April 01

 Jeff Porcaro

April 1, 1954 – August 5, 1992. As a cornerstone of the Los Angeles session scene, Jeffrey Thomas Porcaro established himself as a premier drummer. His early professional journey involved touring with Sonny and Cher before he contributed his rhythmic expertise to several Steely Dan studio albums, including Pretzel Logic and Katy Lied. 

By 1977, he co-founded the rock group Toto, a collective of elite studio veterans. Porcaro remained the drummer for Toto from 1977 to 1992, driving the band to massive commercial success with their self-titled debut and the 1979 follow-up Hydra. Beyond his permanent band membership, his versatile skill set was featured on Boz Scaggs' Silk Degrees. He also provided the backbeat for diverse artists like Warren Zevon, Lowell George, and Pink Floyd on the 1979 masterpiece The Wall.

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Ronnie Lane

April 1, 1946 – June 4, 1997. The Small Faces underwent a massive transition in 1969 when Ronald Frederick Lane, serving as the bassist and a primary songwriter, helped reform the group into the Faces. He maintained his role as the bassist for the Faces from 1969 to 1973, providing a soulful, folk-influenced foundation for their rowdy rock sound. 

After departing the group, he organized the traveling musical circus Slim Chance. He acted as the lead singer and acoustic guitarist for Slim Chance between 1973 and 1976. During 1977, he collaborated with Pete Townshend on the acclaimed Rough Mix album. He also rejoined his former bandmates for a Small Faces reunion that lasted from 1975 to 1978.

After Lane was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, he faced significant financial hardship. Close friends and peers, including Pete Townshend, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Rod Stewart, and Ronnie Wood, stepped in to cover his medical expenses and care. These musicians rallied to support him because his illness had left him nearly bankrupt and physically unable to continue his career, leading them to organize major benefit concerts to fund his treatment and support research for the disease.

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John Barbata

April 1, 1945 – May 8, 2024. The Turtles featured John Barbata as their drummer during the height of their late sixties success, providing the rhythm for hits like Happy Together. By 1970, he transitioned into a high-profile role with Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, appearing on the live classic 4 Way Street. 

His career path led him to join Jefferson Airplane for their final studio effort, Long John Silver, in 1972. Barbata remained the drummer for the subsequent evolution of the group, Jefferson Starship, from 1974 to 1978.

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