Yogi Horton facts for kids

Lawrence "Yogi" Horton (born October 1, 1953 – died June 8, 1987) was a talented American drummer. He was known for playing many styles of music, including R&B, funk, jazz, and rock. Yogi Horton worked with a lot of famous musicians, both in the studio and on tour. Some of the artists he played with include Aretha Franklin, Luther Vandross, John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Diana Ross, and Kenny G. His first recording was on Dave "Baby" Cortez's album Soul Vibration in 1972.

Teaching the Beat

In 1983, Yogi Horton created a special video to teach others about drumming. This video was called "The History of R&B/Funk Drumming." It was one of the first videos of its kind to teach people how to play drums in these styles. Even though the video is not sold anymore, you can still find parts of it online.

A Lasting Legacy

Sadly, Yogi Horton passed away on June 8, 1987. He had just finished performing in a concert with Luther Vandross. The band Was (Not Was) dedicated their 1988 album What Up, Dog? to Yogi Horton. He had played drums on that album, which was released after he died. This shows how much he was respected and missed by other musicians.

Albums Yogi Horton Played On

Yogi Horton played drums on many different albums for various artists. Here are some of the albums he helped create:

• The Catherine Wheel (with David Byrne, 1981)

With Lonnie Liston Smith

• Dreams of Tomorrow (1983)

With Gloria Gaynor

• Gloria Gaynor (1982)

With Irene Cara

• Anyone Can See (1982)

With John Lennon and Yoko Ono

• Milk and Honey (1984)

With George Benson

• While the City Sleeps... (1986)

With Linda Clifford

• I'll Keep on Loving You (1982)

With Ben E. King

• Street Tough (1981)

With Cheryl Lynn

• Instant Love (1982)
• Preppie (1983)

With Aretha Franklin

• Jump to It (1982)
• Get It Right (1983)
• Who's Zoomin' Who? (1985)
• Aretha (1986)
• Through the Storm (1989)

With Yoko Ono

• It's Alright (I See Rainbows) (1982)

With Jean Michel Jarre

• Zoolook (1984)

With John Phillips

• Pay Pack & Follow (2001)

With Stephanie Mills

• Tantalizingly Hot (1982)
• If I Were Your Woman (1987)

With Was (Not Was)

• What Up, Dog? (1988)