer to learn about, isn’t there? This morning, scrolling through online news I stop at this provocative headline about New Orleans drummer Smokey Johnson: “His playing wasn’t just hot; this New Orleans drummer was … Continue reading

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Drummers Played a Major Part Creating Motown Music

SKF NOTE: This is part of a phone interview on May 12, 1982 with Motown’s Brian Holland. It’s important readers understand how little information existed at this time on Motown’s drummers. Their identities were not well-known. Once the principal drummers … Continue reading

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