Yogi Horton Drum Lesson Funk/R&B

Yogi Horton was an in demand session drummer from the 70's and 80's that played with Luther Vandross and many other great artists of the time. He left us too soon at the age of 33. This is a clip from an instructional video in which he breaks down groove drumming. His words are as meaningful as his playing.

[@dowsemeister]

Yogi was recommended to me to do a session over at Sugar Hill Jersey. He was 3 hours late costing a lot of studio time, musicians waiting around....He showed up, listened to the track, cut it first time. He listened back to what he did, I wrote him a check and he disappeared into the night. He was there maybe 40 mins max. Best drummer I ever played with. Never saw him again.

[@unclerho8388]

Peter Dowse Lucky you! Wish he'd stuck around.

[@ianhendrytube]

Peter Dowse cool story!

[@alanjamesh.zamorano1677]

Don't leave us hanging! What was the name of that session or the song where he played?

[@charlesstewart2962]

Wow

[@sepiaknight47]

@@alanjamesh.zamorano1677 according to discogs, seems like it was "Heart Heart" by Geraldine Hunt. Yogi didn't get any credits (common for session gigs), but it was recorded at Sugarhill in Jersey, and the session was overseen by M.r Dowse

[@schoovaertssimon6859]

"don't ever try to do anything to deceive where your body is because your body doesn't tell lies", now that is some GREAT drummer advice you usually don't hear.

[@dwilliams660]

I miss this guy...he used to date my sister, we used to live in Teaneck NJ , on tuxedo sq close to Englewood NJ, he got me into music, my sister was suppose to hang out after he he had a show with Luther......but man!!

[@urbguru]

Had a pleasure to have him in my band in 70ties fo 3-4 years! Incredible! Michal Urbaniak & Urbanator

[@jazz1bro]

Mike I think I saw you with Horace Silver in Baltimore once

[@ianhendrytube]

Urbaniak is a legend!!!!

[@fess04]

Michal Urbaniak wow cool......ive got a cd with you and Lenny White....cool

[@fess04]

Michal Urbaniak wow cool......ive got a cd with you and Lenny White....coiol

[@fess04]

fess04 Michal.........do you have any personal favorites in this time ...thanks.... : )

[@BlackwellJohn]

My Father and Yogi we're good friends, my dad would take me to the Luther Vandross concerts back in the 80's. Yogi would always get us front row or 2nd row seats, right in front of his kit on stage. Yogi was amazing, he was big influence on my playing R.I.P. YOGI

[@kevinn4592]

Hey John, i just wanted to thank you for the awesome dvd's you put out. I learned sooooo much from BOTH of your instructional dvd's. Especially the section on foot speed.

[@panzerken]

John, in your DVD I remember you mentioning his name.That's how I got here. Thanks!

[@zachbonaminio3097]

R.I.P. Blackwell

[@paradiddle16]

Yes rip john b. and yogi. Just wondering also but is that Jeff Porcaro in the back where the camera's are filming?

[@drumtravelfun]

RIP.

[@DrummerJez86]

drum video technology has come a LONG way ... but the warm buzz of old vhs somehow makes me feel like i'm learning more

[@jaybeetdown]

I know what you mean!🤣

[@charlesstewart2962]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@jstample]

It makes me feel like I’m the only person in the world getting this advice and learning the master’s secrets

[@monetprod1]

You just don't know how much force this guy played with. I was on the Give Me The Reason tour and they had 20-30 pound sandbags on his kick and all stands! He was one of the coolest cats you'd ever encounter. The entire band was. We were all together at a party the third night back in NYC and the next morning he was gone! Very sad day. One of the best drummers EVER!

[@manysnakes]

This is the polar opposite of so many drum technique videos. Yogi is animated, funny; speaking plainly yet articulately, and at no point is he showing off. This is a master class (and history lesson) from a forgotten genius, and we are lucky to live in a time when the whole world gets to see it.

[@MrAaronfowler]

A blues never gets boring if you plan it right

[@MrAaronfowler]

It's not about drums or anything it's about the pulse of the song

[@MrAaronfowler]

Play it right. Don't plan anything.intstink

[@MrAaronfowler]

Play . Not plan.

