Bernard “Pretty” Purdie has done more than left his mark in music history. He is one of the most recorded drummers and listed in Rolling Stone’s top 20 Greatest Drummers of All Time List. Born in Elkton, Maryland on June 11, 1941, Bernard was the eleventh of fifteen. His drum teacher Leonard Heywood inspired him to pursue a career as a drummer. When he was still quite young, Purdie messed around with cans and sticks learning drum techniques. It wasn’t until the age of fourteen that he was able to own his own drum set. After purchasing his drum set he played in carnivals, country bands and even in the big band of the man who inspired him, Leonard Heywood’s. Thus, he became a valuable provider in his large household.

Purdie’s professional music career began to emerge after he moved to New York in 1960. He had to lie on his bio in order to obtain a performing license (the minimum age was 21, and he was only 19). While in New York he played with Lonnie Youngblood, Mickey and Silvia, and Buddy Lucas. Lucas was a saxophonist who birthed a new nickname for Purdie, calling him Mississippi Big Foot. Purdie’s big break came in 1965 when he played in sessions for James Brown. He was credited as a performer in the single “Ain’t That a Groove” and on James’ albums, Cold Sweat, Say It Loud…I’m Black and I’m Proud, and Get on the Good Foot.

In 1970, Purdie played with Aretha Franklin. During this time healso had the role of musical director for Franklin, which he held for five years. While on tour, he drummed for Franklin’s opening act, King Curtis and the King Pins. Purdie was also involved in the live recordings of the albums Aretha Franklin Live in Filmore and King Curtis Live in Filmore. During this phase of his career, Purdie worked with Hall & Oates, Isaac Hayes, Donny Hathaway, Nina Simone, Teddy Pendergrass, Roy Ayers, Louis Armstrong, Quincy Jones, and Herbie Hancock, among many others.

Stylistically, Purdie is known for his time keeping and incorporating triplets within a half-time backbeat. Throughout his career, he useda 6-piece set with kick, snare, hi-hat, floor Tom and two cymbals. His drum kits come from Sonor and Basix, and his sticks come from Capella.

In 2013, Purdie was inducted into the Drummer Hall of Fame and is currently residing in New Jersey. His most recent work, listed via AllMusic, is as drummer for Charlie Byrd’s album Sixties Byrd: Charlie Byrd plays Today’s Great Hits. Play on “Pretty” Purdie play on.