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John Hammond

Gretsch Artist Since: 
2012
Country: 
US
Band or Affiliations: 
Nashville studio, Tim Akers & The Smoking Section
Current Kit Setup: 

USA Custom 18x22”, 7x10”, 8x12”, 14x14”, 16x16”
Brooklyn 16x24”, 8x12”, 9x13”, 16x16”, Varying snare drums including 5x14” USA Custom maple snare, 6.5x14” USA Custom, 6.5x14” Solid Aluminum, 6.5x14” Brooklyn Chrome Over Brass

Influences: 

I’d say the studio greats have had the biggest impact; drummers like Jeff Porcaro, Steve Gadd, Carlos Vega, and Steve Jordan. Local Atlanta area drummers like Barry Borden and Bryan Holmes were hugely influential as well.

We asked...Why Gretsch?: 

"No other drum sounds like a Gretsch drum. To me it’s best described as a “classic” sound. It’s the sound I grew up hearing on my favorite records, and it’s the sound I want."

Advice to Aspiring Musicians: 

"Learn your craft, from instrument preparation (tuning, etc.) to basic musical styles. You should be ready for whatever musical situation presents itself.
"

 

BIOGRAPHY

 

John Hammond began his professional music career some 30 years ago touring with Grammy Award winning artist Russ Taff. Since that time he has recorded or performed with such renowned artists as Vince Gill, Jewel, Faith Hill, Olivia Newton-John, Barry Manilow, Whitney Houston, Miley Cyrus (Hannah Montana), Peter Cetera, Kristin Chenoweth, Cliff Richard, Amy Grant, Bill Gaither, Aaron Neville, SHeDAISY, Larry Carlton, Christopher Cross, Michael McDonald, and Reba McEntire, to name a few. In addition, he continues a demanding studio career with a variety of clients that includes Sony Music, Disney, and many others. He is also a member of the band, Dogs of Peace.

John’s work has also been featured on several movie soundtracks, including the animated feature Anastasia, Robert Duvall’s The Apostle, Steven Spielberg’s The Prince of Egypt, and Ellen DeGeneres’ Mr. Wrong. He has performed with various artists on The Today Show, The Tonight Show, The View, and Pepsi Smash, and has held house band positions for the Gospel Music Association’s Dove Awards broadcast (4 times) and CeCe’s Place, a live music variety show hosted by CeCe Winans which featured a multitude of artists from all genres of music. He has appeared in telecasts for various musical productions including Manilow Country, a nationwide television special featuring Barry Manilow. In addition, he has enjoyed the privilege of performing for the President of the United States at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C., and again as part of a command performance at the White House. He is also a regular to accompany the Nashville Symphony in various productions when a rhythm section is needed.

John was also a member of the house band for the entire run of the Ryman Auditorium’s original variety program, Sam’s Place. There he had the pleasure of working with a wide variety of Contemporary Christian and country artists including Wynonna, Sara Evans, Kathy Mattea, Chet Atkins, Michael W. Smith, Ricky Skaggs, Steven Curtis Chapman, Bryan White, and many others. This live performance show featured two nationally televised specials and was a nationally syndicated radio broadcast as well. Prior to his professional career, John won a coveted appointment to study with then Principal Percussionist of the Atlanta Symphony, Jack Bell.

Presently, John endorses Gretsch drums, Meinl cymbals, Vater drumsticks, Alclair in-ear monitors, and Audio-Technica microphones.

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