# 119 of 130 drummers I’ve seen and heard in my lifetime - Liberty DeVitto / Billy Joel
Michael Welch
Liberty DeVitto (b-1950)
Liberty DeVitto lived in Orlando for a period of time. He did a clinic at Ace Music in Maitland. He played with pre-recorded tracks and spoke about his recording history. It was very interesting. I was surprised how hard and loud he played. He demonstrated several rhythm patterns he played on the Billy Joel tracks. “Just The Way You Are’ was a surprise. He demonstrated a different groove than I imagined. It was a bit like a Reggae One Drop, very interesting. I always heard most jobber drummers play it as a hybrid – Bossa Mambo including me. It’s very hip.
I heard his local musicians band in Winter Park for a public festival event. It was soulful and funky. Very refreshing to hear someone play like that and present R&B music, I hadn’t heard in decades. It was great to see and hear Liberty while he lived in Central Florida. I introduced myself to him one day at an Einstein’s Bagel Shop. He was very cordial and friendly.
In my research to write my Dino Danelli post, I discovered Liberty’s interview with Dino. It was very enlightening. Especially, Dino talking about his hanging out at The Metropole, when Gene Krupa and other drummers played there.
Liberty Devitto’s drum tracks on records---have sold a combined total of 150 million units worldwide.