Birth

:

February 6, 1957

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

Jerry Marotta is a renowned American drummer, percussionist, and producer who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on February 6, 1956, in Cleveland, Ohio, Marotta grew up in a musical family and started playing drums at the age of ten. He was inspired by the music of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Led Zeppelin, and began playing in local bands in his teenage years. Marotta's professional career began in the late 1970s when he joined the progressive rock band, Orleans. He played on their album, "Forever," which was released in 1979. The same year, he joined the band, Peter Gabriel, and played on his third self-titled album, which included the hit song, "Games Without Frontiers." Marotta's drumming on the album was praised for its innovative use of electronic percussion and African rhythms. Marotta continued to work with Peter Gabriel throughout the 1980s, playing on his albums, "Security," "So," and "Us." He also toured with Gabriel and was part of his groundbreaking "Secret World Live" tour in 1993. Marotta's drumming on Gabriel's albums and live performances was noted for its versatility and creativity, and he became known as one of the most innovative drummers of his time. In addition to his work with Peter Gabriel, Marotta has collaborated with many other notable musicians in the classical music world. He played on the album, "The Flat Earth," by Thomas Dolby, and worked with the band, Hall & Oates, on their album, "Big Bam Boom." He also played on albums by artists such as Tears for Fears, Elvis Costello, and Paul McCartney. Marotta's work as a producer has also been highly regarded. He produced the album, "The Indescribable Wow," by Sam Phillips, which was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1989. He also produced albums by artists such as Ani DiFranco, Marshall Crenshaw, and Sarah McLachlan. Marotta's contributions to the world of classical music have been recognized with several awards and honors. In 2011, he was inducted into the Cleveland Arts Prize for Music. He was also awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce in 2016. Marotta continues to be an active musician and producer, and his work continues to inspire and influence musicians around the world. His innovative drumming and production techniques have helped to shape the sound of classical music in the modern era, and his contributions to the genre will be remembered for years to come.

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