JIM KELTNER - Session Drummer (Bob Dylan, John Lennon, Ringo Starr & many more)

The Legendary Jim Keltner, a leading session drummer for over 50 years, played with 3 of the Beatles & way too many others to list! Keltner's style, gracious character & musical skills and knowledge along with personal thoughts are shared as well as his motivation for success. The Artist Series and the Sessions Panel share music industry knowledge to musicians across the country! Includes Entertainment Law, Marketing, Networking, Artist Relations & Motivational skills and experiences from professionals and experts who have been "on the road" and are successful in the industry.

[@oneanddone7992]

Jim's playing on Steely Dan's "Josie" is brilliant on many levels: simplicity, feel, taste. He does one fill in that song at the end of the first a bridge that is so perfect and simple, and it's essence is nothing more than 1 accent on the hi-hat, slightly open, with the bass drum and then the last part of the measure is still a drum beat.

[@robchisholm2588]

Great interviewer . . never talked over Keltner, just the perfect tempo of input. Bravo . . .

[@oneanddone7992]

Jim Gordon's playing on "Classical Gas", if he never did another recording, would have left a mark in the drumming world for years to come. Still does today. It's brilliant.

[@MaidenCanada]

Absolutely 💯! ❤️

[@rmac1042]

In 1969 I co-founded and R&B-type band called Mosaic Tweed! When we recorded a single for Capitol that year, Jim Gordon was the drummer for the session! At that time, my history was as a jazz pianist, so I didn’t know the studio guys at all-except for Jim Keltner who has been my close friend for 66 years now. I remember Gordon as an imaginative drummer and very proficient player! My son-in-law showed me that our single “Comin’ Home” is on Spotify! Interestingly, I was the only member of the group that played the instrumental part of the session! I could never figure it out. It’s my belief now that our producer-Kevin Deveridge of Animals fame-or someone high up at Capitol wanted to change the format of the band from a performance group to a more mainstream production band because our producer had horn parts written by Mike Rubini added later! And despite opening the west coast version of the disco “Arthur”, playing all the clubs on the strip on Sunset Blvd-including the Whiskey TWICE, playing for Dionne Warwick’s birthday party, the Capitol execs didn’t want the rest of the band to PLAY on the session! This was despite our lead guitarist, Pete Smith, had been lead guitarist for Gladys Knight and our drummer was a former Mouseketeer! (Not Cubby). Wow! Sorry to ramble! Anyway, it was a privilege to play with Jim Gordon!

[@tonymarinelli7304]

Humble man Into me a professional musician who’s been married for 52 years says a lot about his character

[@sspbrazil]

Tony Marinelli as well as the character of his wife.

[@karlbrown9625]

Can we also just acknowledge how great Dom is? Watch his face when he makes his comments and asks questions - there is an open book genuine interest across his face. It's an honest and present response, and it's so warming, aspirational, and inspirational.

[@TheSessionsPanel]

Thanks Karl, appreciate your thoughtful words & support! Dom is an asset to The Sessions & the music business!!

[@edwhite7475]

I attended a drum clinic with Dom and Billy Cobham in the 80s, and i didnt know a thing about Dom. What a great surprise !! He was one of the most interesting people ove ever had the pleasure to listen to....and i only played guitar at the time....Billy was a big hero of mine from Miles records and his own solo albums, and he was no dissappointment either, but Dom made such an impression that when i zaw the thumbnail for this video i said, hey THAT looks like Dom Famularo- Keltner is the guy i want to sound like on drums , so this is perfect

[@Canyon2023]

Dom is the best interviewer I've ever seen, in every way.

[@gregbasl9803]

Keltner starts talking about Jim Gordon at 9:40 and Jeff Porcaro at 16:32. It's great to hear a legend like Keltner speak of two other legends with such respect and admiration.

[@TheSessionsPanel]

Keltner is a class act! Thanks for watching & subscribing Greg!

[@thornil2231]

Jim Gordon died a few months back. He was my favorite drummer. Him and Jim Kelter basicaly cornered the market in the 70's. Can you imagine both of them playing together in Mad Dogs and Englishmen one of my favorite albums.

