56. Reflection on Jeff Porcaro

My new Web site is: www.lelandsklarsbeard.com. The new book is there and lots of goodies in the works...
Here are the directions to my new club house if you want to come and hang. flatfiv.co/pages/lees-clubhouse

[@davecerv]

Saw the name Jeff Porcaro and clicked immediately.

[@sonicfrogdotnet]

Same. As a bass player, he is a treasure.

[@brianadams2161]

Wow, he mentioned Larrie London! I got to play (trombone) with Larry at age 19 or 20 when he was a featured artist at the Reno International Jazz Festival, and our college big band backed him up in the closing awards gala.

[@ziftortion]

yeah, the same..

[@DidYouReadEULA]

Same here. So many of my heroes mentioned here, and unfortunately some have left the building until we meet again.

[@sca1871]

Definitely one of the best and one of my personal favorites. Amazing groove. Funky as hell. Sounded like a great dude too. RIP Jeff. So happy you left your music behind for us.

[@chuckbrown1034]

My stepfather was Paul Hubinon, a session trumpet player who played an amazing catalog of dates throughout the 70s. One day he came home with a ludwig drum set in the trunk of his Fleetwood Brougham. He invited Jeff to come over to set up the drums and give me my first drum lesson. In addition, I saw Jeff play for the Ironside TV series with Marty Paich. It was simply mesmerizing for a 11 year old to see. Now I'm a bass player, but the memory I have of Jeff, his playing and his generosity is etched. Lee, thank you so much for your comment about teachers. I've been teaching throughout this pandemic, and now that we're back with students, it's even more difficult. Thanks again for the videos. Chuck

[@jonathanwarner8016]

Its like I'm sitting in this guy's house having coffee and he's telling me the story I have always wanted to hear.

[@dinoschachten]

Yes, so beautifully personal.

[@marklabonte3769]

The greatest drummer everyone heard but never knew.

[@fuzzydunlop1988]

Very accurate

[@markfernandes2396]

Many drummers I know use his beats. Amazing stuff..

[@ondrauscissell6952]

TRUTH !!!!

[@Filmpilot]

Mark LaBonte Not true. I not only knew him and hung out at the baked potato I shot the aerials on “Ill be over you”. My DP that day shot Rosanna. His name is Rexford Metz, ASC

[@funklover24]

Many people knew. 😉

[@jericat]

A wise musician once told me, "If you're early, you're on time. If you're on time, you're late. If you're late, you're fired." LOL! Cheers to your work ethic.

[@jamesa.1345]

Tell that to David paich

[@porcaro4ever]

@@jamesa.1345 One of the guys said in the Tambu documentary that Paich had his own time zone LOL! Seemed like nobody cared as long as long as he made the date

[@benfrewin9926]

@@porcaro4ever And he turned up with a song

[@allmusic55]

I met Jeff once when TOTO was playing in Rotterdam and I happen to had a backstage pass,so when I stood in front of him and told him I was also a drummer,he gave me the sticks that he had just been warming up with wich was really cool,I remember that his stiks had no varnish,they were not shinny like al lothers and he told me that he had them specially made for him like that because he had some kind of allergy...anyway,while he was talking I was just amazed at the tone of his voice and the incredible force of his personalitiy,it was just awesome,so strong and yet so friendly...truly amazing

[@docwill184]

Luis Luiz; You're correct about his voice. It's that relaxed authority when you're beyond solid in your trade, looked-up to, on the 'A' List, no money worries and know you can handle pretty much anything coming your way.

[@markgeorge1980]

Deep voice with a warm confidence.

[@williep3426]

Talking about allergy. It seems Jeff died from a heartattack due to an allergic reaction (to some kind of pesticide used in his garden). Too bad he died so young. As a drummer I also find Jeff a great and most of all original an authentic drummer.

[@thealrightestguitarist9135]

That was a great story, Luis. Thanks so much for sharing it with us!

