John Densmore
Drums
80 age
December 1, 1944 Birthday
Los Angeles, California, U.S. Birthplace
johndensmore.com Website
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About
John Densmore is an American musician, songwriter, author, and actor best known as the drummer of the iconic rock band The Doors. Densmore's innovative drumming style, influenced by jazz and world music, played a crucial role in defining The Doors' distinctive sound. He was a member of the band from its formation in 1965 until its dissolution in 1973. He then teamed up with Doors' guitarist Robby Krieger to form the Butts Band, and also appeared on Krieger's solo albums. Beyond his work with The Doors, Densmore has ventured into various artistic fields, including acting, dance, playwriting, and writing. He is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and has written best-selling books about his experiences with The Doors.
Trivia
In the 1980s John Densmore studied acting in Peggy Fury’s famed acting class alongside well known actors Sean Penn, Michelle Pfeiffer and Anjelica Huston. John Densmore wanted to play the clarinet as a child, but his orthodontist forbid it, so he chose to play the drums instead. John Densmore fought, and ultimately prevailed in court, to prevent the Doors music from being licensed for commercial purposes.
Early Life
John Densmore was born in Los Angeles in 1944. He started playing the piano at age 8 and later picked up the drums, performing with both the marching band and orchestra in high school. He also developed an interest in jazz during his teens and was drawn to the drumming of Elvin Jones. Densmore attended Santa Monica City College and went on to study ethnic music at Cal State Northridge. In the mid-1960s he met guitarist Robby Krieger and the two started playing in a band called Psychedelic Rangers. Around the same time Densmore also began rehearsing with Ray Manzarek and Jim Morrison in a group known as Rick and the Ravens. When a guitar spot opened up, he recommended Robby Krieger. The four musicians hit it off and the Doors were formed.
John Densmore Solos
1972
Drums solo - The Mosquito - 1972
4/4 rock in E major at 147 BPM