Its About Time: Jeff Porcaro The Man and His Music by Robyn Flans | Biography of Legendary Toto Drummer | Percussion Book with Interviews, Photos, and Career Highlights | Rock Drumming History

by Robyn Flans

One of the most recorded drummers in history, Jeff Porcaro became a music superstar held in equal esteem by fans and music professionals alike. A founding member of Grammy-award winning group Toto, Jeff also recorded and toured with a list of artists that reads like a who’s who of popular music in the late twentieth century. With It’s About Jeff Porcaro, The Man and His Music, author Robyn Flans provides insight into Jeff’s musical career gleaned from a long friendship she shared with him. Starting with his childhood and formative years, the book recounts his establishment on the L.A. scene, rise to stardom with Toto, and legendary career as one of the most sought-after studio drummers in the world until his tragic death in 1992 at only 38 years of age. The author’s own interviews with Jeff, plus exclusive discussions with other stars provide a fascinating and revealing portrait of Jeff’s life—as well as how he was perceived by his fellow musicians. Bruce Springsteen, Donald Fagen, Ron Howard, Jackson Browne, Michael McDonald, Boz Scaggs, Richard Marx, David Gilmour, Peter Frampton, and many others share personal experiences and memories that recall Jeff’s larger-than-life playing and personality in vivid detail. Also included are comments and stories from Jeff’s bandmates and family, including David Paich, Steve Lukather, Steve Porcaro, and Joe Porcaro. It’s About Jeff Porcaro, The Man and His Music provides a compelling look at Jeff’s body of work and takes the reader back to the glory days of L.A. sessions and rock tours from the 1970s to the 1990s. “I miss my pal Jeff and his soulful, poppin' style. In this book, you'll discover what a bright, funny and dedicated cat he was. Whether you're a fan, a professional musician, or a young drummer with big dreams, this is essential reading.” Donald Fagen “Robyn is the only one who could have given us this fantastic inside look at Jeff the whole person and his rise to be the icon he will always be. We are all better for having known him and he made all musicians and music sound better. That’s due in large measure to his huge and honest heart, and you get a good glimpse of that in this book. They just don't make 'em like Jeff anymore.” Vinnie Colaiuta “Jeff Porcaro was destined to become the ‘cat to call’ for everyone’s drum seat. He was a voracious listener and learner of music; he devoured it all. When his mentor, older ‘brother’ Jim Keltner says, “You are now the man,” it’s ok to believe him. Playing in the studio with him was always a great adventure. He would invent stuff no one else would come up with, making the song feel amazing. Yes, he was one of the best drummers ever, but it was his humility and caring for those around him that made him one of the best people ever, too.” Peter Frampton

Genres: Music, Biography

240 pages, Hardcover

Published September 1, 2020

Reviews

[Onionboy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this way more than I expected. I am a super-fan of Jeff, and I thought I knew a lot about him, but I learned a lot from this book.

It was perfectly written, focusing more on Jeff's music that his basic life story, although there was enough of that too. It celebrated him and what music was to him, not on his tragic death.

If you are even slightly interested in the music of this time (late 70's - 80's soft rock/adult rock/AOR/west coast music/blue-eyed soul/yacht rock/whatever) then you will probably really enjoy this book too. Just read it!

I only wish the "Band of Brothers" film about the Porcaro family would have been completed.

[Jeremiah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not much else to be said, Jeff Porcaro was one of the best and left us far too soon. Robyn's book covers a lot of bases and has some photos that are amazing. A great tribute to a great drummer.

[Jason Gewirtz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great overview of a great drummer. Wish they wouldn't have glossed over the details of his death, which seemed relevant. But very enjoyable read.

[Mark R · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was actually a little disappointed in this read. If you're looking for a deep dive into Jeff's life this ain't it. This is 200+ pages of seemingly every musician and/or engineer and/or producer he worked with (and the list is comprehensive!) saying what a great drummer and musician he was. I get it - Jeff Porcaro was, and still is, one of the greats. But wow it gets repetitive after awhile.
I was really hoping for some more stories and anecdotes from his musical life. Not to mention that, beyond his early years, his personal life is barely mentioned and his death is not discussed at all.
Oh well... maybe it's best if he remains an enigma.

[Rusty Knorr · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love Jeff. I’m a drummer myself and he is a hero of mine, one of my greatest inspirations. And that’s how this ended up with an extra star, for Jeff. Otherwise, this is one of the worst written books I’ve ever had to struggle through, truly abysmal. I love music biographies, I’ve read dozens. I don’t even know what to say about this one, just…don’t. Listen to the recordings, enjoy the music, please do yourself a favor and avoid this turd at all costs.

[Rutger Gerrits · Rating 5 out of 5]

Van de groovy drumbeats aan het begin van Mushanga (toto) tot Michael Jackson's Beat it tot aan Don Henley's New York minute en Eric Clapton's forever man. Porcaro is de ongekende king van de groovy drum. Dit boek zit tot de nok toe gevuld met prachtige verhalen door muzikanten die met Jeff hebben samen gewerkt. Als je een beetje van toto houd, is dit boek een dikke aanrader.

[Stian Larsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

How can I not give 4 stars to one of the most legendary musicians in history? Impossible.
A collection of anecdotes and stories from people far and near Jeff during is upcoming and career, this is a look behind the scenes but can't really manage to get close enough in my opinion.
Is it well written? Not really, but is it entertaining? Absolutely.

[Jack Castillo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great perspectives on the business of music from one of the all-time greatest drummers of our generation. Insights on technique, session drumming, and the quirks of the business. A must-read for any aspiring drummer or musician who wants to make music for a living.

[Dario Mannu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magnifico! Per gli appassionati di Jeff Porcaro, batterista dei Toto e per gli appassionati dei Toto, come del Rock ma non solo, è un libro altamente consigliato.

[Sean Conley · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was really good, but you CANNOT omit the subject’s death because it makes the author uncomfortable. This book ended at the 90% mark of Jeff’s life. Disappointing.

[Stephane Watteeux · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Loved the stories and anecdotes. All combining to giving a fuller picture of a real maestro

[Kirk Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great insight to the person and the player

[Adam Zeidan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book for a fan. Lots of discussion about childhood, Porcaro family etc. I would have hoped for more insights of his career, but it was a pleasent experience anyway.

[Michael Cawley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting detailed professional biography of legendary yacht rock drummer Jeff Porcaro, of Toto and numerous noteworthy sessions.

[Chalice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very informative book. Kind of inspiring, in a weird way. (My favorite part was probably the appendix with the list of tracks he played on. 😝) I didn't really like how Jeff Porcaro is kind of idolized, but you can really understand why he became such a legend.

[Simon Sweetman · Rating 2 out of 5]

A poorly written attempt at contextualising the incredible playing of one of the world’s greatest drummer. Baked into his story is personal and family tragedy that is barely even referenced- feels like a giant extension of a Wiki page, sadly.