[@MrAaronfowler]

Play. Not plan

[@HenryColeOnDrums]

This video just changed my game ...I have a new hero..Thank you.

[@jaybreen1010]

53:10 "It's all time to me. If it's got a groove I like to play it. I have played some bluegrass that's got more groove than George Clinton. And I've played some funk that's got more straw in it than Merle Haggard...it's all time." This! Hell yes.

[@ChrisSmithJazzDrumHang]

Such a groove beast. "Your whole function is to push the arrangement along, not to beat it!" Yeah Yogi

[@andrewromanowski4290]

Dave Elitch sent me here. I feel criminal for not having dug into Yogi's work already.

[@mattp4084]

This is genuinely one of the most important music videos on the internet.

[@drummerjamtracks4072]

What a musician. Totally plays by feel, the best way.

[@Luvwookie]

Been looking for this video for a very long time. His name was trapped in my mind and no amount of google searching was producing results. Suddenly the name Yogi popped in to my head and here we are. What a journey to get here

[@jacklamont4823]

I remember Yogi from Teaneck High School. I graduated in 1970 and I think he was a year younger. I also remember hanging out at Platinum Records in Englewood. I'd hangout with couple of guys from the band "Brother To Brother". Anybody remember Billy Jones and Chuck Carrado?

[@Unkle_Mike]

This man has FUNK pouring out of his entire aura. Rest in Peace, Yogi

[@hifijohn]

He died very young I think just a few years after this video was made.

[@cashvillelady]

I met Yogi in 1986 an not only was he a talented drummer he was really great at telling jokes an making you laugh! I remember telling him that if he ever left drumming he could/would be a great 'stand up' comedian, he was just that funny. I truly hope he's resting peacefully!!😔❤️

[@catboyzee]

Loved Yogi's playing. But the look in his eyes when he's playing is somewhat telling. Reminds me of a line from Josie Wales: He had crazy eyes. So tragic and unfortunate. Luther's music wasn't the same after Yogi left this world. Loved his low-pitched snare drum sound too. RIP.

[@DanCThorpe]

The level of musicianship he shows here and his knowledge of the entire history of R&B, soul, funk quite amazing.

[@schoovaertssimon6859]

So much personality, incredible power and perfect timing...Probably the most underrated drummer in history.

[@unclerho8388]

Schoovaerts Simon U are sooooooo right. It scares me to consider what he would have recorded had depression not gotten the better of him. Have u listened to his work on Grover's "The best is yet to come" album??

[@tregsmusic]

Completely agree.

[@sevendeep]

after about 15 minutes I realized I'm sitting here with my head resting on my hand staring at the screen with my mouth open. great stuff

[@lizzie6433]

Great guy! I was friends with him at Teaneck High School; we were in the same homeroom and our lockers were next to each other, and he protected me! Andrea Isaacs

[@raynapowell8474]

Yogi is my uncle. I, too came through Teaneck High School. Thank you for sharing!

[@sheilaterry5630]

@@raynapowell8474 Teaneck here..YOGI IS one of Teaneck's Gems 💎

[@MikeStone3000]

Yogi was one of THE BEST DRUMMERS WHO HAD IT IN THE POCKET ON EVERY STUDIO & LIVE SESSION!!! I truly miss this Music Brother. R.I.P.

[@chriswhiteiii]

You're the Sweetest One by Luther Vandross (Forever, For Always, For Love) brought me here after I read Yogi Horton's name in the liner notes for that song on Tidal. What a feel.

[@jazzkuramatto]

Quite possibly the best drum video of all time. Maximum respect.

[@acehandler1530]

...."you start fasting - involuntarily ... things get very hungry..." not only a wonderful drummer but a true word-smith, excellent - thanks for the share (and all the heart-felt comments) 💖 🇨🇦

[@mlklotusmann6749]

This guy has a lot of certainty, about what he says and about what he plays. So articulate and clear with both as well. Amazing. What a gift to be able to see this!

[@JustinWilson01]

This > all the chops and solo videos on youtube. Thanks for sharing. Never seen someone smash a crash cymbal quite like this.

