Omar Hakim facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Omar Hakim
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Hakim on the drums in 2012
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| Background information | |
| Born | February 12, 1959 New York City, New York, United States |
| Genres | Jazz, jazz fusion, pop, funk, rock |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, record producer, arranger, composer |
| Instruments | Drums, percussion, guitar, vocals |
| Years active | 1980–present |
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Omar Hakim (born February 12, 1959) is an American drummer, producer, and composer. He is famous for his amazing drumming on many jazz, jazz fusion, and pop music recordings. He has worked with huge stars like David Bowie, Madonna, Sting, Daft Punk, and Mariah Carey. Omar Hakim is known for his incredible timing and fresh approach to music.
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Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Omar Hakim was born in New York City on February 12, 1959. His father, Hasaan Hakim, was a trombonist, so music was a big part of his family. Omar started playing the drums when he was just five years old! He first performed with his father's band when he was only nine or ten.
Omar Hakim's Amazing Career
Omar Hakim first became well-known in 1980 when he played drums for singer Carly Simon. In 1982, he joined the famous jazz fusion band Weather Report.
One of his biggest moments was playing drums on David Bowie's super successful album, Let's Dance, in 1983. He also played on Bowie's next album, Tonight. David Bowie himself called Hakim "a fascinating drummer" with "impeccable timing."
In 1984, Omar Hakim joined the band Dire Straits to record their hit album Brothers in Arms. He re-recorded almost all the drum parts on the album in just three days! This album became one of the best-selling albums of all time.
He also played on Sting's album The Dream of the Blue Turtles, which came out in 1985.
Omar Hakim taught himself how to program drum machines. This skill made him even more popular for pop, rock, and R&B recordings. He worked with stars like Madonna. He also kept playing jazz fusion with artists such as Miles Davis and John Scofield. In 1989, he released his first solo album, Rhythm Deep, which was nominated for a Grammy Award.
In the 1990s, Hakim became very skilled with electronic drums. This led to more opportunities to play with pop stars like Mariah Carey and Celine Dion. His second solo album, The Groovesmith, was released in 2000.
In 2015, Omar Hakim joined the band Journey for their North American tour. He filled in for their regular drummer.
Omar Hakim has been featured on the covers of major drumming magazines like Modern Drummer and DrumHead. In 2017, he became the Chairman of the Percussion Department at Berklee College of Music, a very famous music school.
On September 3, 2022, Omar Hakim performed at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert. This was a huge event at Wembley Stadium where he played with many famous musicians, including members of Foo Fighters and Rush.
Television Appearances
From 1988 to 1989, Omar Hakim was a regular drummer in The Sunday Night Band. This was the house band for a popular music show on NBC called Sunday Night, which later became Night Music.
Personal Life
Omar Hakim is married to Rachel Z, who is also a talented jazz pianist. They sometimes perform music together.
Discography
Omar Hakim has released several albums as a leader and has played on countless recordings as a sideman for many famous artists.
As leader/co-leader
- Rhythm Deep (GRP, 1989)
- The Groovesmith (Oh Zone Entertainment, 2000)
- The Trio of OZ, The Trio of OZ (OZmosis, 2010)
- The Omar Hakim Experience, We are One (OZmosis, 2014)
- OZmosys, Eyes To The Future, Vol. 1 EP (OZmosis, 2019)
As a member
Great Jazz Trio
With Hank Jones and John Patitucci
- Stella by Starlight (Eighty-Eight's, 2006)
- July 5 th - Live at Birdland NY (Eighty-Eight's, 2007)
- July 6 th - Live at Birdland NY (Eighty-Eight's, 2007)
As a Sideman
Omar Hakim has played drums on hundreds of albums for a wide range of artists. Some of the most well-known include:
- David Bowie (Let's Dance, Tonight)
- Mariah Carey (Mariah Carey, Merry Christmas)
- Celine Dion (Let's Talk About Love)
- Daft Punk (Random Access Memories)
- Dire Straits (Brothers in Arms)
- Miles Davis (Tutu, Amandla)
- Sting (The Dream of the Blue Turtles)
- Weather Report (Procession, Domino Theory)
- Foo Fighters (Medicine at Midnight)
See also
In Spanish: Omar Hakim para niños
