Pablo Torre Finds Out The Invisible Hitmaker Behind the Soundtrack of Your Life
Nov 14, 2025
Bernard "Pretty" Purdie, a legendary session drummer, has laid down grooves for icons like Aretha Franklin and Steely Dan. He shares stories about his signature "Purdy Shuffle" and how it transformed music. Bernard reflects on the joy of supporting vocalists and the essence of being an invisible yet vital part of hit records. He discusses his approach to consistency, his experiences working with music legends, and the importance of teaching the next generation of drummers. At 83, his passion for rhythm and mentorship shines through!
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Crafting A Signature Sound Through Consistency
- Bernard Purdie built a distinctive, signature sound through decades of disciplined timekeeping and calibration.
- His consistency made him omnipresent on records even while remaining largely unrecognized by the public.
A Hit Drum Break Was An Accident
- The famous drum break on Aretha Franklin's "Rocksteady" happened after sheet music fell and the band kept playing.
- Aretha repeated "Rock! Steady!" for minutes while they recorded the accidental break.
The Purdy Shuffle Came From A Train
- The Purdy Shuffle originated from hearing the slowing and starting rhythm of a nearby train in Elkton, Maryland.
- He translated that locomotive feel into a half-time shuffle that became his fingerprint.