[@markgeorge1980]

@@williep3426 Yes this is a sad tragic truth. The ER said that his clothes had an intense smell of insecticide, his forearms and hands also carried the smell. Jeff was a smoker,, it's very possible that he only used a towel to wipe his hands clean and then pulled out one or more cigarettes with exposed hands. This would put the insecticide into his bloodstream within minutes. Jeff may have shaved just prior to using the insecticide, this would have millions of open skin pores (bleeding or not) on his face, Jeff had long hair, it was a warm day he could have touched his freshly shaved face many times under these conditions. Being a father myself and understanding a father's love of his children, and knowing the character of Jeff Porcaro and the split second decision he had to make before losing consciousness at home of, if this is it do I say I love you directly to my children or do I decide I do not want them to see me like this, I don't want them to remember me like this? With his last moments of earthly consciousness Jeff Porcaro chose the latter. He told his wife to keep the children upstairs to not let them see him this way and to tell them that he loves them. Jeff made it to the hospital, but he was gone in a very short period of time after arriving. A happy home lost it's father and husband, an incredible group of friends and brothers lost their drummer and the world of music lost one of the greatest to have ever picked up a pair of sticks. I never was lucky enough to have met Jeff, I am just trying to do his memory right by clarifying the circumstances of his tragic death.

[@msnaredrummer7619]

I saw Jeff Play live with Toto in 1990. That day changed my life. Jeff is always in my thoughts every day. God bless you Jeff.

[@vlada]

I remember as a kid thinking that Porcaro, Sklar and Lukather played on every record made.

[@LinkRocks]

I remember seeing Leland's name on many albums I owned. That's how I discovered him. I was amazed one person played on so many different styles of music.

[@tylervincent3688]

You weren't that far off thinking that!

[@bgrigg07]

@@LinkRocks Leland was on many more where he wasn't credited.

[@palandranimike]

Don't forget Waddy Wachtel.

[@scottmcgregor562]

You are definitely right. At one point it would have been easier to make a list of who they hadn't played with.

[@interstellish]

There's really no better accolade that a professional musician can say about another musician that is better than "that guy was always on time." Nevermind that that Porcaro was a master at his craft. It's hard to express how important that is. If your gig starts at 10, you're ready for the downbeat at 10. Your hands can be good as you like, but that is the mark of a professional. Jeff Porcaro was a professional through and through.

[@LateShowBottomEnd]

Love ya so much, Lee. You always come straight from the heart, your own self. Thanks for these reflections on our pal Jeff. I'll never forget that baseball-bat-to-the-stomach feeling when Steve Jordan called to tell me of Jeff's sudden passing.......RIP Jeff Porcaro

[@toddvanfleet8576]

@Will Lee Man, lotta talent floatin around here for Jeff Picarro. No surprise there. I've been woodshedding 3 Purdue shuffles as part of my rudiment work outs. Picarro, Gadd & Bohnam versions. Mr. Picarro I've studied for years. Steely Dan sessions mainly. You know, play along with great players in your headphones. Pick things up, getting my own style together. All of you guys have a commonality with Mr. Picarro.. Besides his terrific ability , he was , in my opinion, a musical drummer. Blended with the music .yet stood out with his chops and interesting ( and difficult) choices. .I'm sorry you guys lost your friend like that. Mr. Lee, I grew up major Letterman fan, growing up 2 milee from Jim Keltners house in Tulsa. Jamie Oldaker my first drum lesson. Thanks for playing cool and looking cool. Commercial breaks I focussed on Schaeffer and you guys as a 16 year old drummer. Picking up that Pro vibe. You did Pringles commercials right?Justva kid that caught my attention. These guys play commercials too? Hmmm.. I'm a working drummer.. The Best band on TV, hands down on The Late Show informed me as a musician. Fig, Jordan, you.. stellar rytthm sections. Always wanted to say that I to you.. Thanks Will Lee. RIP J. Picarro

[@matchgripmatchgrip3712]

@@toddvanfleet8576 I wish you also studied his name over the years. It's Porcaro lol.

[@markcatanzaro9699]

He was my absolute favorite drummer ever and still is to this day. What a TREAT to hear from someone who knew him so well. I can't thank you enough!

[@snidelywhiplash]

I CAN'T IGNORE HIM. HE'S LOOKING AT ME. Jeff Porcaro was a genius and a national treasure and it's a crime against the Universe that he died so young. I'm glad to hear you talk about him, and glad that you confirmed everything that I've ever heard about him.