[@jeffrashadthomas2866]

This instantly just became one of my most favorite KZbin videos. Thanks for sharing!

[@jaybreen1010]

Pure gold. Amazing this was one of the first productions DCI did, so primitive compared to what they'd later do, but yet contains easily as much knowledge and content as 5 of these. You don't get dudes like this very often - intuition and feel for days but so articulate and well versed. Partying his ass off all the while. Such a shame he passed.

[@TheAkd89]

Yogi was a masterful Drummer man sad he died so young… he was only 1 1/2 year older than me when he passed away.. he recently became my favorite drummer from listening to the uptempo cuts on Luther V’s Busy Body Album

[@oholm09]

I read Wikipedia he's committed suicide on 17th floor building

[@midnitesongs]

natural drummer and natural storyteller & music historian - this ( and Yogi ) is amazing

[@Greggyboyz60]

This is a mind blowing history of drum funk lessons from drum master Yogi Horton. I remember in the 80's seeing a Drum Beta or VCR drum lesson of him at Harry's music store in Kaimuki Honolulu Hawaii where I grew up... I was blown away. I didn't know who he was. But I was blown away with his funk drumming and soloing. Some of his funk drumming some how, I think it stuck with me. Thank you Yogi. I will continue studying your style ....Thanks to KZbin! For free lessons.. And for making it real.

[@terrywashington6730]

I lived a round the corner from Yogi in Teaneck NJ he was a great drummer and I miss he RIP my brother.

[@raynapowell8474]

Hey Bedford Avenue Crew!

[@stilldiggingrecords3951]

I keep coming back to this video mostly because its like a encyclopedia of drums styles, advice, and history. R.I.P. Yogi Horton

[@seraphimle8000]

Yogi, you are the real deal. Much love♥️

[@benozw12]

I kept seeing this video being recommended to be play next, but I didn't watch until now. I must say, I should have watched this longgg time ago!! He shared a lot of 'wisdom' on drumming with feel and attitude, which are very much neglected in today's teaching. People are chasing for the next coolest licks, fastest limbs, instead of better feel and groove. It's a pity that great musicians (not just drummers) like Yogi Horton, Jeff Porcaro and Carlos Vega died too early!!

[@christophermatthias3327]

The Legendary Yogi Horton. Genius at work. this guy was the groove master.

[@jamsjr44]

More younger drummers should watch this video! Just incredible power, feel and dynamics not to mention groove. I grew up listening to all these bands that he played with thanks to my parents and loved listening to Yogi. R.I.P brother.

[@benozw12]

+jamsjr44 Could you name some bands that he played with for me to check out ?

[@jamsjr44]

+benozw12 check here: www.discogs.com/artist/238357-Yogi-Horton

[@stockjonebills]

I have to admit I'm not too familiar with Yogi Horton. The guys a beat savant. Amazing.

[@miamiwax]

I WANT THAT SHIRT!!!!!!!!!!

[@manysnakes]

+miamiwax Holy shit, I know.

[@orionsecret]

oh when that samba thing comes in around 42:00 wow...This is phenomenal and RARE to get into a master's head like this.

[@JrDrummerboy87]

Him nailed it !!

[@pablopacifico]

This is just so good. And I am bass player. Just lovely.

[@chemistryset1]

I know this guy a *little bit* from his playing on both Jerry Harrison and David Byrne's respective debut albums - he definitely plays within himself, nothing to flashy, but unusual and distinct enough for me to remember and admire his playing 40 years later ... seeing this tutorial - a very early example of its kind, and innovative of itself - only further illustrates his level of talent.

[@dreonthekeys88]

this guy gives me goosebumps when he plays. So much feel and conviction

[@chriswhiteiii]

36:25 Dance & music 46:34 Drum placement 49:03 Body Conditioning Exercises 54:17 Professional Drummer Don'ts

[@SophieAlloway]

Thanks Chris. I’m grateful to you for putting a time reference on the topics. There’s a lot of good stuff here!

[@vincentquattrocchi7924]

underrated groove monster icon here! !!!

