He is a drummer and singer born in Hollywood. He started to sing and play piano at the age of three. His first professional gig was at the age of five, playing drums on a Television Pilot for Mel Torme. He was given a set of drums by his Godfather, Jack Webb, of Dragnet fame.
By 19 he was playing with the LA Band, Pat and Lolly Vegas as well as appearing and recording with Sonny & Cher, Little Anthony & The Imperials and Etta James. He became a member of The Beach Boys in 1968 and in between touring with The Beach Boys he performed and recorded with artists such as Albert Collins and John Mayall.
He collaborated with Dave Peksin to create the Backsters who were signed to A&M with Herb Alpert as their executive producer. Their album Get on Your Back featured many of the top jazz and blues players.
Beach Boys Recordings
Livin’ With a Heartache (Carl Wilson/Randy Bachman)
Source:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Kowalski
- http://www.bigbeatman.com/
- www.westworld.com/~ireedman/backsters5.html