I know I publicly give @Steve_Ferrone his flowers round here BUT when it comes to “who was the spark that inspired me to drum?” Truth be told? I clocked in a fazillion hours listening & idolizing the late great #FredWhite of @EarthWindAndFire (drumming & practicing #NewWorldSymphony from the #Gratitude lp like FOREVER). He was also one of the first left handed drummers I ever saw. I believe once after seeing the 81 EWF Raise Tour on @HBO I think i tried playing left handed (reverse) for like 2 weeks just to see if I could adjust like Fred/Phil Collins/Jellybean Johnson/Morris Day (I’m actually left handed but I play traditional right handed style) Major major part of my childhood drumming development (s/o to brother @Ralph_Johnson.EWF —-the other pilar of percussion/drums in #EWF also) The live shows of Earth Wind & Fire were super epic because (along w Pfunk & Labelle) they were the first out the gate to introduce theatrics & magic for black concerts levitating & laser & explosions n’ whatnot. His elevation to stage level from the ground WAS epic for 81 trust me on this. So epic. (Also just wanted to include that classic @DonnyHathaway clip from SOUL back when FIFTEEN year old Fred was his drummer. The 79 clip is Fred at 24 drumming in Brazil w his brothers (Verdine & Maurice) & the crew doing a nuanced rhythmic (& humorous) solo during #Runin from the 77 AllNAll tour. Rest In Beats Fred.