Stories, grooves, and the man behind the world-famous Purdie Shuffle.
His twenty years leading Aretha's band, and the Rock Steady session that ran to twelve minutes after the sheet music slid off the piano. The eight-bar solo she insisted on keeping went on to change his career.
Where the shuffle came from, traced through 1920s and 40s swing to the sound of a slowing train. How the Purdie variation leans on a halftime feel and the push on beat three to get its signature swing.
Becoming Sonor's first American endorser in 1967 and bringing the brand stateside. Twenty-five years and countless New York to Germany trips later, the sound and build still kept him loyal.
Collaborations with icons from Louis Armstrong to early Bob Marley, and the demos that blurred into finished hits. Plus the eye-catching studio signs he used to promote himself between takes.
Bernard collects his Lifetime Achievement Award at the UK Drum Show 2024.
A drum-only playthrough of Rocksteady.
A drum-only playthrough of It's Your Thing.
A drum-only playthrough of St. Thomas.
A live set from London, opened by Ralph Rolle. A rousing Rocksteady, audience singalongs, saxophone solos and a band in full flow.
The second half of the London show. Ralph Rolle on the Steely Dan record that first hooked him on Purdie, with thanks to the band, the crowd and a hint at a return.
One of the most recorded drummers in history, Bernard "Pretty" Purdie defined the sound of soul, funk and R&B from behind the kit. He was Aretha Franklin's band leader and the groove on countless records for James Brown, King Curtis and Steely Dan. The man who gave the world the Purdie Shuffle, and never once played it quietly.
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