Lester Estelle II facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lester Estelle II
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Estelle in 2004
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| Background information | |
| Also known as | Lester |
| Born | April 28, 1981 |
| Origin | Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Drummer |
| Years active | 2002–present |
| Associated acts | Pillar, Stars Go Dim |
Lester Estelle II, born on April 28, 1981, is a talented American drummer. He is known for playing drums and singing backup for the Christian rock band Pillar. Pillar is based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Today, Lester plays drums for famous singer Kelly Clarkson and also for Jacob Whitesides. He used to be a member of the band Stars Go Dim.
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Lester's Early Life
Lester Estelle started playing drums at church with his dad when he was young. When he was in eighth grade, he began traveling with singer Troy Covey and his band, Seven. He even started learning from home so he could travel and play music full-time.
Lester has played drums for many different groups. These include The Edwardsville Strings, Nu Creation, Lynda Randle, and Entry No. 5. He also played for various other artists around the Kansas City area. Even now, Lester sometimes plays with bands like Trump Dawgs and DL Sully when he is not touring.
Playing with Pillar
In 2002, Lester tried out for the band Pillar and became their new drummer. He took the place of Brad Noone, who had left the band earlier that year. Lester traveled all over the United States with Pillar and visited many other countries.
He played on four of Pillar's albums:
- Fireproof (the re-release)
- Where Do We Go From Here
- The Reckoning
- For the Love of the Game
While Pillar was touring for The Reckoning album, Lester started singing on the song "Tragedy." He soon began singing on other songs too. In 2008, Lester decided to leave Pillar to work on other music projects. This included his new band, Stars Go Dim. Pillar's bassist, Michael Wittig, and former touring guitarist, Joey Avalos, also joined Lester in the new band.
Forming Stars Go Dim
Lester started the band Stars Go Dim in 2007. He formed it with Michael Wittig and Joey Avalos, who were also from Pillar. Chris Cleveland became the lead singer for the group. Stars Go Dim has a different sound than Pillar. It is more "indie" music and less heavy rock.
Stars Go Dim released a short album (called an EP) in October 2008. It was called Stars Go Dim. They then released their first full album, Love Gone Mad, in August 2009.
The band is now made up of Chris Cleveland, Michael Cleveland, Kyle Williams, and Josh Roach. They signed with Fervent Records (part of Word Entertainment). Stars Go Dim released their major label debut album, also called Stars Go Dim, in October 2015. Their first song from that album was "You Are Loved."
Playing for Kelly Clarkson
Lester found out about an audition to be Kelly Clarkson's drummer while trading music gear with a friend. Lester was chosen to join Kelly on tour. He toured with her in the summer of 2013. He has been playing with Kelly Clarkson ever since. He also plays in her house band on The Kelly Clarkson Show.
Lester's Personal Life
Lester married Lisa Byler in May 2002. They have two daughters. Lester also helps other musicians with their recording projects. He gives advice and teaches drum lessons. Sometimes, Lester plays drums for Sunday morning church services.
