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Dennis St John - drummer


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Neoamor 17-Feb-2013 19:22
Wow Bro! You died?

I have so many memories. The Delano days! Big John and Susie! :) The Malibu days, when Richard and I would sit in your living room and jam on guitars. Grab some dinner at "Somethings Fishy Here". I was a starry eyed 17 year old, I LOVED IT.
Decades later when you coached my band Alrisha. Come to think of it, you got me the audition for Alrisha, after the Scott Hamilton/Cheap Trick sessions in that Topanga Canyon studio (Skyline I think) that you hired me for. ALL your stories about the music biz, Elvis and others, are still with me. You had an exciting life to be sure. I think the stat you told me at that deli, was that you played on a top 10 single every year for 20 years in a row. Impressive my man.

You provided me with many of the "near misses" in my efforts to have a grand musical career. Without you, I think the whole thing would have been just one big miss. It just wasn't meant to be. My role apparently was to raise two great kids, and a lifelong marriage to Laura.
If the story about me being considered for Richard's spot when he left Neil's band is true, the decision that I was too established with a wife and a house, and that it shouldn't be disrupted, I think was sound. Laura and I are STILL madly in Love after all these decades. Everything worked out in the best possible way. No regrets Bro, none.

I still get a case of the "what ifs" once in a while, but if I didn't, I wouldn't be human.

You contributed to the adventure that my life has been, in a BIG way. I am SO grateful for everything you contributed to my ongoing experience.

Even though we haven't spoken for many many years, I still think of you once in a while. Hence my googling you today, just to find that you headed out a few years ago.

The world is a touch emptier to me today, knowing you're not in it. Don't sweat it, it's just the shock, all is well. It's odd how one just assumes that people you once spent a lot of time with, are "out there somewhere", then finding out they're not.

Love ya Bro. Really.
Guest 18-Oct-2012 13:16
This is just a forever fan of Dennis and his work. We were four couples, who followed the Neil Diamond Band to every concert in the Northeast; Springfield,Providence, Hartford and all places with in 3 hours of Nashua N. H. We did the Centrum, and the Boston Gardens. We are all still around, and the agreement of the group recently is, was, and always will be, that he was the best drummer who ever played those songs, or who will ever have played those songs. They were his. Thank you to all of you who knew the man himself, and have enlightened his fans about how wonderful a person he was. May God Bless and Cherish you, up with Him, Dennis. Hot August Night, Love at the Greek,The Jazz
Singer and especially,the DVD-Thank You Australia Concert-1976-- were given years ago to my childen and my grandchildren still dance to them, as I do.Every time the Boston Red Sox play "Sweet Caroline", we will all remember DSJ. We Thank You Dennis. Love from your fans. Abby
Chirs Mackenzie 14-Sep-2012 16:11
Dennis You were the best drummer in Neil Diamonds band and I shall go on listening to all Neil Diamonds CD's and I think you were brilliant on Hot August Night and you also played the drums brilliantly on the For Ever In Blue Jeans Album. You will be missed big guy,just keep drumming up in Heavan;But you will be remered here on hearth when we all play all those Neil Diamond greats.Please say Hi! to my dad who is up in heavan ie: Willfred Mackenzie as he is missed to;Thanks Dennis.
Chris Mackenzie.
Chirs Mackenzie 14-Sep-2012 16:10
Dennis You were the best drummer in Neil Diamonds band and I shall go on listening to all Neil Diamonds CD's and I think you were brilliant on Hot August Night and you also played the drums brilliantly on the For Ever In Blue Jeans Album. You will be missed big guy,just keep drumming up in Heavan;But you will be remered here on hearth when we all play all those Neil Diamond greats.Please say Hi! to my dad who is up in heavan ie: Willfred Mackenzie as he is missed to;Thanks Dennis.
Chris Mackenzie.
Dora 07-Sep-2012 02:26
We will miss you! You will live in our hearts as long as we live.

Dora and Adrian
JOSHUA 27-Jul-2012 14:56
DENNIS WAS THE MASTER DRUMMER....I HAVE STUDIED HIS LICKS FOR YEARS, MAY HE RIP
Guest 08-Jun-2012 19:23
It is with great sadness that we here in Nebraska have heard of Dennis' death earlier this week. It was our great pleasure to have known him and his mother. He had a big heart and we loved the get togethers at his mom's place when he was in Nebraska. Have loved his drumming for years and we have a drummer in our family too. Rest in peace my friend.
Guest 08-Jun-2012 19:22
It is with great sadness that we here in Nebraska have heard of Dennis' death earlier this week. It was our great pleasure to have known him and his mother. He had a big heart and we loved the get togthers at his mom's place when he was in Nebraska. Have loved his drumming for years and we have a drummer in our family too. Rest in peace my friend.
Michele Fisher 07-Jun-2012 21:48
Dennis so sorry to hear the news. You left your mark here and left a trail of kindness, love, gentleness and lots of talent. By your friends you will be remembered for your gentle spirit. xxxxxx
Tina Bennett 07-Jun-2012 12:01
Well I guess the link doesn't work . Just go to FB and in the search box type Dennis St. John drummer and it will come up.
-Tina
Guest 07-Jun-2012 11:58
Here is a link to a FB tribute page for Dennis.
Guest 07-Jun-2012 07:54
Dennis, you were the best. I'm going to miss you old friend. So sorry I didn't get a chance to say goodbye in person. You had the biggest heart I've ever known. You barely knew me but still gave me the keys to your place in Malibu so my band could have a place to rehearse. That was over 30 years ago and I've loved you ever since. Rest in Peace big bro, the world lost a good one today.
Broken Hearted
Matt Robinson
Lance Tamanaha 06-Jun-2012 22:38
By now, most of you have heard the news of Dennis's passing. He took a turn for the worst on Monday night, into Tuesday morning, June 5th, 2012. I got the call from the ICU at St. John's Hospital at about 10 a.m. I got there at about 10:20 a.m. They took him off his oxygen at about that time, and he continued to breathe on his own, until 11:58 a.m., when he took his last breath. He was surrounded by a few of his closest friends. He seemed to have gone peacefully.