[@vinskilindqvist4554]

A True Jeff admirer right there

[@SurfGreenTelecaster]

I generally pay most attention to guitar & bass in music...but whenever I'm finding myself totally blown away by the drumming in so many 70s-80s tracks, I look up who the drummer was - it's almost always Jeff. Everything the guy touched was gold, and he seemed like the most humble, easy going guy in his interviews & clinics. What a legend.

[@markburnham7512]

Great video, thanks. My favorite JP story is "Your Gold Teeth II" by Steely Dan. This one is a jazz waltz. Per Donald Fagen, when the session started Jeff didn't even know what a jazz waltz was. So Fagen played some classic example records for him. What Jeff then laid down is a masterpiece. We all miss Jeff Porcaro.

[@andrewsandoz8005]

Yes "Your Gold Teeth ll" is indeed a waltz. There are also bars of 3/8, 6/8, and 9/8. And yes Mr. Porcaro kills it. Keep um coming Mr. Sklar.👌

[@lazztunes2010]

I was studying composing and arranging at the Grove School of Music back in '92 in Van Nuys when Jeff passed. We were in class and an administrative assistant suddenly entered the room and whispered in Dick Grove's ear. Then Dick told us all that Jeff had just passed away. We were all crushed. I have to say that the best live show I ever saw was Toto in '79 on the Hydra tour. I'm so grateful to have seen Jeff play live. It was a jaw dropper.

[@brianadams2161]

That's a flashback for me. Mrs Frisbee's 3rd grade class. Some other staff member came into the classroom crying and whispered into teacher's ear, The teacher started crying. She told us (at midday, incomprehensibly) that our school buses were waiting to take us all home for the day, and our parents would explain to us what was happening. 22 November 1963.

[@tguers]

One of my all-time favourite Jeff’s track is Gaucho, from Steely Dan. Such laid laid back behind the beat, it’s at time even scary how far behind he is yet, right in the pocket. Thanks for this great reflection on Jeff Porcaro Lee.

[@TheSanityInspector]

Always love hearing legends reminiscing about other legends.

[@RA2Music]

I am often asked by students and others who my favorite drummer is, and the answer is always the same: Jeff Porcaro. There have been and will be many great players, but I find Jeff’s playing to be so genuine and complimentary, that it continues to strike a chord in me to this day. I have often said if I could play half as good as Jeff Porcaro I would have really accomplished something. I miss his playing and presence in our musical community tremendously. Thank you Lee for keeping his enduring legacy alive for this generation. Best to you during the complicated time.

[@giebenrath1978]

This reflection shows how much of an extraordinary, beautiful and humble human being Leland is. Thanks Leland, for being and sharing!

[@brianwilliams4254]

I always love Jeff's skills. I started working as a touring tech in the mid 90's. Had the joy of getting to chat with Jeff for the short stint I worked with the band. My only headache was I didn't get to meet you Mr. Leland. You two are as good as it gets.

[@fuzzydunlop1988]

Jeff was the perfect example of a pro. Unbelievable musician and I'd say perfect to work with. No wonder he was hired so much.

[@ncbeach22]

Thanks for sharing your experiences with Jeff. Grew up, like many, listening to and being amazed by his work. All the best Leland.

[@primitiv114]

I did have the chance to play Rosanna on keyboards with Jeff and Luke at our rehearsal studio in Sweden back in -87.They visited our completely unknown band in the middle of a snowstorm. It just tells the story of how great these people are. Jeff was a true king in every aspect.

[@rahard]

this is the kind of stories that I love. personal story.

[@J-DUB-F1]

As a cartage guy in LA back in the 80s, I got to see Jeff numerous times. Last time I saw him was at (Clearlake?, or another studio on that strip of Burbank). I was doing cartage for Alan Pasqua…..LOTS of keyboards!. After my last load I was sitting in the truck to take a breather. Jeff had stepped outside and walked by the truck. I gave him a friendly nod and he says, "YOU'RE WORKIN HARD MAN!...HEHEHE". I just gave that "yep" shrug and nod. A simple brief interaction that I've never forgotten, and I also remember his warm chill voice :-) Years later I was doing cartage at the spud for a friend. I overheard some guys at the bar talking about Jeff and that he was not well. I was stunned, he was so young...... another moment I'll never forget :-( I'm going to sit and watch some of his videos now......thanks for sharing your memories.