[@robburgess4556]

Words cannot express the love and respect that I have for this man.

[@sgtpepper1138]

Me too, just an amazing drummer that makes it look easy. He also seems like a really nice guy.

[@TheRycooder]

To be a genius and to be humble. How can you not love a person like that. Totally agree with you Rob!

[@aerialheights5680]

I believe you just did!

[@Bricameron]

I think you just did.

[@tomcatt9875]

Agreed

[@JonBlackstone]

A musician who’s married over 50 years and who speaks of the “blessings” in his life. If you’re wondering what makes him such a humble and lovely man look no further than his faith in God.

[@U.F.O_0908]

This guy's been in love with his wife for over 50 years. The fact that she's there with him is a beautiful thing. Bless you, Mr. and Ms. Keltner.

[@jmacpherson9292]

Jim Keltner may very well be the coolest guy on the planet!

[@tadsomato1940]

Humble guy, phenomenal drummer, perfect attitude.

[@davidnorman4923]

Jeff porcaro loved Jim keltner and Jim Gordon!

[@marksc1929]

...maybe the best drummer of all time ....for those who understand that great drumming is someone that plays for the song....not flashy solos

[@1maggan]

No wonder the worlds greatest songwriters want to have him on their record. I love how he plays a simple groove. I guess it's where he puts his accents that makes him sound special.

[@citydrums7525]

With all of the insane, chopsy, over the top players emerging and aping each other into musical oblivion, this soulful interview could save some drummers' creative lives. Keltner is a true original...

[@crashboombang8163]

I love this interview almost as much as I love the instrument I play everyday. Dom, thank you for doing these unbelievable interviews. You are cherished and missed greatly by drummers worldwide. ❤🥁

[@andzwe]

What he says about Ringo Starr and Charlie Watts after 25:56 is something I quoted quite a few times. With all the knowledge and schooling that's available today it's easy to criticize these (mainly) self-taught players, but they proof that it takes a whole lot more than just technique to be a successful, distinctive musician. A lot of their originality had to do with the fact they were self-taught. Beside that they had the right sort of personality to be part of a band for that long, under such circumstances.

[@TheSessionsPanel]

Agreed, two very important traits in the music biz! Thanks for sharing!

[@rickknutson6540]

Enjoyed the Jim Keltner interview very much and have been a fan for many years one of the highlights of my life was watching Jim and Jeff Porcaro play together at a Mark and Brian Christmas show I believe in 1990

[@kai326]

Was there any footage or photos that you got? And if so could you send me them? I’d love to see those two playing together then!

[@geniusmchaggis]

WISDOM=experience and knowledge....THANK YOU JIM KELTNER...

[@BartRobley]

FANTASTIC INTERVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love Jim!!!! Thank you Jim and thank you Dom.

[@greg8598]

Stoked that he references Al Jackson as a major influence. Al has always been my drum hero (Booker T's MGs)

[@gwonya]

Hey Jim, thanks for leading the way and helping to teach us how to live.

[@ericwilhelm2941]

This man is Deep . No wonder Jeff was so in awe of him . WOW Dom , Thank you

[@boblevey]

Got to meet Jim at my dads wake, very nice man. I didn’t know much about his playing, then I heard him on Ry Cooder’s cd “Borderline”, I became an instant fan, every track was perfect and very uniquely played. Great sounding drums, tuned very well!!!

[@JonBlackstone]

Wonder interview of a wonderful man. I love that he gives such respect to Ringo. Ringo has been a major influence and inspiration for all of my favorite drummers. Show me a drummer who doesn’t love Ringo and I’ll show you a drummer that has no feel or creativity.

[@danielfisch389]

Indeed. Phil Collins, especially, has praised Ringo‘s playing many times. So much for ignorant people‘s „Ringo can‘t play“ comments on facebook and youtube. If he hadn‘t been good enough, he would have been replaced like Pete Best. Pete Townshend said that Keith Moon had constantly tried to join other bands and he had asked Lennon and Macca too. They politely declined the offer. Ringo, like Charlie Watts, played what the songs needed and wasn‘t interested in pyrotechnics; Moon with his unique style was perfect for The Who.