[@Metamophisis]

Favorite drum 🥁 tutorial on KZbin ever! 🔥💣🔥💣🧨🎧💉👂🎼🎵🎶🥁🚀👀 Yogi is gone but never forgotten!

[@tb7077]

The way he hits the drums is reminiscent of Tony. Laying into them. A lot of power, even at lower volumes or using intricate patterns.

[@johnstanovich5320]

Had the pleasure of hearing him live only once with Luther, both influential on me and favorites as well, thank you and may you both rest in peace!!!

[@Stunpage2]

This is one of the best things I've ever seen.

[@bigbrain2156]

It takes a determined pursuit of knowledge and more importantly a deep contemplation of that knowledge to be able to speak in the way he does about drumming. It's obvious that after learning the "what" & "how" of a subject, he also searched for "why" and "where" and "what for" LOL If your a musician who wonders about such things, this is what Mastery looks and sounds like.

[@funkman0811]

Yogi a MONSTER FREAKIN MASTER LEGEND I got to meet Yogi through Frankie Crocker WBLS Radio and Myself being and up and coming drummer I Gravitated to Yogis Rhythm and Groove Tempo. His Stories and Technique What a Truly Master . It was one of the most Tragic Saddest Story when Yogi Left our World I was devastated, GOD REST in PEACE Yogi Keeping the GROOVE Alive in heaven.

[@sultanvoices]

Life changing video. Thank you for uploading. A history of music from a rhythmic perspective. There is so much in this that is of value to other musicians, whether you're a keyboard player, bassist, guitarist, or even programming drums - the ideas of rhythmic feel, time, space, and body motion are excellent.

[@2confrontational]

I keep coming back here 'cuz this is simply the gift that keeps on giving. Simply amazing. Rest in power Yogi Horton...

[@davenaranjo7686]

His grooves are insane.

[@tomhoughton5099]

This is easily the best drum related video ive seen on youtube....Pure knowledge of beats, body and mind!

[@MichaelVLang]

Good grief Yogi is such a monster. Thank you for getting this out.

[@richardpine8011]

Truly a master of his instrument, thanks for the upload!

[@ctyreman11]

Yogi played drums on Jean-Michel Jarre's 1984 experimental album Zoolook. Search for a track called Ethnicolor and fast forward to 7 and a half minutes in, just before Yogi's drums kick-in.

[@Lektuerekurs]

+Synthlord2015 Hey, thanks for sharing that! I actually looked up the song (found a version from some live album though) and it's absolutely fantastic and hypnotizing music, listening to the album now!

[@user-ut3ij5ji3n]

Believe me or not, but when I was 7 years old my dad got me into JMJ music. I liked Oxygene, Equinox and concert in China ( I discovered Magnetic Fields little bit later), but Zoolook was like a whole new level to me - it was like my eyes were open. After that nothing was the same. I immadietely loved the album. I didn't need time to get into it. It was magical BOOOM and I was in. I discovered only few years ago that Jarre had actuall musicians on the record. Playing drums myself I'm tempted to give it a try a learn some parts that Yogi played😊

[@MrTristandestry]

I like how Yogi roots so much of his understanding of the feel of drumming (and its history) to dancing. Thinking about one of the purposes of music and rhythm though feels do exist that may not have so much to do with dancing as emoting a sense more abstract or internal

[@highnumber9494]

This guy is providing so much wisdom and truly useful information. He was cool and down to earth too. I loved that he was smoking at cigarette at one point. It gave the feel of an old school drum lesson (which this is). Immense. Listen up kids.

[@TheModernGroove]

What a groove, what a wisdom! I am overhelmd! Thanks for sharing this!

[@robandrews3368]

one of the best videos on you tube

[@anthonycousins1162]

Yogi mastered the art of playing ballads. I saw him with Luther Vandross back in 1985 at the now defunct Valley Forge Music Fair in Devon, Pa. He actually made the time feel like you were floating in outer space. His uptempo work was solid from start to finish and his meter was impeccable. He’ll never be forgotten.❤🙏🏽🥁🥁 13:31

[@essemmetv]

the Glenn Gould of drummers. a true natural, period.