[@user-kl7fw6xm8r]

Thank you Leland for the wonderful memories of 😊Jeff.

[@Kritikateur]

Mr. Sklar you are like them: A wonderful Human Being too. Thanks for sharing these stories about Jeff, Carlos and Mike. Sometimes I wonder that maybe the Gods "upstairs", they might have a Galactic Recording Studio, and that's why they wanted Jeff and Mike up there when they were too young for the "departure". God bless them, I do believe that now, for sure they are in a better place. Carus Alambra :-)

[@mattrudybass]

Loving this channel and all the stories.

[@nofretzDW]

Jeff is one of the greatest musicians ever IMO. Ever.

[@mannye7346]

Jeff was unreal. Even the simplest beat had so much groove and swag. One of the best EVER. Rest in peace brother.

[@nicholascarlozzi1881]

Lee the love you show for Jeff is so sincere and heart warming. You my friend are a special human being.

[@steveec9704]

The Rosanna shuffle is one of the greatest tempos ever composed by the expert percussionist Jeff was

[@kevincady5613]

You mean Bonzo

[@easkeybikes1966]

You mean Bernard Purdie

[@heathercollins4432]

@@easkeybikes1966 - ( - '; ( - ; ( - ;

[@acemechanical275]

The tempo of Rosanna is about 82 bpm. All tempos naturally exist. He didn’t create it.

[@malcspring448]

This is beautiful Lee. Jeff has been one of my all-time favourite players and a massive influence on my playing. I remember when I first heard of his passing. It made the national news here in the UK. I was grief stricken (just like I was when I heard of Neil Peart's death back in January). Jeff was such a tasty player. Such a groove. His huge legacy still lives on. The dislikers are fucking idiots. 100% kudos to you brother.

[@MrDaveaccord]

Jeff was only 19 years old when he recorded Katy Lied with Steely Dan. That pretty much tells you how incredibly talented this kid was.

[@amecocoa3829]

Beautiful reflection. When you gave the shout out to teachers, made me think about the lack of music lessons in schools pre-pandemic, and now music and art are barely taught at all. The Porcaro's had music at home from birth. Joe Porcaro played the Heublein Room Hartford, CT as well as the HSO before heading to the west coast.

[@RonnieMargolis]

Very heartfelt and sweet Leland. I am always amazed by his ability to be inventive like in his Rosanna beat and yet play it so relaxed and tight. A true monster player, gone too soon.

[@NielsBeier]

I just finished Steve Lukather's book, and I've become completely fascinated with Jeff Porcaro. Great video Mr. Sklar. Please keep them coming! :)

[@loucontino4804]

Nice shoutout for Teachers & Nurses, Lee. My sister is a Special Ed. teacher & has 50 students a week online. Their time at home during this has been a nightmare. I can only listen & try to understand what she is going through. And what we don't hear alot about is the medical professional staff that has gotten sick themselves. Very tough times cause even 1 life lost is a loss to all of us. Especially the young cause we don't get to see the gift they could have given us in their living. Keep the faith!

[@user-ko8lw8kt7n]

Jeff was and is my favorite drummer. So much feel and soul.

[@user-ko8lw8kt7n]

Mine too Leland...Jeff had so much soul and feel. He still is my favorite drummer.. I hope one day we can work together. I love your work since James Taylor's...Fire and Rain...Cheers...Glad Maureen is getting better...All the best to the both of you...Mark Williams

[@hardhitter0421]

This just connected with me beyond written words....you Mr. Sklar have become my daily dose of goodness. God Bless you .... sincerely.

[@johnkenna2195]

A very touching tribute. Thanks for sharing with us all.

[@MrDrumGarden]

Mr Sklar: Thank you very much for the shout out to teachers. I am a teacher myself and it is an honour to be mentioned by you in the same video as Jeff Porcaro. When I am ready with teaching (online these days) I love to play drums to Jeff tunes. So thank you for the shout out. I really appreciate it very much, since we had to change almost our entire programs to online versions! Thank you also for the great video's.