[@scottmoyer1357]

The Beatles hit me in the summer of 1963 while living in the British Colony of Hong Kong. Their record just came out in England on March 22nd of 1963. By June, the band I had just joined had the only copy in all of Hong Kong of their debut Parlophone album. We learned every song on it and played their songs along with other British groups such as The Shadows, Dave Clark Five etc. Little did we know or even imagine that we were probably the only group in the world playing the Beatles entire 1st album all over Hong Kong 6 months or so before they played The Ed Sullivan Show in February of 1964. It was something that we simply chose to do at that time and loved doing it.

[@nohaste4me]

Drummer and gentleman at the same time!!!

[@johnwillard6198]

He is very well spoken and full of wisdom , I think I understand as I believe I’ve found “my sound “ , thank you Mr Keltner”.❤️

[@Simonewhitesim-1music]

I hope kids today will understand this guy and so many others. The Depth and love music and respect!!!!!!!

[@ireneruthfox]

One of the all time greats......What a groove player.

[@judythompson5253]

First time I knowingly heard this man was on the Traveling Wilburys, and my first thought was, "who is that DRUMMER", and that was it. Incredible sound. I've never been a fan of drummers, but I am of him. amazing man.

[@PeterVred]

Jim Gordon and Jim Keltner...yes! I always got them confused when hearing one or the other on record. Glad to hear him say that he was a Gordon fan. I can't tell who is better. Both are great.

[@Greg-bz2bf]

Yeah, both are great. I grew up listening to music with these guys on drums.

[@lorrainecostanzo8925]

Peter Vred 11 months ago (edited) It always makes me pleased to hear musicians praise Jim Gordon for the remarkable drumming skills he has independent of the horrific crime that transpired back then...

[@susancarter2365]

Keltner has always been kind about JIm Gordon. Isn’t it nice that he and Cynthia have been married so many years. Here’s to many more years!!

[@scottmatheson2390]

My favourite all around drummer.

[@georgee.rustemeyer9497]

Jim Keltner's playing on "Don't Go Away Mad" by Little Village is what made me appreciate his talent.

[@johnschreiber5163]

Inside job did it for me but I liked that one too.

[@BillMcGirr]

Keltner did some fine work with Harry Nilsson. Great interview. Enjoyed this video immensely.👍

[@francisanosissi1]

ry cooder said he never noticed him there..a great compliment.

[@petermills542]

First I heard of his playing was on John Lee Hooker's ' Mr Lucky' album. The track " This is Hip " . It's one of my favourite pieces of music ever , his drumming is perfect ! ( Ry Cooder on slide too ! )

[@mikegoggins9758]

Man! I would love to sit down and listen and talk with these guys. Wow wow wow! Awesome! What Jim Keltner is saying is so true so very true. Thank you Mr.kektner. Dom you are great to! You are one of the best interviewers I have ever seen and heard. Thank you. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@paulgibson3259]

His playing on Memphis in the Meantime by John Hiatt is legendary IMO . Talk about putting his stamp on a song.

[@terrystowers6085]

Paul Gibson I just mentioned Memphis In The Meantime to a drummer yesterday, and said pretty much the same thing you did. Keltner is a singularity in drumming, and his performance on that recording is a perfect example. No one else could have done that. Its so laid back that it’s almost late! You said it best, his playing is legendary.

[@danlc95]

Thanks for mentioning Jeff. I hear Jeff and Vinnie's names mentioned in the same breath. Incidentally, they are a couple of enduring influences in my life.

[@patrickpeters298]

Jim Keltner is an All-Time Great! Thanks for this video!

[@LateShowBottomEnd]

Two true gentleman having a forwards-moving, positive conversation about philosophy, music and influential players. Fantastic! Thanks for the lesson & the inspiration!

[@TheSessionsPanel]

Thanks for the positive affirmations of our mission Will!