[@kamalkoin652]

First heard him on Grover Washington Jr's "the best is yet to come" album. The way he plays on "Mixty Motions" slays me til today!!! I need to order that album. Again.

[@dwftube]

Now that album is 100% *class* 👍

[@adrianlyord3978]

One of the best Drummers of all time! !!! Great job Yogi! RIP Gone Way Too Soon!

[@DWH072]

The knowledge this guy has is unreal

[@antd8259]

Wow . He could play. May he rest peace. True musician

[@slingerland49]

That is by far the best damn instructional video I have ever seen. The feel was just oozing out of the guy. Brilliant. Inspirational. I leearned so much. I'm going to come back to it again and again. Thanks for posting it!

[@unclerho8388]

Beyond amazing!!! RIP Yogi.

[@juandemm1976]

Truly blessed drummer! you can feel his groove in hundreds of sessions throughout the first mid 80's! RIP

[@jkd432]

I’ve seen a ton of drum instructional videos but this is at the top of the mountain. So much history, technique, attitude and groove from this man. Pure pleasure! Yogi, we miss you.

[@spakuloid]

Yogi is the MASTER. Unbelievable. What a loss.

[@davidcurtis4478]

Absolutely BRILLIANT!!!! Soooo much great drumming philosophy and motions. Yogi demonstrates so in depth here but yet so simple - simple in a genius sense! One of the best videos I've ever seen. DC

[@nucliosis]

This is actually gonna be my Bible right now. I need a spacious room and a new drum kit. Wish I didn't sell my old drums😮

[@Metamophisis]

One of my favorite videos ever on KZbin! 🔥💣🧨🎧💉👂🎼🎵🎶🥁

[@frankalfar]

Cool I have the VHS of this along w Bernard Purdie on the same one. I still use this breakdown of groove to my students. This is so informative and funky. You want to hear some of the coolest playing he did listen to my life in the bush of ghosts LP.

[@BGriffJames]

This video is amazing. So many lessons!

[@SteveBellinghamatHappyScience]

Wow, thanks for posting this. He is one of the most knowledgeable guys on drums I have ever heard.

[@oleka.6404]

thanks for sharing, great material. RIP Yogi.

[@chrisschulz65]

i watch this regularly. so much in this one clip. ty for posting.

[@AdolfoTorresMIJO]

Thank you, Howard Alper and thank you, KZbin. This is the best drum lesson video I have ever seen. More than half of my life I have been playing and obsessing over this instrument and I had not heard of this man. This is amazing, thank you so much! -Adolfo

[@stoo234]

super groove..thank you for posting this..awesome drummer great video.

[@dagostinoification]

Thank you very much Howard for this rare video.

[@markogorman8448]

Great watch great drummer & great at explaining the beats of past hit records & breaking them down

[@AmyLynnAndTheHoneyMen]

Thanks for sharing this video. So awesome!

[@shawnhapney8784]

Very solid drum vid! True Wisdom, ultra tasty grooves!

[@bigbaby9189]

Great musician and a great lesson. Thank you

[@Tazmanian_Ninja]

This... is PURE GOLD. THANK YOU SO EVER MUCH FOR UPLOADING IT, Howard!!! 🌸

[@HowardAlper]

My pleasure!

[@icymm]

Simply Outstanding..!!!

[@elyashley794]

GROOVE MASTER- Ive studied this tape for over 20years and it never gets dull to me...

[@mikeb2085]

WOW, just stumbled on this video , Amazing clinic and Amazing approach to grooving...

[@jamersonshook]

Great history lesson and playing. Thanks!

[@RayRockDrummer]

Thank You Much . Brother Yogi Horton ! Blessings Forever

[@ps91worshipdrumsrr]

This is sooooooooo DOPE...practical insight and wisdom from a studio legend...😔

[@timdavis1987]

One of the best instructional/inspirational drum vids I have ever seen.

[@netzah3488]

Needed this important history lesson; Respect Massive

[@OscarArevaloZAPPA]

Wow never heard of him but it was an amazing class and a very interesting video to watch, the guy knows all of what a groove is about, and he talks very much like Bernard Purdie, thanks for posting this