Kate Schellenbach, American drummer

Kate Schellenbach, born on January 5, 1966, is a distinguished American creative recognized for her significant contributions to both the music industry as a talented drummer and the television landscape as an Emmy Award-winning producer. Her unique career trajectory showcases a remarkable versatility, having played pivotal roles in influential bands and behind-the-scenes in some of the most popular talk shows.

Early Musical Foundations: The Genesis of a Legend

Schellenbach's musical journey commenced in the vibrant New York City scene of the early 1980s. She was instrumental in the formation of what would evolve into the iconic hip-hop group, the Beastie Boys. Initially, the band began as a hardcore punk outfit known as The Young Aborigines, where Schellenbach served as the dedicated drummer. Her rhythmic contributions were a foundational element during this nascent period, helping shape the group's initial raw and energetic sound. She played with the Beastie Boys from 1981 until 1984, before the band transitioned more definitively into hip-hop and rap, a shift that coincided with her departure.

Luscious Jackson: A Defining Chapter

Following her tenure with the Beastie Boys, Kate Schellenbach co-founded the highly acclaimed alternative rock band, Luscious Jackson, in 1991, alongside Jill Cunniff and Gabby Glaser. Characterized by their eclectic blend of alternative rock, hip-hop, and funk influences, Luscious Jackson quickly carved out a distinctive niche in the 1990s music scene. Schellenbach was the band's primary drummer, providing the driving beats for their critically praised albums and singles, including hits like "Naked Eye" and "Citysong." Her drumming was integral to the band's signature groovy and infectious sound. Luscious Jackson enjoyed significant success before going on hiatus in the spring of 2000. However, the band delighted fans by reuniting in 2011, with Schellenbach once again resuming her drumming duties, releasing new material and touring.

A Brief Stint with The Lunachicks

Beyond her primary commitments, Schellenbach also briefly lent her percussive talents to the punk rock band the Lunachicks. In early 1993, she served as their drummer for a short period, contributing to their raw and energetic sound before Chip English became their permanent drummer.

Transition to Television Production: An Emmy-Winning Career

Demonstrating her versatility, Kate Schellenbach successfully transitioned from a celebrated musician to an accomplished television producer. Her career in television has been marked by significant achievements, including an Emmy Award for her exceptional work as a segment producer on the immensely popular daytime talk show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show. As a segment producer, Schellenbach was responsible for developing, researching, and overseeing various segments that aired on the show, ensuring engaging and well-produced content for millions of viewers.

A memorable on-screen appearance showcased her musical roots: on an episode first aired on December 4, 2007, she notably played the bongos alongside host Ellen DeGeneres, a moment that highlighted her multifaceted talents and connection to her musical past.

A Diverse Portfolio in Late-Night and Comedy

Schellenbach's extensive experience as a producer extends across a variety of prominent talk and comedy shows, underscoring her adaptability and skill in the television industry. Her impressive production credits include:

• Lopez Tonight: A late-night talk show hosted by comedian George Lopez.
• Kathy: A talk show featuring the unique comedic stylings of Kathy Griffin.
• Love You, Mean It with Whitney Cummings: A weekly talk series focusing on pop culture and current events.
• Chelsea Lately: A popular late-night comedy talk show hosted by Chelsea Handler, known for its irreverent humor and celebrity interviews.
• Hello Ross: A pop culture talk show hosted by Ross Mathews, delving into celebrity news and entertainment.
• The Late Late Show with James Corden: Most recently, she served as a producer on this acclaimed late-night talk show until its conclusion in April 2023, contributing to its innovative segments, celebrity interviews, and viral Carpool Karaoke moments.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kate Schellenbach

What was Kate Schellenbach's role in the Beastie Boys?

Kate Schellenbach was a founding member and the original drummer of the band that would eventually become the Beastie Boys. She played with them from 1981 to 1984, during their early hardcore punk phase as The Young Aborigines, before their transition to hip-hop.

Is Kate Schellenbach still involved with Luscious Jackson?

Yes, Kate Schellenbach was the drummer for Luscious Jackson from their inception until their hiatus in 2000, and she rejoined them when they re-formed in 2011, continuing to contribute to their distinctive sound and new music releases.

What is Kate Schellenbach's Emmy Award for?

Kate Schellenbach is an Emmy Award-winning segment producer. Her award was for her work on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, where she was responsible for developing and overseeing various segments and ensuring engaging content.

Has Kate Schellenbach appeared on screen in her television career?

While primarily a behind-the-scenes producer, Kate Schellenbach did make a notable on-screen appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show on December 4, 2007, playing the bongos alongside host Ellen DeGeneres, showcasing her enduring musical talent.