[@hacksformusicians2574]

I was in Spain when Jeff check out, which was the first thing I found out on my return to the U.S. I never even met him, and I was completely gutted. Even as a guitarist, he's one of my 3 or 4 greatest drum influences, and when I have to program a part Jeff is my go-to guy for ideas. His rep as a mensch clearly made his loss immeasurably more difficult - even in an interview he came across as someone you'd sacrifice a date with a supermodel to hang with instead. Grace and peace, Leland.

[@glassapple21]

As a drummer myself Jeff was always one of my favourite players. Ive watched a lot of related clips and this is the best tributes I’ve ever seen, not least because it comes from another vastly experienced player. Your’s and Rick Beato’s channels are my favourites because they offer seriously valuable information and learning material, all for free and at the touch of a button. It never used to be like that. We really don’t know how lucky we are these days, COVID 19 aside of course, I’m referring to music only. Thank you for this .

[@gabriel222]

Glenn Whitfield well said

[@jppeterssr.3392]

THIS !!🙏🙏

[@larsjames777]

Leland, you are an amazing human being, and a superlative musician. Thank you so much for your heartfelt reflections.

[@tobygray497]

I was in a record store in Auckland New Zealand when I heard Jeff had passed away. The record store employees were discussing it behind the counter and Jeff being a true hero of mine, just simply couldn't process what they were saying. I confronted them and they confirmed the news. Completely aghast and in shock, they asked me if I was all right. I said "No - he was my hero", before stumbling out the store. I wandered home with a lump in my throat, wiping tears from my eyes. Even now, some 28 years later, I tear up as I write this. His passing had a profound affect on me and was a moment in time I will never forget. Thankyou Jeff for all the wonderful recordings you have left us. Your legacy will forever live on.

[@mymai2792]

Greetings from NZ too - Porcaro fan.

[@sonicfrogdotnet]

I was driving home from Pasadena to Sand Diego when the news broke. I was on the 605 listening to the radio when his death was announced. I'll never forget the sadness I felt.

[@user-yz3et4lq9y]

your admission of a physical reaction to hearing the news of the passing of Jeff reminds me of my own reaction to hearing about the passing of my man Neil Peart. If you've ever watched the Rik Beato video released the evening of the announcement and seen Rik's clearly been weeping for hours bloodshot eyes and overall look of just sheer stunnage you'll recognize the look.....

[@crashboombang8163]

My favorite bass player of all time talking about my favorite drummer of all time. Thank you Lee, Miss you Jeff.

[@funklover24]

When Jeff died, there was no internet, so I read it in a newspaper. First just the headline ... "rock-drummer died" ... didn't think of Jeff, because I had heard him live with Toto two years before. Then I read "Toto" and "Jeff Porcaro" ... couldn't believe it ... read the article again ... yes, it was written ... thought I misunderstood something ... read it again ... slowly got aware, that my favorite drummer had gone and I had to face it. When I listen to his playing, I am still impressed and absolutely LOVE, what he's doing. There is no replacement and never will be. ❤

[@cirestamey9243]

Jeff's heartbeat ticks on with all the tracks he played on that come on the radio thousands of times a day. I miss him so much :'(

[@UdoFritzArschan]

Listening to your vibes - spoken or played - touches the very deep of my soul. Thank you, thank God for the man you are

[@parzival8108]

unfortunately i was born after Jeff died, but soon after i learned of his work he immediately became my favorite drummer. i'm starting Robyn Flan's biography about Jeff and it just makes me want to meet him all the more. God rest his soul, his legacy will live on forever on the wings of time.

[@dirtlakedrummer]

Thanks for sharing some great stories and insights of Porcaros legacy ❤

[@aragusea]

Here are the two songs Sklar and Porcaro played together on that Crosby record: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZOsdWyLqqaqo68 kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZ3YYYdsgq-gndk

[@tissuepaper9962]

What a delightful intersection of my interests.

[@BaBaBooeyWRLD]

👍

[@AdeptArin]

Damn, I didnt know you knew who Jeff was!

[@Tressala]

Ty

[@johnnybegood2693]

When it comes to Jeff I just wanna say this with a joyfully grooving heart and a little tear in my eye: THANK YOU for honoring this extraordinary musician and soulful being!!! My excitement for feeling a groove wouldn't be the same without him..

