Fred Satterfield: Grammy Winning Drummer of The Oak Ridge Boys, Graphic Novel Illustrator
Fred Satterfield is a Grammy & Dove Award-winning drummer, and graphic Illustrator. Fred was the Oak Ridge Boys' drummer for 20 years, winning 2 Grammy's, 2 Music City News Awards for Band of the Year, 1 CMA Award (along with 7 other nominations), and contributing to 35 Top 40 Hits including 25 #1's. He's made 4 appearances at the White House for 3 sitting Presidents, and 25 appearances on the Tonight Show. In additional to his musical acumen, Fred is also an accomplished illustrator, having produced more than 4 dozen coloring books for Dalmation Press, and numerous album covers for Benson Publishing. He is currently illustrating the graphic novel versions of C.G. Cooper's popular Corps Justice Series.
We cover a ton of fascinating topics in this episode including:
• Starting as a professional touring drummer at the age of 15
• Causing a Secret Service incident at the White House while testing out the bass drum
• Entertaining Ringo Starr on the Tonight Show
• Having Jay Leno open for the Oak Ridge boys while he was an up-and-coming comic
• How the Oak Ridge Boys helped pioneer HBO's concert series
• Getting sponsored by Pearl Drums after having his own drums stolen
• Playing jingles in New York City for a series of commercials with Larry Bird
• Recording the theme songs for the '84 Olympics
• The mechanics, logistics, and creative requirements of playing on a studio recording sessions
• The pros and cons of using click tracks in the studio
• How being in the right place at the right time led to a career transition as an illustrator
• Breaking into the graphic design business by designing Jimmy Buffett's first tour t-shirt
• Learning the proper mindset to be a successful creative professional by studying Kenpo Karate with Elvis Presley's head of security
• And so much more!
Check out Freddy's band The South Street Players, and his art website where you can find his graphic novel Corps Justice Series with C.G. Cooper.
• Listen to it on iTunes
• Stream by clicking here