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

I'm not a musician, but liked juggling and so drumming was my introduction into music. But I've always listened to music and I have known of Jim Keltner for over 50 years. He was never the superstar, but always the musician that was on the superstar records. He was the motor. I have had the feeling that he was just a nice guy for about half a century. And you did a video that lasted too short interviewing the under the radar superstar and got him talking about the drummer behind the Beatles and having him realize that he too was under the radar but that is where the superstardom comes. You have a special talent.

[@petercricket]

so beautiful..wisdom speaks in a quiet voice way ot loud. what a thrill and pleasure to listen to this interview.

[@rappere11]

James Keltner like no other!!!!

[@sergiufanica4547]

Jim is a spiritual soul

[@SQTierHog]

Oh man. This is the example of being humble. Being one of the very best drummers of all time.. all time.. and when he was complimented here, it's like he was almost embarrassed. Wow, what a kind man. Mr. Keltner, we are indebted to you and your peers for what you've given us! Oh, married 52 years? Astounding. Hugs!

[@scottmoyer1357]

Larry Coryell recorded a song with Bernard Purdie called "The Jam With Albert"....Albert Stinson on an album called CORYELL. Back in 1970 I saw Jim Keltner playing double drumming with Jim Gordon backing up Joe Cocker......at the University of North Carolina..Love Jim's playing and approach and thankful for his vast contribution to the recording world.

[@rogerdodger5415]

If that was in Chapel Hill I was there too, but didn’t understand who I was seeing. Thanks 🙏🏼

[@ericwilhelm2941]

OMG Dom , at 16 minutes he is talking about Jeff....... I am tearing up

[@kennethpack1963]

Simply the very best...

[@Argotero]

I wish they talk abaut the work he do with Ry Cooder's records betwen 1970-1980, was 10 masterpiece records, that he contributed in a very special way to the original sound of these pieces of art in american music....

[@ryreinhardt]

He did his best work with Cooder, who is very much a drummers guitarist...he respected drummers, To Cooder drums were so important, I guess that's why his son is a drummer

[@rhythmista7707]

Just checked out his story on Wikipedia.. Unbelievable.. The people he's played with, and the songs he's played on, is nothing short of remarkable..

[@GIBKEL]

What a great origin story. Ive heard his beats throughout my whole life, known and unknown but what a pleasure to hear him recount his path, from start to finish.

[@tonydir5673]

Dom is the greatest ambassador for us drummers

[@roybeckerman9253]

It’s always great, that the great drummers acknowledge Ringo’s drumming, especially when there are so many knockers, who are nobodies.

[@ddummer]

You are making a very important move here with these series Dom... listening... remembering.. learning. :)

[@TheSessionsPanel]

Thank you for your support & appreciation of these Legends!!

[@benegeserit1]

What a great interview. I first heard Jim on Ry Cooder’s “Paradise and Lunch”. I couldn’t believe how loose and how tight he played all at the same time. It was like a “tight sloppy feel” but always “right” and perfect for Cooder’s groove. I always thought it was Keltner on Randy Newman’s “Old Kentucky Home” track but nope, it was Gene Parsons (Another underrated drummer in that kind of country rock bouncy way. )

[@stupendousmusic4190]

That was great! What sweet and humble guy.

[@rmac1042]

Jim has been my close friend for over 60 years! Sheer greatness and a wonderful person!

[@nollypra]

The 6th Traveling Wilbury!!

[@NVRAMboi]

The one and only Buster Sidebury.

[@williambagley5415]

Absolutely

[@johncook7281]

@nollyapra, I thought I remembered him being in on that collaboration. George's idea bringing people he likes together. Jim and Ringo on All Things Must Pass yes? One or the other on that triple Lp.

[@krisscanlon4051]

Buster Sidebury!

[@user-kl7fw6xm8r]

Dom, Great, Great interview with Jim Keltner.

[@philenns6797]

I watched this a bit back ... What a remarkable interview! Keltner is so kind, so thoughtful, so talented. This interview is simply beautiful!