[@johnniecameron8829]

Ive never met these musicians,but when we loose them its just sad like you have lost a friend ....great musicians really make the world a better place ..

[@smoothuncut]

I CONCUR! He was a Musical Genius among the GODS!

[@sunryse111]

Some of the comments about the mannequin and your looks seem to be missing the point here, Lee. Your narrative is clear and articulate and never fails to engage your audience - even if they know nothing about the man you are talking about. They leave you with the desire to know more about these session players and their contribution to the music of our younger days.

[@paulrevelli]

My day yesterday: Practiced for a couple of hours in the morning. Watched a live Vic Firth sponsored Master Class on brush technique with Peter Erskine, Steve Smith, Dave Weckl, JoJo Meyer, Russ Miller and Stanton Moore. At some point I navigated to the Lee Sklar Daily (Whoa! The L.S.D.!) to hear you reminisce about the fantastic Jeff Porcaro which then led me down another glorious rabbit hole of tributes. At the end of the day, I played a record called "Breakaway" by Art Garfunkel, the first track of which is a phenomenal rendition of Stevie Wonder's "I Believe (When I Fall In Love It Will Be Forever)" with none other than you, Russ Kunkel, Andrew Gold and Larry Knecktel! Holy crap! What an epic track, Lee. The whole album is a veritable who's who of session players, songwriters, arrangers and studios the likes of which you often reference in your videos The bass players and drummers alone would blow your mind (as Lee often says, "Wikipedia him/her"). Joe Osborn, Klaus Voorman, John Guerin, Jim Gordon, Max Bennett and of course Keltner. It's a first class date all the way, just like you. I don't even know where I'm going with this! But I am so thankful that you are doing these videos, Lee. Especially now. My dreams as a drummer were always to be a session player and bring out the best in other musicians in as selfless a way as possible. You are truly the noblest of that rare individual, as evidenced by your sharing of information with all of us. Blessings and wellness to you.

[@roblawhorne1015]

He played what the song wanted. Wow, Lee, that's the best compliment any musician should hope for.

[@MarcioTeixeira]

Dear Mr. Sklar, you are such a gentleman...and I do appreciate your career and accomplishments however, you communicate your amazing experience in such a humble manner that makes me appreciate your character and understand your "playing" manners on stage even more. Thanks for such a wonderful legacy.

[@tomdiepenbrock6720]

As a bassist, Jeff's parts taught me so much about playing bass. It was devastating when I heard he had passed away, I remember everything about the moment I heard the news still today.

[@sonicfrogdotnet]

Same. The first bass line I learned was Africa. OK... I could barely play it, but because I could sort of do it, I knew this was my instrument.

[@joelmartin5887]

After listening to your experience with Jeff I feel as if I almost knew myself. I can't help but feeling emotional myself. In fact after listening to your experience I'm starting to get to know you and your one bright soul. Blessings!

[@heshboppins]

Leland-Oceans of thanks for your shares. Your whole life you've been immersed deeply in music. Others need to share your great messages. Love ya bro....

[@dbassman27]

Thanks again for all of your support for the members of the public service.

[@JoakimKanon]

No one could complement a song or his fellow musicians as Jeff did. I wish I had an ounce of his talent.

[@jamie8262]

Jeff was the musicians musician. The apple didn't fall far from the tree....he was a true master.

[@luisfernando-mm3jt]

Everybody should listen to this... Thanks

[@karlgustaviii]

I have nothing but brotherly love for you Mr Sklar.

[@rich3858]

Agreed. Try listening to the intro of the track "A Thousand Years". So musical, so delicate and just perfect for the song. RIP, Jeff-you where truly one of a kind!

[@gioforchiorossi9304]

Not to mention Mushanga

[@jakobole]

Or These Chains. Shuffle, and listen to his fab energy in the c piece. Masterpiece

[@gioforchiorossi9304]

The Seventh One is a masterpiece

[@jts400hp]

That fat snare and shuffling is butter smooth

[@Toracube]

As you say 'Thank God for recordings." Thanks for bringing this music back to me.

[@richardrudar1268]

When I get down and want a pick me up, I listen to some Tracks with Jeff Porcaro. RIP Mike and Jeff.

