Winner’s Spotlight: King Colton

The Readers’ Poll Contest

If you can remember, back in March I had a readers’ poll contest where I asked the Snare Drum Reviews community what they’d like to see next. Thanks to all of you who gave me your ideas and opinions. They will help me build a better site in the coming months and hopefully years.

As I mentioned in an email since, the winner was King Colton. When I started to do some research on him following the announcement I was blown away! Turns out he’s a multi-instrumentalist (35 and counting) who’s been involved in some high level touring gigs with people you’ve heard of. You can get a quick taste of what I’m talking about by going to his photo area here. To read what some famous people have said about him check out this page on his site too.

I wanted the Snare Drum Reviews community to get a feel for this guy so I arranged to send him some interview type questions. He gracefully agreed and his answers appear below. 

Read on to learn more about this guy and what he’s done.

King Colton Interview Questions

SDR: Who are you and where do you come from?

KK: Jamie King Colton born in Buffalo NY. I’ve lived everywhere from Australia to London to Toronto to L.A. and Detroit. Presently, for many years, in Ft. Lauderdale Beach area(toured the world most of my life).

SDR: Are you a professional musician? Semi-pro? Hobbyist?

I am a professional Rockstar in The R&R Hall Of Fame with Dion.

SDR: Do you play any instruments besides the drums?

I play 35 instruments(saxophone major). Also drums, guitars, bass, all keys(B-3 pro), flute & much more.

SDR: When did you first pick up a pair of drumsticks?

Started with drums sticks around 7 first drum set at 10.

SDR: How many bands have you been in?

I have played in many bands as drummer, bassist, saxman, guitarist and multi-instrumentalist. I did 11 World Tours with Dion on sax, keys, percussion(congas, bongos, timbales, etc.)and vocals. I was Musical Conductor/Director for Grammy Winner Little Eva. I spent 4 years with Columbia recording artists Mark & Clark. I’ve played in concert with pretty much everybody including: Bob Seger, Kid Rock, Sting, Dave Mason, Temptations, Little Richard, 3 Dog Night, Pat Travers, Rick Derringer, 4 Tops, Jerry Lee Lewis, Herbie Hancock, Billy Cobham, Dickie Betts and too many more to list.

SDR: What’s your favorite part of drumming?

I adore everything about drumming! I am a fanatic on the sound of a drum or cymbal and try to use the best I can find or tweek till I get the sound I want.

I have a $15,000.00 custom built DW African Waterfall Bubinga double bass set; 2 Sonors; ’69 Gretsch; Ludwig 5 toms-3 floor tom natural birch; a Pearl double bass 8 tom set in Fury Red; 3 Tama sets (Superstar, Swingstar, Rockstar); Orange County set with a 22″x 25″ bass in Halo Sparkle; Approximately 20 snare drums and various toms; at least 50 cymbals; 150 guitars and much more!!!

SDR: If you had one thing to do over in your musical life what would it be?

My one sort of regret was turning down Bob Seger who asked me to join his band on keys. Also had offers from Edgar Winter, Frankie Valli, The Beach Boys, Steppenwolf and Johnny Winter.

SDR: What advice do you have for any beginner or struggling drummer?

My advice to drummers is practice till you bleed(I have), listen to everything and be open minded. Put yourself in challenging situations not comfort zones and always wear the BIG EARS !!!!

SDR: If there was one thing you wanted people to know about you, what would that be?

I want people to know that I give all credit to God and if you are serious live a clean and drug and alcohol free life. As for the women part be fussy and find one not jealous of your other love.

SDR: Where can we find you on the web?

There is more at www.kingcolton.com

What Do You Think?

Did anything he said hit home with you? My favorite was “practice till you bleed”-LOL! 

More than anything, what really impressed me was his phenomenal work ethic. You don’t get to do all that touring unless you’ve got your head screwed on straight (King might argue not quite straight-LOL!) and are willing to put in the hours it takes to put on a great show night after night. Being able to do this for 11 years with one artist has got to be some kind of record! 

When you add to that he was able to do his own stuff and build up quite a fan base, you realize you’re breathing rarefied air. Congratulations, King!

I know all of you don’t aspire to be touring musicians or even professionals. I understand this. I also know that you may not live and breathe music like he does. I get that too.

I wouldn’t, however, be too quick to dismiss his approach just because you may not want to become him. I still think there’s a LOT of value in giving something your all regardless of your level. Mastery only comes from the work you put into it while being able to learn from your mistakes. Believing the only real failure is not trying seems to be a common theme among successful people. Whether it’s running a company or learning an instrument the same mindset is involved. I believe this with all my heart.

I’ll get off my soapbox now-LOL!

Check King’s Stuff Out

Over the years, King has put together a tremendous body of work and I would hope the Snare Drum Reviews community would check him out. Let him know what you think by commenting here or sharing it on social media using the buttons below. I know both myself and King would really appreciate it!

Places You Can Find King

Fandalism

Reverbnation Voted 12 times #1 Singer/Songwriter in S.Florida!

YouTube

Bandmix

Yelp

Finally, I’ll start posting the kick pedal reviews you asked for in August. Also, be looking for another contest in the fall to win the second Chad Wackerman/Terry Bozzio DVD set. Keep your eyes peeled.

Thanks for being a part of the Snare Drum Reviews community!

Jeff