Read on Twitter
James Gadson is 81 today. One of the greatest funk drummers of all time. Not a household name, but an undeniable piece of the American music puzzle. Best known for his work with Bill Withers, but there's a lot more. Quick thread of the songs to know.
"Let a Woman Be a Woman, Let a Man Be a Man." By Dyke and the Blazers. The whole thing is incredible, but look out for the breakdown at 1:40. Holy shit.
"Express Yourself" by Charles Wright and the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band. Famously sampled by N.W.A.
"Use Me" by Bill Withers. You could play the groove, but you could never capture its funky essence in a million lifetimes.
"Kissing My Love" by Bill Withers. The intro to this song-just Gadson!-is absolutely life-changing.
"Heartbreak Road" by Bill Withers. Imagine being able to play this solid. Doesn't seem possible. The hi-hat here deserves a MacArthur or a Nobel Prize or something.
Marvin Gaye's "I Want You." Check out the restraint on this one.
One more: D'Angelo's "Sugah Daddy."
That’s Gadson playing on his lap! https://www.okayplayer.com/news/ben-kane-delves-into-the-secret-history-of-dangelos-sugah-daddy.html
What a genius. What a run. Listen to Gadson today.
