S2 E89 - Narada Michael Walden

Drum Channel Podcast

Hello Hello! Billy Amendola in my “Bubble” with today’s guest, who is not only one of the most respected musicians/producers on the planet, but he’s also been a mentor, an inspiration, and a dear friend to me for decades.

He appeared on the scene in NYC from Michigan as a drummer and teacher. A few of his students include Omar Hakim, the late Tony Thompson, and many others who launched successful careers.

At 21, he joined the Mahavishnu Orchestra on the recommendation of their previous drummer (who was at the top of his game with the title “greatest drummer”), the one and only Billy Cobham.

Now a band-member, he goes from the road into the studio to work on the next Mahavishnu album with John McLaughlin, Jan Hammer, and legendary Beatles producer George Martin.

A few years later, he took the world by storm on the dance floor by releasing his solo album; singing, writing, producing, and playing, and he became a star in his own right.

If that wasn’t enough, a few years later, he became one of the world’s Top Ten producers of all time, crafting number-one hits for Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, George Michael, Mariah Carey, Cindy Blackman, the list goes on and on.

With Multiple hit records, Grammy after Grammy, as a band leader, solo artist, producer, singer/songwriter, spiritual leader, and drummer, touring with Jeff Beck, Journey, and his band, there’s nothing the man can’t do.

We catch up to discuss his latest album “Euphoria” and more. Please welcome Narada Michael Walden back to Drum Channel. Enjoy!