Jul 7, 2020
What keeps you humble?
"I know I can always be better than I am today."
After you've toured with John Cougar Mellencamp, Smashing Pumpkins, and Melissa Etheridge, you might also have to think about how to remain humble.
Kenny's musical background might surprise you, he earned his percussion chops playing classical music, and studying in one of the most prestigious musical programs in the country. He was even offered a position with the Jerusalem Symphony when he finished college, but turned it down because he knew that wasn't the path for him.
Of course he has lots of great stories, and many involve celebrity rock stars, but my favorites from this conversation were about his family, where he grew up, how he prepares for playtime, and how he receives feedback and guidance.
The complexity of Kenny Aronoff and his work might just surprise you.
Visit the blog post associated with this podcast on my website for more details and images from our discussion.
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Kenny was named one of Rolling Stone Magazine's "Greatest 100 Drummers of All Time":
"Best known as John Mellencamp's hard-bashing drummer from 1980 to 1996, Kenny Aronoff is fully capable of banging out flashy fills — let's not forget the tumble that leads into the bridge of "Jack and Diane." But he's equally at home sitting in the pocket and keeping a sturdy beat. "[As the drummer], I'm the employee," he told Esquire. "My job is to listen, learn, lead. And I understand I'm not the boss." With a sixth sense for what makes music pop and the patience to take direction, he's ended up as a go-to studio beatsmith for the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Neil Diamond, Eric Clapton, John Fogerty, Sting, the Smashing Pumpkins, Lady Gaga and tons more."
You can purchase Kenny's book, Sex, Drums, & Rock 'n' Roll on bookshop.org (to support independent booksellers) or Amazon. Visit his website to learn more!