Jeff Porcaro

1954-1992

When we think Toto . . . think Rosanna . . . think seven Grammy’s awards and multiplatinum album sales we have to think of the late Jeff Porcaro.  After all he co-founded the group, was the driving force behind the music, and was there to receive the accolades and enjoy the rewards. But these achievements represent just a fraction of Jeff Pocaro’s impact on music and drumming. 

 

Playing from age 7 and inspired by his father Joe, a successful session percussionist, Jeff gained prominence on Steely Dan’s Katy Lied album and recorded with the likes of Paul McCartney, Dire Straits, Jackson Browne, Rickie Lee Jones, Michael Jackson, Paul Simon, Don Henley, Madonna, Al Jarreau, George Benson, the Manhattan Transfer, America, Peter Frampton, the Bee Gees, Tom Scott, Michael McDonald, Amy Holland, Joe Cocker, Stan Getz, Sérgio Mendes, Lee Ritenour, the Four Tops, Barbra Streisand, Diana Ross, Natalie Cole, Warren Zevon, Bonnie Raitt, Pink Floyd, Eric Clapton, Larry Carlton, Miles Davis, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John and many more.

 

Jeff’s accomplishments are made even more impressive by the fact that he was able to squeeze them all into an all-to-short life.  Sadly, we lost Jeff Porcaro at age 38 and his words provide testament to his life’s work, “What ever gift God gave me, for what ever reasons, I’ve used it to its full potential.”