humble heroes | john engels | interview

Interview by Coen Witteveen and Rolf Delfos.
John Engels is the living legend drummer of the Netherlands. He started his career at a young age: “I was born the 13th of May 1935, in Groningen, the Netherlands. We were with thirteen kids, me being the eldest. I come from a musical family, those who played the drums were all self-taught. Because, you know, money was tight, so we couldn't afford costly lessons. My grandpa was the drummer in a Salvation Army Band. My father, John Engels senior, was a very distinguished drummer, I'd say one of the greatest, back in the thirties and later. Also his brother and two of my brothers and my youngest sister, we all play the drums.”
Throughout his career, John Engels has had great success as part of The diamond five and the band of Chet Baker. In 2021 his music career was awarded with the prize ‘Jazzdrummer of the year’.
Recorded on June 1, 2021
humble heroes © is a production of Dutch Performers House at Exalto Studio's Haarlem
Executive producer: Corine Haitjema
Production: Daniela Solano
Sound: Bart Wagemakers
Video: Pieter Hoogland, Rens Beks
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[@singelding]

Held!!

[@marcelsiebers-carljohannes]

👏👏👏🙏

[@MrTCGang]

Rosa King used to sent me to learn from John Engels i was so lucky to get to know this master . I was playng with his sister Trussje and i will never forget when we re going to his House ,,,, Such a master beiing so humble already then 1976 . John. Engels my first master in Amsterdam

[@humbleheroes]

Great story Tony!