Introduced by long-time Modern Drummer journalist, Bob Girouard… Legendary drummer Bernard ‘Pretty’ Purdie presented a sold-out clinic at Rocky’s Music Studio in Rensselaer, NY on April 26, 2025.
Bernard performed an over two-hour clinic focusing primarily on various interpretations of the ‘Purdie Shuffle’. He also discussed his many years as a ‘first-call’ studio musician, and his time as Aretha Franklin’s musical director. He also proclaimed that he loves ‘cross sticking’ - and always wearing leather soled shoes when he plays… Which got quite a chuckle from the audience.
Bernard was so engaging that the time just flew by.
Also featured, were three student musicians from Rocky’s (Billy Thorpe, Sarah Martino, and Delaney Padelsky), did an exemplary job playing along to Bernard’s many grooves. Emphasizing that “we should all have fun practicing and enjoy what we do”. Bernard also asserted that, “everything depends on keeping good time”.
At clinic’s end Bernard took numerous questions from the large crowd in attendance. He signed numerous autographs, and also took lots of photos with his many fans. Bernard absolutely guaranteed that no one went home disappointed
Bob Girouard’s Introduction: Bernard “Pretty” Purdie
“The man does not only play with soul…he IS SOUL!
One would think that hailing from a small town like Elkton, Maryland, and being born 11 out of 15 children, they would get lost in the shuffle. (Not Bernard Purdie). The only shuffle that Bernard got lost in was, of course, his very own “Purdie Shuffle). “
Nicknamed “Bugsy” (by his brother, Henry), Bernard had a gift for rhythm, and was always banging on pots ‘n pans around the house. His love of the drums culminated with his studying under the tutelage of local high school teacher, Leonard Heywood, who Bernard credits with not only drum lessons but life lessons as well. Forever a go-getter, Bernard gigged locally, earning a reputation as a competent sideman, and a complete musician with leadership capabilities. In 1961, he decided to make a career move to NYC. His first hit was a random session with Mickey & Sylvia, “Love Is Strange.” From there, it was one hit after another. And because he could play any style of music convincingly, as well as being a consummate hustler, Bernard’s zeal was often mistaken well… for bragging. However, in every case he never failed to back up his playing with his immense talent. Throughout the sixties, seventies and into the eighties, Bernard became the busiest session drummer, contractor and “hit-maker” on the east coast (equivalent to what Earl Palmer and Hal Blaine were doing on the west coast) ... The rest, they say, is History!
Clearly one of the most innovative stickmen over the last seven decades, Bernard, in both studio or live settings, has backed an incredible number of artists covering a multitude of genres. For writers such as myself, it is almost easier to document who Bernard hasn’t played with instead of who he has. Anyways, here is a small sampling of artists he’s supported: James Brown, Aretha Franklin (for 25 years Bernard was her musical director), King Curtis, Ben E. King, Nina Simone, Wilson Pickett, John Lee Hooker, Herbie Hancock, Louis Armstrong, Larry Coryell, Gil Scott Heron, B.B. King, Bette Midler, Robert Palmer, Paul Butterfield, Joe Cocker, Dizzy Gillespie and of course, Steely Dan. (His massive rhythmic contributions shine on Aretha’s Live at Fillmore West, along with Steely Dan’s hit albums The Royal Scam, AJA, and Gaucho respectively. The latter, highlighting his famous Purdie Shuffles on the tracks Home at Last, Babylon Sisters, and inspiring Jeff Porcaro’s groove on the Toto song Rosanna).
Having accompanied over 100 R&B artists, Bernard’s 2021 memoir, Let the Drums Speak, puts it all together with a candid look at the trials, hits, misses, and eventual successes of what it took to become a living legend. Purdie’s demeanor exemplifies pure joy in his music, the artists he’s worked for, and the thousands who’ve had the distinct pleasure of hearing the Hitmaker himself getting down and funky on his drums as only he can!
SPONSORS: Bucks County Drums. Sticks, Heads and cymbals - Drum Limousine of Copenhagen, Denmark, Accommodations - F and J Family Fund, and Transportation - Kelly’s Drum Lab. I’d also like to acknowledge some highly regarded members of the drumming community who are here today. Ladies and gentlemen Rocky’s Music Studio is privileged to present… Won’t You Please Welcome… Bernard “Pretty” Purdie.
“A HUGE thanks to Mr. Bernard Purdie for an amazing drum clinic this past Saturday. Bernard's impeccable playing (including his iconic "Purdie Shuffle") and stories from his historic career had the SRO crowd of musicians, teachers and students mesmerized and entertained. The thrill for me was when some of our students got the chance to play next to the "hit-maker" himself. Special thanks to Bob Girouard, Billy Amendola, and Bernard's wife, Celia for their "major" help in coordinating the event (couldn't have done it without you!). Also thanks to Bernard's sponsors, Bucks County Drum Company, and Drum Limousine of Copenhagen, Denmark for their support. The feedback has been off the charts! Please let Bernard and Celia Purdie know that you would love to have them come back!!”
-- Rocky Petrocelli