RIP Joe Morello (1928-2011)
I had three drum lessons when I was 13 to learn how to read from a guy named Dave Hanlon in Syracuse. The only other lessons I've ever had were from Joe, and they were 15 years apart. I went to him in '09 for the second one. I kind of knew this was coming after leaving that lesson. I'm very sad about this. My entire rudimentary practice routine has come from him. The last lesson I had with him was basically a confirmation that everything he had told me 15 years earlier was right and that I should stay on that track. What he taught me was literally the foundation of everything I will ever do on the drums and the value of having the confidence of knowing the instruction I received from him is as sound as it is can not be over stated. I owe him for correcting my mistakes, putting me on a right path and keeping me on it. Amazing. I am so grateful! - Jon Fishman, Vermont, 2011
Jon,
I have music in my head but not in my fingers. I'm not much of a musician. I admire you guys so much for all you have done and continue to produce. I went with my two sons to see you at Verizon Wireless at Noblesville, IN last year for both shows and the fabulous experience has stuck with me. I live for another show this year. Right now, I am in a hotel in Cleveland listening to both of the August shows as I write this.
It is a moving experience for me to read your humble words about Joe and the profound effect he had on you. It displays the human side of your very public personna.
One of my friends from the sixties was a rudimentary drummer and I would have never known the name Joe Morello if not for him. He once told me how Joe could could do a one-handed drum roll. Wow.
Love you guys.
Mike Kazacoff
Noblesville, Indiana
The first time I realized my son Leo might be a drummer was when I wandered into the living room and found him banging away on a plastic tub to "Take Five" in perfect swinging 5/4 time. He wasn't even 2 years old, not even really talking yet, but I still remember the way he looked up at me, with a huge smile on his face. Now he's 9 years old, on his third trap kit, and still playing along to Joe Morello, and now to you as well.
I took Leo to see Billy Martin a few months back - he was holding a workshop with his first drum teacher, Allen Herman, the accomplished Broadway drummer. After the session, illyB and Allen came out and stood around chatting with us for a little while, and Allen asked why my son liked the drums. I mentioned "Take Five," and Allen got it immediately - he told us that seeing Joe Morello play with Dave Brubeck at the Town Hall is what made him want to become a drummer. Joe touched a lot of people. As sad as it is to lose him, it's wonderful to see the connections that he inspired - from Allen to illyB, from you to my son. Thanks, Jon, and thank you Joe!
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