George "Spanky" McCurdy (born June 28, 1981) is an American drummer. Spanky has toured with Lady Gaga, Kanye West, P.Diddy, The Backstreet Boys, Jill Scott, and Floetry. He has also collaborated with Queen Latifah, Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, Q-Tip, Bubba Sparxxx, Nas, Brandy, and Tye Tribbett, among others.
Life and career
Early life George McCurdy grew up in Olney, a neighborhood located in North Philadelphia. At about age four, George was given the nickname “Spanky” and has gone by it ever since. Spanky’s love for music began at an early age. Growing up, he attended Settlement Music School then subsequently attended Boyer College of Music and Dance at Temple University, and received lessons from the famous drummer Little John Roberts.
Musical beginnings Spanky’s childhood was surrounded by church and gospel music. He grew up watching the choir director and says it is why he is used to working with musical directors. Spanky also credits playing in church as the reason he is so fearless and has so much fire in his musical style. He also credits Philadelphia natives Little John Roberts, Vidal Davis, and Brian Frasier-Moore as his musical influences. By age 13, Spanky was playing with several local acts, including various gospel groups. It was through these groups that Spanky met other musicians that taught him what he knows today.
"Off Time/On Time"
In May 2013, Spanky and Hudson Music released an instructional DVD on drumming called “Off Time/On Time”. In the DVD, Spanky explains and demonstrates various drumming concepts in order to teach viewers new creative drum techniques.
Discography Year Album Artist Credit 2002 Justified Justin Timberlake Drums 2002 A Love Story Vivian Green Drums 2003 Who Will I Run To/Kiss Me Like That Kiley Dean Drums 2003 Presents Don Cello and Friends Larry Gold Drums, Main Personnel 2003 Deliverance Bubba Sparxxx Drums 2004 Who Is She 2 U Brandy Percussion 2004 Somethin' 'Bout Love Fred Hammond Drums 2004 Life Tye Tribbett & G.A. Drums 2004 Beautifully Human: Words and Sounds, Vol. 2 Jill Scott Congas, Drums, Main Personnel 2004 Afrodisiac Brandy Percussion 2005 The Appetizer Eric Roberson Drums 2006 Victory Live! Tye Tribbett & G.A. Drums, Member of Attributed Artist 2006 Surrounded Men of Standard Drums 2006 Bold and Beautiful Vikter Duplaix Drums, Main Personnel 2007 Tye Tribbett & G.A. Smooth Jazz Tribute Smooth Jazz All Stars Composer 2007 Trust You Amy Dean Drums 2007 The Very Best of Praise and Worship, Vol. 2 Various Artists Composer 2007 The Real Thing: Words and Sounds, Vol. 3 Jill Scott Drums 2007 Never Forget: A Journey of Revelations Dr. Cornel West Producer 2007 Luvanmusiq Musiq (Soulchild) Drums 2007 Celebrate!: Songs of Praise Various Artists Composer 2007 ...Left Eric Roberson Drums 2008 Stand Out Live Tye Tribbett Drums 2008 Purpose Algebra Drums 2008 The Psalter Jas Knight Drums 2009 The Best of Gospel Superfest (CD/DVD) Various Artists Composer 2009 Songs 4 Worship: Friend of God Various Artists Composer 2010 My Soul Leela James Drums 2010 I Believe: Live James Fortune Drums 2010 Finally Lowell Pye Drums 2011 The Original Jill Scott from the Vault, Vol. 1 Jill Scott Composer, Drums, Producer 2011 The Light of the Sun Jill Scott Composer, Drums, Producer 2011 The Sound of Victory Maurette Brown Clark Drums 2011 Born This Way: The Collection Lady Gaga Drums 2012 So In Love Amber Bullock Composer 2013 Off Time/On Time (DVD) Composer, Drums
References
External links https://www.facebook.com/GeorgeSpankyMcCurdy https://twitter.com/Spankydrumz https://www.youtube.com/georgespankymccurdy Photos and videos at drummerworld.com Interview at thebeeshine.com