[@TheSessionsPanel]

Thank you Phil! Jim is a genuine gentleman.

[@RobFerrellDrumStudio]

The Sessions Panel / Dom, I cannot thank you enough for these interviews. Dom is a master educator and interviewer. As an old-timer, these legendary drummer interviews are beautiful and inspirational to watch. I've been sharing them with my students. Thanks again for providing something sorely missing in this day and age.

[@TheSessionsPanel]

Thank you for sharing! Our goals exactly & have a lot more inspirational interviews coming for all musicians!!

[@chrisfournier6144]

The first drummer that I really paid attention to via his work with Ry Cooder. What’s his style? I don’t know, I guess I’d say tasteful. He always fits the song. What a huge body of work he has built. Thanks to both of you for the great interview.

[@donleblanc7223]

Jim is an amazing session player / producer

[@MS-gj7ni]

That was great to watch to hear how these great drummers started and their journeys is awesome through this I’ve watched Jim Keltner on some you tube videos and been absolutely blown away by his playing what an awesome player and all round nice guy and Dom thank you for doing these videos it gives me and others an insight into the world of drumming ..... thank you

[@ZJ-ne9kn]

i love that he mentions the guys that started that backbeat for rock hal and earl and benny keltner great drummer

[@drumusic333]

Another great interview.....especially loved the part where Jim talked about Jeff Porcaro and their close relationship. It kind of brought tears to my eyes....Jeff still is my all-time favorite. Love Jim's work and I really appreciate hearing his stories. Thank you

[@Canyon2023]

Jeff Porcaro is my favorite groove drummer of all time. Love the man!!

[@jean-marieboucherit4716]

How magnificent! The love of music, is stronger than anything

[@luvbasses5487]

There’s just soooooooo much good information within the boundaries of this interview. Truly fascinating. Thank you.

[@TheStudioDrummer]

Thank you Dom and Jim!

[@daveylong3089]

Jim is an inspiration. Thank you Jim!

[@mondoenterprises6710]

Very good interview. Jim's on a lot of my favorite records. I love to hear these folks talk about music and the musician life.

[@Stevo_Drums]

Started with Leland Sklar, then Simon Phillips, then Steve Smith, and now Jim Keltner. Looking forward to the rest!

[@Joesfosterdogs]

great question on the Dick Grove portion...get into how he thinks which is very unique. Gotta hear Jim on Gary Wright's Dream Weaver along with Andy Newmark. Glad Jim mentioned Roger Hawkins...that guy never gets his due! Muscle Shoals was unreal.

[@josues.junior5409]

Wonderful interview.

[@andzwe]

What a moving end to this conversation. Keltner is clearly touched by Famularo's words. I remember a late night radioshow in which they discovered that most of their favorite records had one thing in common; drummer Jim Keltner.

[@mindyedavenport6371]

I bet that was awesome!

[@wayneblanchard97]

Nice stuff, Dom (ditto other interviews in this series). Many of us first knowingly heard Jim Keltner on 'The Original Delaney & Bonnie - Accept No Substitute'. It was an album that George Harrison desperately wanted released on the Apple label, though ultimately went out on Electra. When Keltner departed the band, it was Jim Gordon who took his place for the 'Delaney & Bonnie - On Tour With Eric Clapton' album (after which Clapton, Gordon, Whitlock and Radle became Derek & the Dominoes and the horn section went to the Stones). This tune from 'The Original D&B...' is an indication of Keltner's great style in 1969. Also, for those who remember Paul Revere & the Raiders, their hit 'Him Or Me, What's It Gonna Be' feature Hal Blaine, Jim Gordon and Jim Keltner, who did the floor tom flourishes in the chorus. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oaGuiJapbs5-hLs

[@yourdrummer2034]

Legendary. Love his outlook and attitude. Has to feel and sound better than anything else for the music. How to absorb everything around you, wether learning or performing, absorb and put himself into the music and rhythms.

[@coreybondurant]

Mr. Famularo - thank you so much for these wonderful, insightful, and beautiful interviews! Simply Amazing.

