Philip Paul (drummer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Philip Paul
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Paul in 2010
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| Background information | |
| Born | August 11, 1925 Harlem, New York, U.S. |
| Died | January 30, 2022 (aged 96) Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S. |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Occupation(s) | Studio musician |
| Instruments | Drums |
| Years active | 1938–2022 |
| Labels | King Records |
| Associated acts | Tiny Bradshaw Freddie King |
Philip Paul (born August 11, 1925 – died January 30, 2022) was an amazing American drummer. He was known as a 'studio drummer' because he played drums for many recordings in a music studio. Philip was from Cincinnati, Ohio.
In 2009, he was honored at the famous Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. They celebrated him as one of the important 'behind-the-scenes' people who helped create hit songs. He also received the Ohio Heritage Fellowship in 2009. This is the highest award for traditional artists in Ohio. In 2002, he won a Lifetime CAMMY Award from the Cincinnati Enquirer. This award recognized his big contributions to music and culture in Cincinnati.
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Early Life and Learning Drums
Philip Paul was born in Harlem, New York, on August 11, 1925. He grew up in Manhattan. Philip started learning to play the drums when he was just nine years old.
His father, Philip Paul, Sr., came to the U.S. from St. Croix. His father and uncles had their own Afro-Caribbean jazz band. They worked construction during the day and played music at night. Young Philip was fascinated by the drums played by his uncle, John. When Philip was nine, his dad bought him a drum set and lessons. By the time he was 13, he was already playing with his father's band!
Becoming a Professional Drummer
Philip Paul was still a teenager when he began playing at the famous Savoy Ballroom in Harlem. He played with many great musicians. Some of these included Arthur Prysock, Buddy Johnson's Big Band, Sonny Stitt, Bud Powell, and Dizzy Gillespie.
In 1951, Philip was playing with Buddy Johnson's band. A bandleader named Tiny Bradshaw heard him play. Tiny invited Philip to move to Cincinnati and join his band. Buddy Johnson's band played at the Cotton Club in Newport, Kentucky. This club was a very popular place for the black community to enjoy music. Philip's parents didn't want him to leave New York. But Philip decided to accept the offer and moved to Cincinnati. From 1951 to 1964, he was often the main studio drummer for bands playing at the club.
While working with Tiny Bradshaw, Philip met Juanita Snyder. She was a dancer at the Cotton Club. They got married in 1952. Philip said that meeting Juanita was the reason he stayed in Cincinnati. He had planned to move back to New York, but his marriage changed his mind.
Playing for King Records
Soon after arriving in Cincinnati, Philip met Syd Nathan. Syd was the president and owner of King Records. From 1952 to 1964, Philip Paul became the main studio drummer for King Records. He also played for two of its smaller labels, Federal and Bethlehem.
He played drums on over 350 recordings! He worked with many famous artists. These included Tiny Bradshaw, Hank Ballard, Freddie King, Little Willie John, Wynonie Harris, Bull Moose Jackson, and Hawkshaw Hawkins.
Philip Paul played on the original recordings of many hit songs. These include Little Willie John's "I'm Shakin'" and Charles Brown's "Please Come Home for Christmas." He also played on Tiny Bradshaw's "Soft." Philip played on almost every song by Freddie King. This includes King's biggest hits, "Hide Away" and "Tore Down."
Terry Stewart, who was the President of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, once said: "If someone were to try to find the single heartbeat of early rock and roll, that heartbeat is Philip. He is the thread that runs through so much of the important music of that period."
Philip also played in the Roy Meriwether Trio. They recorded their classic song "Popcorn and Soul." He recorded two albums with this trio on the Columbia Records label. He also toured all over the U.S. and Canada. He played with musicians like Jimmy Smith, Nat Adderley, Herbie Mann, and George Weins' Newport Jazz All-Stars.
During this time, Philip, his wife Juanita, and bassist Ed Conley toured together. Juanita sang while Philip and Ed played as the rhythm section. They performed for jazz stars in many cities across the U.S.
In 2003, Philip Paul released his own CD called It's About Time. It featured famous musicians like Peter Frampton on guitar. That same year, Philip was the drummer on Big Joe Duskin's last album, Big Joe Jumps Again!. This album was nominated for a W. C. Handy Blues Award. This award is one of the most important honors for blues artists.
Later Life and Passing
In his later years, Philip Paul lived in the Evanston neighborhood of Cincinnati. He lived with his wife, Juanita, and his stepdaughter, Ramona. He continued to perform on weekends at The Cincinnatian Hotel.
Philip Paul passed away from COVID-19 in Cincinnati on January 30, 2022. He was 96 years old.
Awards and Honors
Philip Paul received many awards for his amazing musical career:
- In 2002, the Cincinnati Enquirer gave him a Lifetime CAMMY Award. This was for his big impact on the music and culture of Cincinnati.
- In 2009, Philip and his wife, Juanita, were honored at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. This event was called "From Songwriters to Soundmen: The People Behind the Hits." They showed a special presentation about his recordings at King Records, his tours, and his 50-year career as a studio drummer.
- In July 2009, he received the Ohio Heritage Fellowship. This award was given during the CityFolk Festival in Dayton. This festival celebrated his lifetime of work in the music industry. The Ohio Heritage Fellowship is the highest honor for traditional artists in Ohio.