[@davidestefanon]

RIP Jeff...inspiring everyone

[@Keyboardnut99]

He was a great inspiration to all musicians, toto are the best and jeff was the ultimate backbone!

[@crickkett7510]

*Jeff... miss him. So many great musicians from The Valley.*

[@linkedup7346]

Thank you so much for mentioning teachers. I am a teacher and have taught in the Bronx, New Haven, Ct, and Waterbury, Ct. Now that I am retired I substitute teach in Oxford, Ct. where I live. I basically gave up bass playing for a living to get my degrees and teaching certification. Back then I questioned my own talent. as a bass player. Although I traveled the world as a Fender bass player in 3 piece Blues bands, I just didn't have the balls to continue. To me there were maybe 3 things I did well, the one note Chicago shuffle, The root, fifth, and octave shuffle I called the March or the Texas shuffle and the blues swing type walk. When I thought about it, I just never felt I could really make a life-long career out of bass playing. At best, I felt locked into each band I played with and all the band leaders hated me for leaving and going with someone else. It was just one big ball of bad Karma. After watching and listening to Leland, I can see why he went so far and is still going farther every day. I have never seen someone with such a wonderful attitude and appreciation for mankind. It's a small wonder why the world of session bass playing has unfolded for him as it has. Today I am thankful for my parents affording me guitar lessons at 12. This really was my start for the love of music. Today I play guitar and write songs, and really do thank my wife Martha for teaching me to be a strong vocalist. I never took actual lessons from her, but it's like I learned from her through osmosis. My album "Lucky 7" has a song I got the idea for in middle school. "Diamond Rings and Cadillacs". I am living my dream as a musician and realize now that even though you are a superstar, you still fix the leaking pipes in your dining room ceiling and put the cosmetic end of it off until you return home from being on tour.... Thank heavens for You Tube...

[@roguecheddar]

As a bass player, I felt that loss of Jeff Porcaro, for Toto was always one of my favorite bands, and I always wanted to play along with a drummer that was such a visionary. That pain and sick feeling of personal loss only exceeded by the death of Jaco. Would that all these great musicians lived to play for us forever.

[@thealrightestguitarist9135]

You're such a genuine and sincere person, and hearing the stories of all the people you've played with is truly a pleasure. You make the people and experiences come alive for those who never had the chance to know them. You're really giving us a great gift by doing these videos. I look forward to hearing you talk about charts, too. I watched an interview with Carol Kaye where she talked about session charts, and I always wondered what they were like. Glad to see Elton has returned, but I agree the perm was a terrible idea. Geez, I guess that's why they need humans to make their fashion choices for them.

[@w.geoffreyspaulding6588]

The Alrightest Guitarist have you seen Billie Eilish lately? 😂

[@thealrightestguitarist9135]

​@@w.geoffreyspaulding6588 I'd been going on the assumption that she was bitten by a radioactive tarantula, lol.

[@bobriedel3277]

First heard Jeff's playing on Boz Skagg's "Silk Degrees" album, especially on the cut "Georgia", and was blown away. His drumming with Toto was also phenomenal. My favorite of all time!

[@haroldluce1340]

Jeff Porcaro is one of my many heros.

[@marklong2951]

Thank you for your wonderful stories!

[@jimlabos]

There’s something about playing music with others that creates bonds unlike other ways. I remember every musician I’ve ever played with. Some with more heart than others of course. You remind me of the best ones. Music is a great uniter of people. It’s good to be reminded of that and you certainly seem to be the ambassador for that sentiment. We need more musicians talking about the experience of playing music rather than music theory. Thank you for reminding us why we still stubbornly against all odds continue to want to play music. Love from Montreal.

[@Jim951cup]

What a wonderful tribute to an amazing musician by another one! Leland you have been blessed by being a part of so many great musical moments and accomplishments, and you are giving back, sharing some of this to us. I think I can speak on behalf of all of us music lovers and musicians here when I say that we truly appreciate that. ❤

[@gjtube37]

Thank you for your thoughts! Much love for you and Jeff. He was amazing!

[@symunut9316]

I have incredible respect for you Mr. Sklar. You are an incredible musician with an amazing humble heart. Your stories about all your incredible moments with Jeff are so interesting. I love Jeff, he's my favorite drummer, and I appreciate you so much!

