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About Preston Ritter...
My name is Preston James Ritter, I was born April 24, 1949. I'm a
professional drummer, music teacher, private investigator, author and
teacher of New Testament biblical theology. I had a successful kidney
transplant on Nov. 1,1995 at UCLA Med Ctr. It is my second transplant. I
was on dialysis for seven years until the second one.
As a drummer, I've played with and/or recorded with The Electric Prunes,
Linda Ronstadt, Dobie Gray, The Beach Boys, James Brown, Sassy Class and
many others both famous and unknown. I was also a DJ on the old L.A.
KGIL-1260AM radio station together with Ken Griffin in 1972-73. On T.V.,
I have appeared on Dick Clark's "American Bandstand (2X)," "Where the
Action Is (3X)," "Mike Douglas Show" "Ed Sullivan," "Cyd Charisse
Special", "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour" and many other T.V. shows across the nation. The Electric
Prunes music has been used in soundtracks for many T.V. shows and
movies, including the classic, EASY RIDER. I have played drums for many
other T.V. and movie soundtracks and on Korean television programs.
Lately, I've learned Tahitian drumming and play with a Polynesian dance
group with my two daughters, Hannah (20) and Larissa (13).
As an author, I've published several books on drumming, theology (in
Korean and English), newspaper columns (Korea Times-regular columnist),
several Korean magazines and various newsletters. I've taught theology
at several seminaries in S. Korea (1978-84). I was a non-denominational
Christian missionary in Korea from 1978 to 1984. I also worked as a
Police Officer in Los Angeles and as a L.A. County Sheriff's Deputy. I
enjoy life and especially making new friends. I love receiving E-mail
from anyone.
prestonr@earthlink.net
My primary influences as a drummer were: Sandy Nelson, Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, Louie Bellson, Joe Morello, Billy Cobham, Hal Blaine, Earl Palmer, Al Jackson Jr.,Clyde Stubblefield & John "Jabo" Starks (James Brown's drummers), Steve Gadd, and... well, everybody that I've ever heard! I can learn something from everyone. I'm proud and honored to say that Sandy Nelson, Buddy Rich and Louie Bellson have all been close personal friends. I'm greatly indebted to each of them, because what I am today as a musician is largely because of them (the good stuff).
Books, Etc. I have published several drum books, the most famous being, 67 Backbeats published in 1966. I am included in the book, The Great Rock Drummers of the Sixties, by Bob Cianci. I'm also listed in The Rolling Stone Encyclopedia of Rock & Roll, as well as many others on music history. I am currently working on a series of drum instruction videos with 60s drumming legend, Sandy Nelson ("Teen Beat" & "Let There Be Drums") Drum Lessons
Teaching all styles: Rock, Jazz, Swing, Big Band, Soul, Funk, R&B;, Marching/Drum Corps, Orchestra, Latin, etc. Learn music reading & notation. How to learn drum parts by ear from recordings. How to play with a "click track" for steady time. Drum Rudiments Matched Grip or Traditional Grip. Also, Polynesian / Tahitian drumming (Toere & Pahu ). My Equipment 1970s Rogers Dble-Bass Drum set (Gift from Louie Bellson- 1972). Roland Pro-V Drums electronic drum set. w/ Roland keyboard amp. Location Learn at my residence or at your own home (if in Los Angeles area). Cost is negotiable according to length of each lesson and place. Learn at your own pace, no pressure. Beginners to Advanced professionals.
(661) 251-3834 or
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Larissa 2001
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Hannah 2001
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| Preston 2001 |
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Please scroll down for more photos....
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| Click on the picture of me below to go to the Electric Prunes link for more pictures, info and an interview I did in October, 1997. I'm still playing and teaching drums. |
All Rights Reserved
Preston Ritter