Specifically to Brian Clark, below, I asked Dennis about the Mod Orange Ludwigs, and he said he never owned a set of Ludwigs, so I'm sorry that didn't pan out for you, that would have been very cool. I hope you can still enjoy those drums knowing this. I think Dennis was a Slingerland man, through and through.
Lynne Baker 05-Jun-2012 22:12
Dennis, may you rest in peace. Love, Lynne
Lynne Baker 05-Jun-2012 22:11
Dennis, may you rest in peace. I'm glad we got together again. Love, Lynne
Lynne Baker 05-Jun-2012 21:47
Dennis, may you rest in peace. I'm glad we got together again. Love, Lynne
Rev.Bob 01-Jun-2012 13:12
You were the "heartbeat of Diamondville! Many blessings to you.
Guest 01-Jun-2012 04:47
Dennis, I go to bed every night with a Neil Diamond playlist that has the very best drum section (played by you). Thanks so much for all your music!.
Michele Fisher 30-May-2012 06:17
Hi Dennis, Another message from a friend from the past. Michele Winter now Fisher. I read you are in Santa Monica, I wish I had read this earlier as we were there in December and would loved to have visited you. I live in NZ with my family. You were a major person in my life as you know when we lived in NY. I send you my love and God's Blessings Michele
Lance Tamanaha 28-May-2012 07:55
To everyone above. My name is Lance Tamanaha and I am in constant contact with "our" Dennis, as I haved lived in the same building with him for the past 19 years, and we have become fast friends for life. I will try to relay as much of the info above to him and try to get answers to all of your questions as soon as possible. I too am a drummer, and I have had the honor of having Dennis as a mentor and close friend for just about 20 years, and none of your stories surprises me at all, as he has been the most generous, gracious, talented, and humble gentleman I have ever met in my life.

He is in good spirits at the moment and is happy to be back in Santa Monica, healing and resting, with much love and support from friends and neighbors in our area. He is very loved and respected here...

You are welcomed to email me directly with any messages you may have for Dennis. I will happily forward them to our man! My email is: lancettime@gmail.com

Thanks! With love on behalf of Dennis, Lance
Jeff Hill 23-May-2012 23:44
Listening to old Neil Diamond records tonight and saying to myself, damn, that is a great drummer on those tracks. Thanks for a life time of great drumming. I've been listening to you all my life, first playing "just like the record" in the 60's in my first band in St. Pete. FL. I was 16. I'll never forget it. Thanks again Jeff Hill Tampa, FL
Guest 16-May-2012 00:18
I don't know how many people come here and read this blog, but I am a friend of Dennis's and I want to let you know that he is not doing well. He lives in Santa Monica and is battling cancer. If you would like to get a message to him, you can email me at stacy.williams@neblaw.com.....if you would like to send him a card, you can send it to my office and I will forward it to him. I don't want to give out his address as I do not have his permission to do so. My address is Stacy Williams, 5500 Holdrege, Lincoln, NE 68504
Carolina de Witte08-May-2012 08:30
Hi Dennis...another voice from your past. I knew you in Atlanta, I was 'Bunny Tracy'. I decided to move to Cali, and stayed with you and (? One of the 'Raiders?) for about a week while I made up my mind what, exactly, to do while there. You got me an interview at the Palamino Club. Or, maybe that was Red? It's been forever...1968? Anyway, my email is carolina.dewitte at gmail if you happen to read this. Just nostalgia, I guess.
Guest 10-Feb-2012 16:24
Dennis:

I'm just petitioning today to hear from you. I feel like a stand up at a dark comedy club.... "is this thing on?" Love you man, and my '68 mod orange 4-pc Ludwigs, whether they were yours or not... but curiosity IS killing this cat. Brian stopbrian@msn.com
Tim Burnett 06-Oct-2011 18:54
Hey Dennis do you remember coming in to Pro Drums in Hollywood in 1973 and seeing my Ludwig silver sparkle drum kit on the floor being considered for a trade-in appraisal from Bob Yeager. You said "man that's a nice looking drum set; in great shape"; and you bought it from Bob it had;nt been on the floor for more than 10 minutes for consideration on a trade-in for a set of Gretsch drums with Bob. Well anyway this probably boring chit-chat but I just bought another set from Pro drums after 38 years from that first set I bought in 1973. I remembered this incident back in 73 the other day when I was reminiscing with Stan at Pro Drum while making the deal on buying a dw kit.
Guest 18-Jul-2011 22:43
this is squibby email me at jesquires@btinternet.com
squibby 18-Jul-2011 22:38
so you play at woborn abby 1978 for neil diamond thought you were fab y did you stop playing for diamond
Brian Clark 25-Mar-2011 17:00
Dennis St. John:

Since the invention of the internet (Al Gore???!!!! haha), I have had this search on my list. "Dennis St. John," for 30 years has been the famous drummer that (supposedly) owned my beautiful set of MOD ORANGE 1968 Ludwigs, complete with original snare drum. I bought them with my entire family kicking in for my little brother in about 1980 from a gentleman in between LA and San Diego (I grew up in SD). The man wealt and dealt NICE drums, usually of some vintage; though 12 years old seemed like antiques back then. I have put these drums on no fewer than 500 stages in my "local music scene" career. Rhino records release with a San Diego singer named Buddy Blue was the highlight of my career;;; that, and recording a 6-song demo with producer Bill Halverson of many a great records in the 60's and 70's. his latest run was with the Texas Tornados on Warner Brothers. The demo was to be shopped but lawyers got involved and like they know how to do, the deal was messed up and died that typical music industry death. I took the professional, "responsible" path of college degree and business. I have no complaints, because I have the spirit of Dennis St. John with me every time I beat on these skins. Or do I? I saw a picture on the internet of you standing by and old Dodge truck. Don't hold it against me, but I am a Ford man and own a 1940 tudor, a 39 convert and a 64 Falcon convert. To see such a consistent string of testimony to your class and spirit, I can only hope to communicate with you someday. I'd love to know if the story behind my kit is true. If so, I'll have you know that it is still in AS NEW condition. I baby these things and even the chrome is without any pits. I love 'em... and they have a special sound, very large compared to many other Ludwigs I own....
Sincerely, Brian Clark stopbrian@msn.com 812-272-6171
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Rod Crosby 29-Nov-2010 03:17
Dennis:
Well, here comes another micro-moment mini-memory from the past. My name is Rod Crosby, a long time musician here in El Paso, Texas, home of Bobby Fuller and the Bobby Fuller Four, and "I Fought The Law & The Law Won" fame. My group, The Intruders, played along side Bobby's group while he was here in El Paso, a friend who even asked me once to join the group.
Doubtful you will remember me per se, but somewhere in the mid/late 60's, I was under contract with Mike Curb's Sidewalk Productions, and Dave Evans, an engineer at Continental Recorders(Studio) 6033 Hollywood Blvd, was my producer. I remember Doug Sax's "The Mastering Lab" was down the hall from the control room. Heard later that Phil Spector had an office there, also.
You were the studio drummer on my session, along with Reinie Press, and Jerry Cole. I recorded two songs, "Put Yourself In My Place" and "Free" (Cream), if I remember correctly.
You were fantastic, as usual, and so was Reinie, however Jerry was in a bad mood, late for the session, didn't want to be there, and was very concerned about the time and his next session over at Capital.
He did a great job, but I remember having to ask him to check his tuning, which he was rather nonplussed over, to say the least! I was pretty young then, and it took a lot of courage to say that to him, as I remember asking Dave to tell him, so he pushed the talk button and said, "Go for it!" Yeah, I really enjoyed that!
Anyway, against Curb's wishes, they wanted to do still more recording, another song. Curb wanted to release two live recordings Dave made of me here in El Paso, but the company ran out of time and money, Mike left, and the company folded up, like a sidewalk at ten in a small town, and my time was over.
Just as well. Stayed here with my beautiful Goddess wife, and have been in varying aspects of the local music scene ever since.
It was still a great time, a great memory, and a great opportunity. However, you stood out the most from all of it, and I remember you as if it were yesterday. Not only because of your professionalism and great drumming, but even more for your friendliness and warmth. I speak of you most frequently. It was a business doing pleasure with you.
A fan & admirer,
Rod Crosby
doreen 14-Nov-2010 17:48
Hello Dennis, the best drummer in the world. You were absolutely fabulous playing with Neil Diamond at the Greek Theatre in 1972. I don't know anything about you, but always think about you whenever I listen to Neil Diamond. He has never had a drummer like you - you are absolutely brilliant!!!
Jim Sims 31-Oct-2010 00:54
Another voice from the past, Jim Sims - Montego Three, Emory University. I would like to know what happen to Tom Floyd, Woody McDonald and some of the others. Best to you!
Guest 23-Oct-2010 07:29
Dennis, this is a voice from the past--Lynne--skinny Jewish girl. If you remember me, email me at mzlynnebaker@gmail.com. I'd like to say hi.
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