Bernard Purdie & Friends
Which musician did Aretha Franklin definitely NOT want missing from the line-up when she recorded her most inspired albums at the beginning of the seventies. Who provided the back-beat for Steely Dan's "Aja", and for whom have Isaac Hayes, Donny Hathaway, B.B. King, "Sweet" Lou Donaldson, Joe Cocker and Hank Crawford reserved that stool behind the drum kit? The list is incomplete; it must be, because no other drummer in the last three decades has seen the interior of a recording studio as often as Bernard "Pretty" Purdie. A native of Elkton, Maryland - Purdie has laid down the beat on over 4000 albums to date.
An all-time great soul, R&B, funk, and pop drummer, Bernard Purdie's impeccable time and mastery of backbeats and grooves (especially his trademark "Purdie Shuffle") are widely celebrated.
The legendary drummer's style is described as the "funkiest soul beat" in the business. Purdie has never limited his talents, but has consistently sought out new musical experiences, anchoring sessions with the Rolling Stones, James Brown and Tom Jones with equal ease. "DRIVE" and "GROOVE" are definitely not missing from his vocabulary.
BERNARD PURDIE-KING OF THE BEAT
Native New Jersey resident, legendary drummer and teacher, Bernard is an 82- year- old veteran of the music scene, who started his expansive career with Country Music and went on to Blues, Jazz. Classic, R & B, and Funk! With the upcoming release of his very first Christmas CD “A Pretty Purdie Christmas” in December 2024 recorded live in New Bern, North Carolina. Bernard has worked with over 2,500 artists and played on over 4,000 records and albums. Bernard’s music finds its roots in the rhythmic sounds of the B&O Railroad trains while growing up in Elkton, Maryland. These roots have taken him around the world, playing and recording and capturing the sounds and rhythms of the world. Bernard has played every genre of music thousands of well received audiences!
Bernard’s live work with his band “Bernard Purdie and Friends” in New Jersey featuring Dan Boone, George Naha, Miho Nobuzane-Elijah and frontman Rob Paparozzi has touched the hearts and souls of audiences all around the world. He also has a newly formed band in North Carolina called The Purdie Boys who are Bernard, Chuck Phillips, Bruce Clark & Jesus Vega. Rounding out the band, are Jim Barbee, Rich Dimetre and Josh Mineer.
Bernard’s work on Broadway & TV Music from the 60’s through the 80’s has left its mark on the Great White Way! His credits include Hair, Two Gentlemen of Verona and 16 plays by Galt MacDermot. At 82 years old, he shows no sign of stopping. He is booked for several festivals, Drum Clinics & Concerts.