Many Westerners are unfamiliar with the history and importance of the diaspora or the disambiguation of African Slaves to the Americans. Some went state side where they were saddled with slavery and abusive treatment. Another cross-section wound up in Cuba and the surrounding Caribbean islands. They created an enclave of traditional dance rhythms based off of the Cleve and what would be dubbed Afro-Cuban Rhythms.
My guest today is a product of the Bahamas where he was a professional jockey and drummer during his teenage years.He came to the united states and tried his hand in acting including the James Bond classic Thunderball. It was during this time that he met Julian "Cannonball" Adderley and his musical career took off. He became the in demand studio percussionist for Berry Gordy and Motown, you will also find him playing with Billy Preston, Charles Kynard, Dennis Coffey, the aforementioned mentioned Cannonball, Seals and Crofts and Neil Diamond. He was able to take the conga drum and fit into gypsy folk, rock, symphonic soul, disco and jazz. Even today I am digging through a record bin and I pull out a Bellamy Brothers record and I there's My man King Errisson on percussion. Welcome to the JFS.....