Classed as one of the most recorded and in-demand session drummers in history, but commonly known for being the drummer and co-founder of Toto, Jeff Porcaro has played on thousands of tracks.
A solid drummer with incredible talent, Porcaro was versatile yet unique in the way that he played.
He invented a drum groove, the iconic Rosanna Shuffle - featured on the Toto hit ‘Rosanna’ - and collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, including the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.
His talent seemed limitless, with the drummer in hot demand as a young 20-year-old in the 70s, right up to his untimely death at age 38 in 1992.
It has been said that it would be “no exaggeration that the sound of mainstream pop/rock drumming in the 1980s was, to a large extent, the sound of Jeff Porcaro”.
Today, on what would have been his 71st birthday, let’s look back at some of the artists he worked with and the tracks his drumming skills have been lent to.
‘Rosanna’ (1982) - Toto
What better way to start than with ‘Rosanna’, the hit in which the drummer created and showcased the unique playing style that was duly named after the song.
‘Africa’ (1982) - Toto
No explanation needed on this one. Another Toto classic that would not be what it is without that classic Porcaro beat.
‘Night by Night’ (1974) - Steely Dan
While Porcaro featured as the drummer for Steely Dan many a time, we’ve spotlighted his smooth performance on ‘Night by Night’.
Can you believe he was just 19 years old when it was first recorded?
‘Lowdown’ (1976) - Boz Scaggs
Yet another showcase of Porcaro’s smooth and flawless playing style. It’s impossible not to tap your feet and get into the groove of this one.
‘Mother’ (1979) - Pink Floyd
A surprising one here. There have been many questions on why they called in Porcaro as a session drummer on ‘Mother’ instead of utilising the band’s famed drummer Nick Mason.
Supposedly, it came down to Mason not being able to master the complex timing. As once recalled by the band’s guitarist, David Gilmour.
“How many beats is that? Nine. It was very, very difficult to get it to work… there’s no rhythm that carries on straight through like that. You’ve got to find a way of floating through it, which Jeff Porcaro did immediately,” he said in a 2016 interview.
‘Calling Elvis’ (1991) - Dire Straits
More impressive playing from Porcaro on ‘Calling Elvis’, his solid rhythm and precise playing breathe life into this track.
‘Beat It’ (1983) - Michael Jackson
That instantly recognisable beat on the aptly named ‘Beat It’ is brilliantly executed by Jeff Porcaro. With his brother Steve Porcaro on the synthesizer and the legendary Eddie Van Halen shredding that iconic guitar solo, this one was made for the history books.
‘Forever Man’ (1985) - Eric Clapton
Clean playing from Porcaro brings us the upbeat groove for ‘Forever Man’. It’s a rhythm you can’t help but appreciate.
‘Dirty Laundry’ (1982) - Don Henley
A steady drum beat and class playing add a punch to ‘Dirty Laundry’. It’s an addictive listen, with Porcaro’s drums driving the song's powerful message.
‘Spanish Eyes’ (1989) - Madonna
A simple classic with more trusty drumming from Porcaro. While not as striking as the other hits on this list, what makes it great is the wholesome story behind it.
Joe Porcaro, the drummer’s father, was also approached to play on this song as a percussionist. From this, we got a memorable interaction between Madonna and the senior Porcaro.
“I played marimba on this song called Spanish Eyes,” Joe said. “At the end of my performance, I remember Madonna was in the booth at the time, and I asked the engineer, ‘Who is the drummer on this song? He’s really good’.”
“Madonna laughed and said, ‘It’s your son’.”
Although often low-key and sometimes overshadowed, Porcaro should never be forgotten. A solid and incredibly talented drummer across genres, he will always be considered one of the drumming greats.
