Aaron Darnell Spears is a gospel drummer from America. Aaron Darnell Spears is a gospel drummer from America. He is 35 years old, and has been playing drums since he He is 35 years old, and has been playing drums since he played for his school band. He was born on 26played for his school band. He was born on 26thth October October 1976. He has since played for Usher, Alicia Keys, James 1976. He has since played for Usher, Alicia Keys, James brown and was in the American Idol tour band alongside brown and was in the American Idol tour band alongside

Tim Stewart (Guitar) and Derrik ‘Swole’’ Ray (Bass).Tim Stewart (Guitar) and Derrik ‘Swole’’ Ray (Bass).

He was born into a Christian family and raised on good He was born into a Christian family and raised on good Christian beliefs in a Pentecostal Church; A variation of Christian beliefs in a Pentecostal Church; A variation of

Christianity focused mainly on experience god. So he was Christianity focused mainly on experience god. So he was exposed to gospel and choir music with a full band from exposed to gospel and choir music with a full band from an early age. They also learn multiple instruments, so he an early age. They also learn multiple instruments, so he

had a basic knowledge of music from a very early age. His had a basic knowledge of music from a very early age. His father was also a musician; he played percussion and father was also a musician; he played percussion and

when Aaron was little he would sing along to his father’s when Aaron was little he would sing along to his father’s rhythms. At 15, he started to listen to Vinnie Colaiuta, and rhythms. At 15, he started to listen to Vinnie Colaiuta, and

began to research him. This is a short clip of him..began to research him. This is a short clip of him.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1xmRQAUOr8http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1xmRQAUOr8

He joined the worship band in his He joined the worship band in his church putting his new found influence church putting his new found influence into practice. into practice.

Later, Spears was in a Christian band Later, Spears was in a Christian band called Gidion band. They were a mix of called Gidion band. They were a mix of RnB, jazz and fusion with a rocky edge.RnB, jazz and fusion with a rocky edge.

He was then noticed by some key He was then noticed by some key figures in the music industry and went figures in the music industry and went on to join Usher’s Funk rock orchestra, on to join Usher’s Funk rock orchestra, and has played for his ever since. He and has played for his ever since. He also played with Usher and James also played with Usher and James brown and none less than the brown and none less than the Grammy’s.Grammy’s.

Aaron later went on to study at Harper community college in Los Angeles for one year.

This is Spears playing at the Modern Drummer Festival 2006..This is Spears playing at the Modern Drummer Festival 2006..

http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?vwww.youtube.com/watch?v=H9HQf0rjD5A=H9HQf0rjD5A

Influences..Influences.. His influences include Stewart Copeland of ‘The Police’, Steve His influences include Stewart Copeland of ‘The Police’, Steve

Smith, Dennis Chambers, Papa Jo Jones and Jeff Davies.Smith, Dennis Chambers, Papa Jo Jones and Jeff Davies.

Aaron spears is my hero because I enjoy listening to and watching him play, and he has inspired me with his music and humble attitude, as a drummer, to try to go further and to be more creative with fills and beats. The Funk, gospel and jazz influenced playing style has influenced my drumming, and taught me more about gospel, funk and R’nB music, so that I can bring this knowledge into my own drumming and put a new aspect onto a piece that is normally played in a different genre. I especially enjoy watching him incorporate Chops and Licks into his fills and beats, using hi-hats and toms and cymbals, and snare on odd notes. His Humble attitude as a professional and genuine skill have influenced and inspired me to use what I have learned from him and take it upon myself to create my own style of drumming using my other inluences, and use that when playing pieces of a different genre to add a new dimention onto it, and to overall, become a better drummer, and enjoy it!