Bruce Gary, American drummer (d. 2006)

Bruce Gary (April 7, 1951 – August 22, 2006) was an American musician whose name became synonymous with the driving, iconic beat of The Knack's "My Sharona." While widely celebrated for his role as the band's drummer, Gary was a formidable talent whose contributions to music extended far beyond his most famous performance. A highly respected stage performer, producer, and recording artist, he earned two Grammy Award nominations, reflecting the breadth and depth of his musical impact.

Early Rhythms and Influences

Born in Burbank, California, the young Bruce Gary possessed an abundance of kinetic energy. His parents, seeking a constructive outlet for his boundless enthusiasm, readily permitted him to set up a drum kit that his cousin, having lost interest, had offered him. This serendipitous gift ignited a lifelong passion. At just 15, Gary was drawn to the vibrant counter-cultural and musical pulse of Topanga Canyon, California, a locale known for its burgeoning scene of folk, rock, and blues musicians. He immersed himself in this creative environment, where he forged significant friendships, notably with the gifted guitarist Randy California, planting the seeds for a truly remarkable career.

A Versatile Virtuoso: Early Career Highlights

Gary's burgeoning talent behind the drum kit quickly garnered attention. Throughout the 1960s and early 1970s, he honed his formidable skills playing alongside the legendary bluesman Albert Collins, absorbing the nuances of electric blues and developing a powerful, yet tasteful, rhythmic foundation. By his mid-twenties, his reputation as a dynamic and intuitive drummer was well-established, leading him to tour and record with an extraordinary supergroup. This stellar ensemble featured former Cream bassist Jack Bruce and guitarist Mick Taylor, who had just departed the Rolling Stones, alongside the avant-garde jazz pianist Carla Bley. This period showcased Gary's incredible adaptability and comfort across diverse genres, from blues and rock to jazz fusion. The 1970s also saw him collaborate with the idiosyncratic musical wizard Dr. John, further solidifying his versatile musical palette.

The Knack and the Unforgettable Beat of "My Sharona"

The year 1978 marked a pivotal turn in Bruce Gary's career when singer Doug Fieger invited him to join a new group with guitarist Berton Averre. The lineup was soon completed with the addition of bassist Prescott Niles, forming what would become the critically and commercially successful power-pop band, The Knack. Fieger and Averre brought to the band a raw, energetic tune they'd penned, "My Sharona," a song undeniably fueled by Fieger's intense infatuation with his then-girlfriend, Sharona Alperin. Initially, Gary harbored some reservations about the song's structure and lyrical content. However, his creative genius shone through as he crafted a distinctive beat that perfectly complemented "My Sharona"'s now-famous stuttering rhythm. He famously described his approach as a "surf stomp," drawing inspiration from the driving, cymbal-less drumming style common in surf rock bands, where the rhythmic focus remains squarely on the kick drum, snare, and toms to create a powerful, forward-moving pulse. He also subtly incorporated rhythmic elements from the drum part of Smokey Robinson and The Miracles' classic "Going to a Go Go." The final, critical ingredient Gary added was the "flam" – a drum rudiment where two drumsticks strike almost simultaneously, one just before the other, producing a single, particularly robust, and full-bodied sound. This instantly recognizable kick-and-snare drum intro, an undeniable hook, was instrumental in propelling the power-pop anthem to the very top of the US charts, making it a ubiquitous hit and defining sound of its era. The Knack's debut album, Get the Knack, became a commercial juggernaut, selling an astounding 6 million copies.

A Demanded Session Musician and Producer

Following The Knack's dissolution in the early 1980s, Bruce Gary's reputation as an exceptionally versatile, reliable, and musical drummer soared, making him one of the most sought-after musicians for both studio sessions and live performances. His extensive discography includes collaborations with an astonishing array of musical legends, showcasing his incredible range. He laid down rhythms for rock icons such as Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Stephen Stills, and Rod Stewart; lent his sophisticated touch to pop superstars like Bette Midler and Harry Nilsson; and continued to work with blues and rock luminaries including Robby Krieger of The Doors, his former bandmates Jack Bruce and Mick Taylor, Cherie Currie, Spencer Davis, Emmett Chapman, and Sheryl Crow. His deep roots in the blues also saw him collaborate with undisputed masters of the genre, Albert King and John Lee Hooker. Beyond his prowess behind the drum kit, Gary also distinguished himself as a producer. He helmed new albums for the influential instrumental rock band The Ventures and, notably, co-produced (alongside Alan Douglas) a crucial series of archival Jimi Hendrix recordings. These seminal releases, including the acclaimed Blues compilation, provided invaluable insight into Hendrix's musical genius and further cemented Gary's legacy as a significant figure in music production and preservation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bruce Gary

What was Bruce Gary best known for?

Bruce Gary was primarily known as the dynamic drummer for the American power-pop band The Knack, whose iconic song "My Sharona" became a global hit and a defining track of the late 1970s.

What was Bruce Gary's specific contribution to "My Sharona"?

Gary developed the distinctive "surf stomp" beat for "My Sharona," using a cymbal-less approach focusing on kick, snare, and toms. He also incorporated influences from Smokey Robinson and The Miracles' "Going to a Go Go" and utilized the drum rudiment known as a flam, which collectively resulted in the song's immediately recognizable and driving intro.

Which other famous musicians did Bruce Gary work with after The Knack?

After The Knack, Bruce Gary became a highly sought-after session and touring drummer, collaborating with an impressive and diverse list of artists including Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Stephen Stills, Rod Stewart, Bette Midler, Jack Bruce, Mick Taylor, Albert King, John Lee Hooker, and Sheryl Crow.

What other roles did Bruce Gary have in the music industry besides drumming?

In addition to his celebrated drumming career, Bruce Gary was also a respected producer. He worked on new albums for the influential instrumental rock band The Ventures and notably co-produced significant archival recordings of Jimi Hendrix, such as the acclaimed Blues compilation.

How many Grammy Award nominations did Bruce Gary receive?

Bruce Gary received two Grammy Award nominations during his career for his multifaceted work as a stage performer, producer, and recording artist, reflecting his broad contributions to the music industry.