Gregg Bissonette is a renowned American drummer and percussionist who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Born on June 9, 1959, in Detroit, Michigan, Bissonette grew up in a family of musicians. His father, Bud Bissonette, was a drummer, and his mother, Phyllis Bissonette, was a pianist. Gregg Bissonette started playing drums at the age of five and was already performing in public by the time he was ten. Bissonette's early musical education was heavily influenced by his father, who taught him the basics of drumming and exposed him to a wide range of musical styles. Bissonette's father was a jazz drummer, and he introduced his son to the music of jazz greats such as Buddy Rich, Max Roach, and Gene Krupa. Bissonette also developed an interest in rock music and was inspired by drummers like John Bonham of Led Zeppelin and Keith Moon of The Who. Bissonette's talent as a drummer was evident from an early age, and he quickly became a sought-after musician in his hometown of Detroit. In 1978, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in music. Bissonette's big break came in 1985 when he was hired to play drums for David Lee Roth, the former lead singer of Van Halen. Bissonette toured with Roth for two years and played on his hit album "Eat 'Em and Smile." Bissonette's success with Roth led to other high-profile gigs, including playing drums for Santana, Toto, and Ringo Starr. Bissonette's versatility as a drummer and his ability to play a wide range of musical styles made him a valuable asset to many different artists. In addition to his work as a session musician, Bissonette has also released several solo albums and has collaborated with other musicians on various projects. One of his most notable collaborations was with jazz guitarist Joe Satriani, with whom he recorded the album "Flying in a Blue Dream" in 1989. Bissonette's contributions to classical music have been significant. He has played with many orchestras, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Bissonette's ability to blend his rock and jazz background with classical music has made him a unique and sought-after musician in the classical world. One of Bissonette's most memorable performances was his appearance at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. Bissonette was part of the house band for the opening and closing ceremonies, and he played drums for a performance by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Bissonette has also received numerous awards and accolades for his work as a musician. In 2015, he was inducted into the Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame, which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the world of percussion. Bissonette has also won several Modern Drummer magazine Reader's Poll awards, including Best Pop Drummer and Best Studio Drummer. In addition to his work as a musician, Bissonette is also a respected educator. He has written several instructional books and DVDs on drumming, and he has taught at music schools and clinics around the world. In conclusion, Gregg Bissonette is a highly accomplished musician who has made a significant impact on the world of classical music. His ability to blend his rock and jazz background with classical music has made him a unique and sought-after musician in the classical world.

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