On August 5th 1992, Jeff Porcaro passed away. At the time of his death, Jeff was one of the most recorded drummers in L.A. As one of the founders of the band Toto, along with his brother Steve and later joined by brother Mike, Jeff was responsible for the irresistible grooves of hits such as "'99", "Hold the Line", "Africa" and of course, "Rosanna". Many of Toto's songs were birthed not from great lyrics or a melody with a great hook, but from drum patterns that just made you feel the music. Once I heard the bands 1978 hit "Hold the Line", I was hooked. They remain my favorite band today. Some of Jeff's work outside of Toto:
Michael McDonald's song "I Keep Forgetting" which became the foundation for Warren G's early 1990's pop-rap song "Regulate" and featured Jeff's signature one handed 16th note high hat groove.
"Beat It" by Michael Jackson, featuring a guitar solo by none other than Eddie Van Halen.
Don Henley's hits "Dirty Laundry" and "New York Minute".
Jeff was also featured on projects by Eric Clapton, Elton John, Steely Dan, Bruce Springsteen and many many more.
For over a decade there was rarely a top ten list which did not include one of the songs or albums on which Jeff had played.
Jeff was my first virtual mentor in music. I listen to his recording over and over and over. I memorized his most famous grooves and tried to play them to perfection. For hours after school I would sit in my room and work through my favorite Toto songs. As a teenager, it became one of my goals in life to attend a Jeff Porcaro clinic and have the opportunity to meet him. I was never able to live out that dream.
As I grew older my fascination with his gift moved from idolatry to true admiration and appreciation. He had a gift that few share at that level. I miss his contribution to the music world.
So today I remember Jeff and listen to his music.
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