Just Play Like You Do in the Basement: Coming of Age as the Drummer for the Greatest Entertainer in the World
Sale price
$26.99
Regular price $32.99
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Just Play Like You Do in the Basement: Coming of Age as the Drummer for the Greatest Entertainer in the World
Sale price
$26.99
Regular price $32.99
I was eighteen years old when I stepped behind the drums for Sammy Davis Jr.—taking over the chair my older brother had just vacated. Overnight, I went from my basement drum room in Cleveland to the world of sold-out theaters, late nights, and nonstop travel with a man known for decades as the greatest entertainer in the world.
“A rare blend of music history, personal reflection, and cultural storytelling that hits all the right notes.”
— Scott Olsen, San Francisco Book Review
At eighteen, Rick Porrello leaves his basement drum room in Cleveland to tour the world as the drummer for Sammy Davis Jr. Driven by his father’s ambition and following his older brother’s path, he performs in dazzling cities—Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe, London, Paris, Sydney—while navigating the intense rhythms of travel, show business, and life on the road. As the youngest member of Sammy’s entourage, he’s swept up in the thrill of international touring, first love, and the magnetic pull of temptation—while quietly wrestling with a growing realization that the stage may not be his future.
“Candid, rhythmic and deeply human. . . it’s much about identity as it is about show business. . . Plenty to savor here." —The Prairies Book Review (Canada)
“. . . A sparkling example of inspiration. . .”—Matt McAvoy Book Review (UK)
“A worthy addition that can be recommended to a wide audience.”—Diane Donovan, Midwest Book Review (US)
“A rare blend of music history, personal reflection, and cultural storytelling that hits all the right notes.”
— Scott Olsen, San Francisco Book Review
At eighteen, Rick Porrello leaves his basement drum room in Cleveland to tour the world as the drummer for Sammy Davis Jr. Driven by his father’s ambition and following his older brother’s path, he performs in dazzling cities—Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe, London, Paris, Sydney—while navigating the intense rhythms of travel, show business, and life on the road. As the youngest member of Sammy’s entourage, he’s swept up in the thrill of international touring, first love, and the magnetic pull of temptation—while quietly wrestling with a growing realization that the stage may not be his future.
“Candid, rhythmic and deeply human. . . it’s much about identity as it is about show business. . . Plenty to savor here." —The Prairies Book Review (Canada)
“. . . A sparkling example of inspiration. . .”—Matt McAvoy Book Review (UK)
“A worthy addition that can be recommended to a wide audience.”—Diane Donovan, Midwest Book Review (US)