[@nikcrosina]

It is very good that you do your talks like this. I worked in the music industry for 10 years in the 90ies as an engineer, I still love my drum kit, dabble in bass and guitar. It is good to listen to your stories about it seems when the industry was less cutthroat, when it seemed possible to make a living with your craft. Many of the people I knew back then from records, my guiding lights musically, production-wise pop up in your stories.

[@regaltip8A]

First time I saw Jeff was on the Lido Shuffle clip. I was about 9 just starting to get interested in drums. Didn't know who he was but the first 45 I bought that wasn't a Beatles EP was Hold The Line - same drummer. Being of calabrese descent he really resonated with me. Italians have great feel. Would love to have met him. Best studio drummer along with Jim Gordon.

[@jorgoshki]

Jeff is my hero. Absolutely love his work. Thanks Lee😊

[@dukeblue9999]

Jeff was amazing. Absolutely amazing. Well said

[@debvalle7466]

Wow, what a generous tribute to Jeff. Well-deserved and beautifully expressed. I look forward to the videos from other players. I remember the day Jeff passed and oddly enough, was working alongside a man--a keyboardist and background singer--who was friends with him. We were both stunned, but he was truly shocked. I can only imagine what a gut punch that was for you and the industry as a whole.

[@itsallinthewrists4251]

What drummer nowadays would have the capacity to come up with the beat for Mushanga?! I mean the guy was and still is a genius. Always will be an influence to me.

[@michagrott1578]

Thank You for Your love for Jeff . Greetings from Poland

[@MrGavinspoppop]

What is so special about you and these videos is that you have a way of speaking to the soul of those of us listening to you .. your heart is apparently on view for all of us to see ....tyvm ....

[@ivanisrael4442]

Thanks 🙏 Lee this is the video I was looking for. I wish I’d met Jeff. My drum hero.

[@randygates1619]

Mine too.

[@robinwindsrygg9568]

I remember seeing you with Toto in Bodø, Norway, august 3rd 2007. First real concert I went to, and really inspired me to keep playing keyboards!

[@ramonjorgecabral5554]

Mike Porcaro fue otro gran bajista, hermano de Jeff, miembros de TOTO. Siempre me llamó la atención la forma en que tocaba, con el bajo casi en posición vertical. Un gran bajista. Que en paz descanse. Maestro, admiro su arte.

[@acidbran]

Thanks Lee, you are an American treasure.

[@waynemagin2554]

Jeff and Carlos have inspired me in my musical journey of percussion and piano. I had asked a wile back for something about Jeff and Carlos. Thank you !!

[@rao4sos]

In '82, CSN was close to finishing their two year effort Daylight Again. Stills had a new song he wanted for the opening cut. Since Joe Vitale was out of town, Stills was glum he wasn't getting the drum sound he wanted. A guitar tech was in Rudy Records picking up an earlier sessions' gear and overhears a discussion about the situation. Then he deadpans..."Jeff Pacaro is down at Devonshire right now..his date was canceled. Stills should call him"...and walks away. So, I tell Stills and Jeff nailed it on the first take...for free...on strange borrowed skins. A fine day for all.

[@ajadrew]

Roller Coaster Weekend is one of my favourite albums, it's timeless!!

[@amerocker]

Good trivia and story. Here is that opening 'Daylight Again' song, "Since I Met You, featuring Jeff Porcaro on drums. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXmykH-epKeWd8U

[@anders1193]

When I found out about Jeff’s passing, I went to the record store everyday to see if there was something new. “OH WOW, Toto has dropped a new single!” Starting to feel the groove of don’t chain my heart. And, just about where it ended, the store manager had put up the article right next to me and as soon as my heart stops breaking, love from Paris was playing. That was the first time I ever cried in public. What an immense loss. Rest in peace master. 💔

[@Rust-Trap-Ranch]

Nice day of reflection. Thx My wife has been teaching kindergarten for 30 yrs. I caught her crying , asked her what's wrong. She said I cant reach out and touch those little lives every day. I miss them and miss making sure there day is going good. Anyway Thx for thinking about the teachers. Oh Joe Diblasi says hi