Mike Kowalski

Mike Kowalski

Kowalski at a concert in 1998
Background information
Born July 28, 1944
Origin Hollywood, California, United States
Genres Rock, Blues, Jazz
Occupation(s) Musician, Writer, Producer
Instruments Drums, Piano
Years active 1947–present
Associated acts Beach Boys
The Backsters

Mike Kowalski (born July 28, 1944) is a percussionist and musicologist. He is best known as one of the former drummers from the rock band The Beach Boys. He and saxophonist Joel C. Peskin recorded as The Backsters in 1984.

Early career

Mike Kowalski was born in Hollywood, California. He started singing and playing piano at the age of three. His first professional engagement was playing the piano, with Mel Torme on drums, for a television pilot at the age of five. At age ten, he was given a set of Slingerland Radio-King drums by Dragnet actor Jack Webb.[1][2]

At the age of fifteen, he was playing drums professionally with various local rock and rhythm and blues bands. He performed both on stage and on screen as his family was affiliated with the film and television industries. By age nineteen he was playing drums with, L.A. based singers, Pat and Lolly Vegas, whom later formed the pop group Redbone. Also during this time Kowalski performed and recorded with Sonny & Cher, Little Anthony & the Imperials, and Etta James.[3]

In 1968 Kowalski was asked to join Ed Carter's, London based rock/blues band, The New Nadir. Along with Gary Thain on bass, the trio played the London circuit . The band was signed to Witchseason Productions. One of the highlights for Kowalski was when Jimi Hendrix sat in with them at The Speakeasy.[1][4]

The Beach Boys and The Backsters

Later in 1968 Kowalski joined the Beach Boys,[5] playing percussion for the band. He was their main drummer, following the death of Dennis Wilson, from 1983 to 2007. Kowalski parted ways with the Beach Boys in September 2007.[1][2]

It was also in 1968 that Kowalski met and first worked with saxophonist Joel C. Peskin.[1][2]

In between touring with the Beach Boys, Kowalski performed and recorded with, among others; blues guitarist Albert Collins, Johnny Otis, jazz saxophonist Charles Lloyd, Big Joe Turner, John Mayall and Charlie Musselwhite.[1][2]

In 1984 Kowalski collaborated with Joel Peskin to create The Backsters. They were signed to A & M Records with Herb Alpert as executive producer. Their album, entitled Get on Your Back, featured many seasoned jazz and blues players. Released in early 1985, their first single was "Handclappin".[1][2]

Other bands and performers

Kowalski has played with numerous bands and performers; both as a member of the group and as a session musician. Acts Kowalski has played with include:[6][7][8][9]

Joe HoustonShuggie OtisJim O'Keefe
Nino TempoNick Drake Billy Hinsche
Roger McGuinnBarry MannJon Lawton
Brian WilsonBumps BlackwellAdrian Baker
Mark AndesJohn Martyn and Beverley MartynDon Peake
Gene VincentCrazy HorseHank Marr
Eddie "Cleanhead" VinsonCaptain and TennilleErnie Knapp
Marie AdamsJoe BoydBobby Figueroa
Bruce JohnstonLeon RussellMike Meros
Chris FarmerLance CarsonSteve Douglas
Mike LeyGeorge WhitsellGary Griffin
Darrol SchexnayderThe DragonsElliot Ingber
John MarxDomenic Genova
Tay Uhler AKA Eddie SapienGary ChangClark GarmanScott Lipsker
Chris Mancini 'Rock Island'Clark GarmanBobby Jones
Tim BonhommeCarl RadleRod Armstrong
Scott Engel with The Walker BrothersStu Hoffman AKA Barbecue BobDean Torrence
Bobbie GentryLeroy VinnegarAndy Simpkins
Jerry GonzalezHenry VestineWells Kelly
Ron AltbachSoupe BradshawJitter Webb
Joe AngeloJeff FoskettDave Pegg

Discography

A brief list of bands and musicians Kowalski has played with:[6][7][8][9]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Ventura County Star http://www.vcstar.com/news/2008/aug/14/meet-the-beatman---mike-kowalski/
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 https://suite.io/adrian-peel/3tgk2bn
  3. ↑ http://www.sonicbids.com/band/theocbeachband/
  4. ↑ http://garagepunkinc.blogspot.com/2009/06/press-release-new-nadir-me-and-others.html
  5. ↑ The Beach Boys lineups
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 http://www.allmusic.com/artist/mike-kowalski-mn0000488660
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 http://www.artistdirect.com/artist/credits/mike-kowalski/454825
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 http://www.discogs.com/artist/285390-Mike-Kowalski
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 http://www.cduniverse.com/sresult.asp?qs=m551189

External links