George "Spanky" McCurdy

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George "Spanky" McCurdy
George McCurdy in a concert with Lauryn Hill at Kongsberg Jazzfestival 2019
Background information
Birth nameGeorge McCurdy
Born (1981-06-28) June 28, 1981 (age 42)
Olney, Pennsylvania
OriginPhiladelphia
GenresPop, gospel, neo soul, hip hop, house
Occupation(s)Drummer
Years active1994–present
Websitewww.myspace.com/spankydrumz

George "Spanky" McCurdy (born June 28, 1981)[1] is an American drummer. Spanky has toured with Lady Gaga, Kanye West, P.Diddy, The Backstreet Boys, Jill Scott, and Floetry. He has also collaborated with Queen Latifah, Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, Q-Tip, Bubba Sparxxx, Nas, Brandy, and Tye Tribbett, among others.[2][3]

Life and career[edit]

Early life[edit]

George McCurdy grew up in Olney, a neighborhood located in North Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[4] At about age four, George was given the nickname “Spanky” and has gone by it ever since. Spanky’s love for music began at an early age. Growing up, he attended Settlement Music School then subsequently attended Boyer College of Music and Dance at Temple University, and received lessons from the famous drummer Little John Roberts.[5]

Musical beginnings[edit]

Spanky’s childhood was surrounded by church and gospel music. He grew up watching the choir director and says it is why he is used to working with musical directors. Spanky also credits playing in church as the reason he is so fearless and has so much fire in his musical style. He also credits Philadelphia natives Little John Roberts, Vidal Davis, and Brian Frasier-Moore as his musical influences. By age 13, Spanky was playing with several local acts, including various gospel groups. It was through these groups that Spanky met other musicians that taught him what he knows today.

"Off Time/On Time"[edit]

In May 2013, Spanky and Hudson Music released an instructional DVD on drumming called “Off Time/On Time”. In the DVD, Spanky explains and demonstrates various drumming concepts in order to teach viewers new creative drum techniques.

Discography[edit]

Year Album Artist Credit
2002 Justified Justin Timberlake Drums
2002 A Love Story Vivian Green Drums
2003 Who Will I Run To/Kiss Me Like That Kiley Dean Drums
2003 Presents Don Cello and Friends Larry Gold Drums, Main Personnel
2003 Deliverance Bubba Sparxxx Drums
2004 Who Is She 2 U Brandy Percussion
2004 Somethin' 'Bout Love Fred Hammond Drums
2004 Life Tye Tribbett & G.A. Drums
2004 Beautifully Human: Words and Sounds, Vol. 2 Jill Scott Congas, Drums, Main Personnel
2004 Afrodisiac Brandy Percussion
2005 The Appetizer Eric Roberson Drums
2006 Victory Live! Tye Tribbett & G.A. Drums, Member of Attributed Artist
2006 Surrounded Men of Standard Drums
2006 Bold and Beautiful Vikter Duplaix Drums, Main Personnel
2007 Tye Tribbett & G.A. Smooth Jazz Tribute Smooth Jazz All Stars Composer
2007 Trust You Amy Dean Drums
2007 The Very Best of Praise and Worship, Vol. 2 Various Artists Composer
2007 The Real Thing: Words and Sounds, Vol. 3 Jill Scott Drums
2007 Never Forget: A Journey of Revelations Dr. Cornel West Producer
2007 Luvanmusiq Musiq (Soulchild) Drums
2007 Celebrate!: Songs of Praise Various Artists Composer
2007 ...Left Eric Roberson Drums
2008 Stand Out Live Tye Tribbett Drums
2008 Purpose Algebra Drums
2008 The Psalter Jas Knight Drums
2009 The Best of Gospel Superfest (CD/DVD) Various Artists Composer
2009 Songs 4 Worship: Friend of God Various Artists Composer
2010 My Soul Leela James Drums
2010 I Believe: Live James Fortune Drums
2010 Finally Lowell Pye Drums
2011 The Original Jill Scott from the Vault, Vol. 1 Jill Scott Composer, Drums, Producer
2011 The Light of the Sun Jill Scott Composer, Drums, Producer
2011 The Sound of Victory Maurette Brown Clark Drums
2011 Born This Way: The Collection Lady Gaga Drums
2012 So In Love Amber Bullock Composer
2013 Off Time/On Time (DVD) Composer, Drums

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Drummerworld: George "Spanky" McCurdy". www.drummerworld.com. Retrieved 2 August 2018.
  2. ^ Corporation, Roland. "Roland - Community - Roland Users Group - Artists". Retrieved 2 August 2018.
  3. ^ "Part 5: Musician George "Spanky" McCurdy". CBS Philly. 4 February 2011. Retrieved 2 August 2018.
  4. ^ "Tayyib's Beat: Exclusive Q+A with Spanky McCurdy". Uwishunu - Philadelphia. 14 September 2010.
  5. ^ Haque, Eshika. "Interview: George Spanky". Schön! Magazine.

External links[edit]