| Jeff Porcaro |
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Jeffrey Thomas Porcaro ( April 1 , 1954 - August 5 , 1992 ) was a highly regarded Session drummer and a founding member of the Grammy Award winning band Toto . He was born in Hartford, Connecticut , the eldest son of a famous Los Angeles session percussionist Joe Porcaro . His brothers Mike Porcaro and Steve Porcaro , are both still active session musicians. He also has a younger sister, Joleen. Besides his work with Toto, he also performed with artists such as Bee Gees , Sonny And Cher , Steely Dan , Donald Fagen , Dire Straits , Mark Knopfler , David Gilmour , Boz Scaggs , Michael Jackson , Roger Waters , Paul Anka , Eric Clapton , Joe Walsh , Earth, Wind & Fire and Bruce Springsteen , and also had relations to Van Halen . Richard Marx dedicated the song "One Man" to him and said Jeff was the best drummer he had ever worked with. Jeff was cosidered to be one of the most innovative drummers at the time, and was a pattern for other drummers for how they should play different music styles. He obtained the talents of Curt Bisquera ( Mick Jagger , Elton John ), and inspired drummers like Vinnie Colaiuta ( Frank Zappa , Sting ) and Jason Rullo ( Symphony X ). Jeff began playing seriously at the age of seven. Lessons came from papa Joe Porcaro , followed by further studies with Bob Zimmitti and Rich Lapore . From the start of his career, Jeff Porcaro was viewed as one of the music industry's top drummers. Porcaro possessed an impeccable sense of rhythm as well as a versatility that bridged virtually every style. In 1992, at the age of 38, he died of Cardiac Arrest allegedly caused by a reaction to a Pesticide he had used on his property. However, there are also rumors that his death was caused by a Drug Overdose . The Coroner's report stated that there was a level of 21 micrograms of Cocaine found in his system. Jeff's wife, Susan, has contested the findings for years. 1,500 people attended Jeff's Funeral at Forest Lawn - Hollywood Hills Cemetery . In addition to his wife, he left three sons (Christopher, Miles and Nico). GALLERY |
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