[@TheSessionsPanel]

Working to EMPOWER musicians! Thanks for your support!

[@jhardycarroll]

One of the guys I think of every time I sit down behind the kit.

[@davidskaar3232]

The Beat goes on.

[@zim1966]

Keltner talking about Jeff Porcaro was beautiful, Porcaros work on Seals n Kroffts Unborn child lp is tasty.

[@krisscanlon4051]

Yeah JK is a studio cat so Porcaro anointing as the guy didn't go unnoticed. Blaine Gordon + Porcaro is my 3 LA greats.

[@ibleebinU]

Another wonderful and insightful interview from Dom. With all his success, Jim seems like a regular guy.

[@joerico9461]

Man other than your professional career as a drummer, you interview the greatest musicians of all time. Looks like you have a blast doing these interviews. Thank you for your time and inspiration

[@TheSessionsPanel]

Appreciate your support of our channel Joe! Thanks for subscribing & sharing to bring many more!

[@donleblanc7223]

Keltner, a true gentlemen ...

[@tedster405]

In response to Mr. Keltner's comment about "making it" - I'm almost 62 and I'm still trying to "make it" - and I really don't think it's a completely unrealistic goal. One just modifies their definition of what "making it" is. When I was 20, "making it" was being on tour with some huge band going from city to city, playing packed arenas. In my late 20s, "making it" meant playing in, say, a really hot Detroit band (local to me at the time). In my 30s - making it meant getting decent local gigs and recording a few tunes to sell at gigs. Now, "making it" would be being able to derive some extra cash from music. Oh, and there's always that dream of having some huge artist record one of my songs or something... LOL

[@farshimelt]

@Hello Again Hello The only way I know to deal with this is to be grateful that I can play with people whose music I love and earn a living doing it. Also to know what my strengths are and utilize them. I don't take gigs that I know I won't be able to contribute to. I'm not a Rock drummer, so I don't take rock gigs. Never try to fake it. I never gained fame but I always made a living playing music and got to play with some of my heroes. At some point you have to come to terms with who you are, look in the mirror and be honest with what you see. Most of the time drummers are hired for their groove and not how many notes they can play in the shortest period of time. Keltner's story about Mike Romero is a good example. When he was 19 he was blowing away everybody but it's Keltner who made it.

[@coolhatadventures8111]

Perfect question from Dom, How do you step into the song ?

[@kkz2916]

What a wonderful interview.

[@MrMartinWC]

This is an excellent interview! Well done to both Jim and Dom.

[@GlobalDrumming]

Martin Creelman Thanks so much!!!

[@tmitz73]

What an amazing Cat!!! Jim is so kind and so wise, this video really inspired!! Thanks!!

[@machia-mw1lm]

Great series Dom . Learning a lot , enjoying it too . NJ , USA

[@45678madison]

Well done guys

[@tonymarinelli7304]

Jeff Porcaro IS the groove MASTER

[@EnricoMickMorena]

Loving this.....Knowledge and Experience....equals Wisdom!!!

[@sgtpepper1138]

And such a humble person.

[@mjulio71]

My kind of instructional video - Great work!

[@homerinchinatown2]

Keltner always seems very interested in talking about other people and almost reluctant to talk about himself. Like at the very end of this, where he seemed almost unwilling to accept the compliments he was being given. Interesting insight into what kind of a person he is - and probably what kind of musician he is, too.

[@sgtpepper1138]

He also apparently doesn't like being on camera much, try finding a lot of clips of him, he's always hidden or not filmed much during performances.

[@Pipelyd]

What a joy:-) Thanks again!

[@ACLOCKWORKDRUMMER]

oh my god!!!this is great..thank you dom!what a series and great gift to all of us!!follow your bliss,greg venuto

[@roscoegarbonzo9966]

His Groove is Iconic & impeccable & Deeper than the Grand Cyn on Steely Dan's Josie. It's unmistakable! All those years I always thought that it was Steve Gadd! Not on Josie though!

[@bryangibson8479]

Thank you so much for this wonderful series. The stories are so inspirational (and entertaining).