Drumming Legend John Dowlan

This video features the great drummer and instructor of the famed Air Force Drum & Bugle Corps John Dowlan, and the men from his drum quartet. Larry McCormick interviews John as they discuss the beginnings of "back sticking", as well as the introduction of the plastic drum head.

[@americanspirit8932]

John Dowling, became a good friend of mine. We started American Spirit senior alumni, drum and bugle Corp, in 1992, in the Tampa Bay Florida area. He shared with me many of his life stories and how he developed back sticking. He was the drum instructor for many of the top drum and bugle Corp, in our country. Including the Reilly Raiders from Philadelphia Pennsylvania, and many many more. Today is June 21st 2022. Thank you so very much for posting this clip. Seen John, again brought a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye. He is missed so much. Dick filkins oh, may he rest in peace. Made our drums for American Spirit, his company was Stingray drums, all fiberglass, a great stand drum sound fantastic.

[@tommcconville4270]

Larry, in my drum corps days Danny Raymond was our drum instructor. He taught our line in the Sacred Heart Crusaders of Manville NJ. Danny as you might know is an all time great snare drummer, played with St.Vincent's Cadets Bayonne NJ. And a well deserved member Drum Corps Hall of Fame. He also taught St. Lucy's. Fine tribute to John Dowlan, thanks for this.

[@terric703]

Whoa whoa whoa! John Bosworth. If it's the same John Bosworth, he came and did some instructional sessions for my HS snare line. Transformed it. I hope that's him.

[@c.johnson1691]

I started out playing bugle in the new corps with no name in 1955, a corps that became the Phantom Regiment . I didn’t like it and so asked my dad if I could switch to snare drum, and he gave me permission. I corresponded with John Dowlan after he had a stroke, and he told me that he was working to get back to normal by drumming. He said when he was judging us Cavaliers that we did back-stroking better than any other corps than the Air Force Drum & Bugle Corps.

[@brewmanbrett]

Thank you for uploading this interview. My drum instructor played for him and also taught my mother how to drum. What a great man John Dowlan!

[@larrymccormickvideos]

Thanks for your comment and watching. I feel truly blessed and privileged to be able to interview some of the greatest drumming legends from the past. John Dowlan was great gentle, humble man.

[@brewmanbrett]

@@larrymccormickvideos Funnily enough, I am from Enid Oklahoma, where Remo Belli introduced him to his latest drum head at the famous Tri-State Music Festival.

[@americanspirit8932]

@@brewmanbrett Remo, kept in touch with John Dowling for many years, John was telling me stories when remote would develop a new series drumhead he would send it to John to critique it and see what his Impressions and thoughts were. To absolutely great and talented individuals, may they both, rest in peace today is August 31st 2023

[@DV-mq5fv]

John's record was a big help for me when learning to drum. Thank you John R I P