Steve Gadd learned the rudiments of music with his uncle, drummer in a marching band, and debuted as a dancer after tip-tap, an experience that turned out to be very influential for subsequent percussive style. In 1957 he acquired his first drum kit and studio with Bill and Stanley Street after several skirmishes with local groups to Rhythm and Blues and Rock & Roll. He studied music at Manhattan School of Music in Rochester where he played with Chuck Mangione. Continued improvement with John Beck, timpani of “Eastman Rochester Symphony” beginning a brilliant career as a drummer that made him the most requested sideman in the recordings made in the area of New York.

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