George "Spanky" McCurdy
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]
George "Spanky" McCurdy | |
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George McCurdy in a concert with Lauryn Hill at Kongsberg Jazzfestival 2019 | |
Background information | |
Birth name | George McCurdy |
Born | Olney, Pennsylvania | June 28, 1981
Origin | Philadelphia |
Genres | Pop, gospel, neo soul, hip hop, house |
Occupation(s) | Drummer |
Years active | 1994–present |
Website | www |
Life and career
Early life
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.
Musical Beginnings
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"
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
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
- "Drummerworld: George "Spanky" McCurdy". www.drummerworld.com. Retrieved 2 August 2018.
- Corporation, Roland. "Roland - Community - Roland Users Group - Artists". Retrieved 2 August 2018.
- "Part 5: Musician George "Spanky" McCurdy". 4 February 2011. Retrieved 2 August 2018.
- http://philly360.visitphilly.com/the-insider/2010/09/14/tayyib-s-beat-exclusive-q-a-with-spanky-mccurdy