584 – Omar Hakim: Forever the Student
Where can I begin to express the impact that Omar Hakim has had on both me and countless drummers across the globe?
Omar’s career spans 50 years, multiple genres, millions of records sold and a slew of world tours and that’s only part of the story. As the child of a successful Jazz musician (Hasaan Hakim) Omar spent his days with Jazz luminary like John Coltrane and his nights gigging with his dad in and around NYC at the age of 10.
What’s most impressive is Omar’s ability to adapt, reinvent himself, remain current and remain a lifelong student of the craft. Omar may have been on the scene for five decades but his style remains as fresh as anyone on the scene.
Omar Hakim talks about:
- His musical influences
- Getting an early start in performing
- How his approach to drumming was shaped by performing different styles
- His songwriting process
- How embracing the changing world has aided in his success
- Getting a gig with Patti LaBelle at age 16 being the turning point of his career
- How his feelings about drumming have changed from what they were 50 years ago
- Advice he’d give to new drummer
Resources/Links mentioned:
- Contact Omar: Website | Instagram | Twitter
- Shop Talk by Cold Blood
- Unsong (Series)