Today we’d like to introduce you to Jimmy Keegan.
Hi Jimmy, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m the youngest of eight kids. Six boys and two girls. As a child, music is like food in my house. My immediate older brother constantly plays music for me. Yes, Genesis, The Pretenders, Devo, Queen, The Ramones, Elvis Costello, Graham Parker but Led Zeppelin hits me like a ton of bricks. I don’t just want to play drums, I must! By eight years old, I’m tapping on anything I can. I’m playing along to anything and everything. At 10, I get a drum set after sitting in with a band at a wedding having never played before. That same year, my father saw an ad for an open casting call in Hollywood. I go to the audition and get the audition. My first show, Real Kids, produced by George Schlatter. Shortly after, I join a cast of mostly kids in a play that runs at The Roxy every Sunday for almost three years. This is my school.
In this cast, I meet my first guitar player. After the play, we start a band, Polo. This band would go on to win Jr. Starsearch, play Knott’s Berry Farm, numerous TV shows and have a four years residency at Disneyland with fellow drummer Josh Freese alongside. This would lead to sessions in and around Los Angeles with the help of mentors like Jeff Porcaro. Over the years, sessions have included Carlos Santana (Supernatural), Kenny Loggins, Selena (Dreaming Of You), John Waite, Tevin Campbell and tours with Tony Orlando, prog heroes Spock’s Beard and The Boneshakers. All the while, I had an acting career landing spots on TV shows, commercials and movies including, Over The Top, Just The Ten of Us, and cartoon voices for The Littles, G.I. Joe and The Transformers. But music has always been the focus. I’m currently part of a sort of super-group as they like to call them in the prog world called Pattern-Seeking Animals. I continue to do sessions for all types of artists from all over the world with the help of the internet and a studio at home. I’m perpetually curious and tomorrow is almost here.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Oh Jeez, nothing about the entertainment industry is smooth. It’s forever changing and unforgiving. Just about the time you gather the experience and education needed to play the big gigs, you’re too old. There is constant and brilliant competition everywhere you turn and it’s always expanding. The idea of family is fantastic but balancing a music career, especially a traveling one with children is incredibly challenging and particularly on the children. I was a single father for much of my daughter’s childhood. Not easy!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Firstly, I am a drummer. I also sing. In my life, I have been an actor and voice-over artist. Concurrently I have been a recording engineer.
As a singing drummer, it informs how I hear music and in turn makes me sensitive to the melody. Music can be simple and complex. I’ve always tried to ask the artist I was working for what they would do if they weren’t trying to sell records. What if they were just making art for art’s sake? Once I get a feel for that, I can come up with parts that are accessible to the general audience but also interesting and challenging. It really depends on how brave the artist is.
I think if you asked my friends what sets me apart, they would say my ear. I have a rather acute ear. I learn everybody’s parts and often in great detail. I’m also fortunate to have detailed memory. I retain everything. It makes things easy in the studio and for touring. In the studio, I only need to hear an average song a few times to begin tracking. For touring, I never forget songs once I’ve learned them. It sounds a bit far-fetched. Nevertheless, it comes in handy often.
Aside from my playing style, I sing from behind the kit. I’m a high tenor so I can get up in those Journey, Sting ranges. There aren’t many singing drummers so I like to think it makes me useful.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Hearing the accomplishments of my daughter and now granddaughter and soon-to-be grandson. I love hearing her accomplish goals or acquire new skills. I love the gift of music. The idea that somebody would hear something, relate it to me and share it with me says a lot. They recognized my passion for music, took the time to know something about me and thought of me in a joyful moment is quite moving. I’m blessed with friends. Any time I get to spend with them is always joyful. I love watching a person in their element, doing what they were meant to do. Doesn’t need to be a musician but that adds an extra layer. I get a distinct thrill seeing my friends succeed or accomplish things. I love watching a person in a humble state. The act of giving beyond the need to give. I love nature and have always been particularly fond of whales and dolphins. This all kind of leads to my partner Chris. Her and her son Hunter, along with my daughter, sort of encompass all of this. I’m fortunate to just know them, let alone share a home with them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jimmykeegan.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jimmy_keegan_drums
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jimmykeegandrummer
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jimmy_keegan_drums
Image Credits
Erik Nielsen, Greg Lastrapes
