Kyle Woodring
Encyclopedia
Kyle Woodring was a studio and concert drummer living in the Chicago, Illinois area. Born and raised in Mason, Michigan
. He began playing drums at the age of four, and studied percussion privately for ten years before enrolling in the School of Music at MSU after graduating from high school.
. He recorded the video Didn't Know it Was Love from the album Too Hot to Sleep
with the band in 1988, which was featured on MTV
. Kyle also recorded a track for the band's "Best of" recording in 1988.
Kyle performed briefly with John Mellencamp
in 1996, a project which led him to begin touring and recording for the past eight years with country music star Deana Carter
. In addition to Ms. Carter, Kyle began performing with Dennis DeYoung
, the founder and former front man for the band Styx
. From 2000-2008, Kyle was the drummer for Mr. DeYoung, who plays concerts with both a five piece band and, at times, a symphony orchestra. Kyle was featured in the Soundstage production of Deyoung's music, released in 2002. In 2007, Deyoung released a new CD in Quebec, Canada entitled One Hundred Years from Now. The title song went to the #1 spot in the Quebec charts during the summer of 2007. In January 2008, Kyle completed the recording of two additional tracks for the American release of the CD, scheduled for the summer of 2008.
In October 2007, Kyle began a stint as the drummer for the Chicago production of the hit musical Jersey Boys
. This show later ended its Chicago run on January 10, 2010.
On September 9, 2009 Survivor guitarist Frankie Sullivan
wrote on his Facebook
page "I am deeply saddened to have learned of the passing of my friend and one time Survivor Drummer Kyle Woodring. He was the best of people and will be dearly missed by all. Godspeed Kyle." http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1674621232&ref=nf
On September 10, 2009 Dennis DeYoung
posted a picture of Kyle on his website with a message that read 'A gathering of angels appeared above my head.' In memory of my good friend Kyle Woodring. http://www.dennisdeyoung.com
Memorial services were held for Kyle in late September, 2009 in East Lansing, Michigan and Chicago, Illinois. Those in attendance ranged from Kyle's childhood friends to many of the musicians he worked with over the years, including Dennis Deyoung, Robbie Fulks, Jan James, and others.
In December, 2009 a scholarship fund to support a Mason Michigan High School student who excels in music performance was set up in Kyle's name.
Mason, Michigan
Mason is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is named after the state's first governor, Stevens T. Mason. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 8,252. It is the county seat of Ingham County. Mason is the only city in the U.S. that serves as a county seat ahead of a state capital,...
. He began playing drums at the age of four, and studied percussion privately for ten years before enrolling in the School of Music at MSU after graduating from high school.
Career
After college, Kyle moved to Chicago, Illinois with musicians Jan James and Craig Calvert as the percussive force behind the blues/rock band Jewel Fetish. While recording with the band, Kyle was introduced to a number of Chicago area musicians and producers who helped him establish a base in the competitive Chicago music scene. In 1989, Kyle began a stint as the drummer for the Chicago rock band SurvivorSurvivor (band)
Survivor is an American rock band formed in Chicago in 1978. The band achieved its greatest success in the 1980s with its AOR sound, which garnered many charting singles, especially in the United States. The band is best known for its double platinum-certified 1982 hit "Eye of the Tiger", the theme...
. He recorded the video Didn't Know it Was Love from the album Too Hot to Sleep
Too Hot to Sleep
Too Hot to Sleep is the seventh album from rock band Survivor, released in 1988. It was a relative commercial disappointment, reaching only #187 on the Billboard album charts...
with the band in 1988, which was featured on MTV
MTV
MTV, formerly an initialism of Music Television, is an American network based in New York City that launched on August 1, 1981. The original purpose of the channel was to play music videos guided by on-air hosts known as VJs....
. Kyle also recorded a track for the band's "Best of" recording in 1988.
Kyle performed briefly with John Mellencamp
John Mellencamp
John Mellencamp, previously known by the stage names Johnny Cougar, John Cougar, and John Cougar Mellencamp, is an American rock singer-songwriter, musician, painter and occasional actor known for his catchy, populist brand of heartland rock that eschews synthesizers and other artificial sounds...
in 1996, a project which led him to begin touring and recording for the past eight years with country music star Deana Carter
Deana Carter
Deana Carter is a country music artist who broke through in 1996 with the release of debut album Did I Shave My Legs for This?, which was certified 5× Multi-Platinum in the United States for sales of over five million...
. In addition to Ms. Carter, Kyle began performing with Dennis DeYoung
Dennis DeYoung
Dennis DeYoung is an American singer, songwriter, musician and producer best known for being a founding member of the rock band Styx, a tenure that lasted from 1970 to 1999.-Early life:...
, the founder and former front man for the band Styx
Styx (band)
Styx is an American rock band that became famous for its albums from the late 1970s and early 1980s. The Chicago band is known for melding the style of prog-rock with the power of hard rock guitar, strong ballads, and elements of American musical theater....
. From 2000-2008, Kyle was the drummer for Mr. DeYoung, who plays concerts with both a five piece band and, at times, a symphony orchestra. Kyle was featured in the Soundstage production of Deyoung's music, released in 2002. In 2007, Deyoung released a new CD in Quebec, Canada entitled One Hundred Years from Now. The title song went to the #1 spot in the Quebec charts during the summer of 2007. In January 2008, Kyle completed the recording of two additional tracks for the American release of the CD, scheduled for the summer of 2008.
In October 2007, Kyle began a stint as the drummer for the Chicago production of the hit musical Jersey Boys
Jersey Boys
Jersey Boys is a jukebox musical with music by Bob Gaudio, lyrics by Bob Crewe and book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice. It is a documentary-style musical, based on one of the most successful 1960s rock 'n roll groups, the Four Seasons...
. This show later ended its Chicago run on January 10, 2010.
Live performances
Kyle has performed as a drummer with the following artists:- Deana CarterDeana CarterDeana Carter is a country music artist who broke through in 1996 with the release of debut album Did I Shave My Legs for This?, which was certified 5× Multi-Platinum in the United States for sales of over five million...
- Dennis DeYoungDennis DeYoungDennis DeYoung is an American singer, songwriter, musician and producer best known for being a founding member of the rock band Styx, a tenure that lasted from 1970 to 1999.-Early life:...
- George MichaelGeorge MichaelGeorge Michael is a British musician, singer, songwriter and record producer who rose to fame in the 1980s when he formed the pop duo Wham! with his school friend, Andrew Ridgeley...
- John MellencampJohn MellencampJohn Mellencamp, previously known by the stage names Johnny Cougar, John Cougar, and John Cougar Mellencamp, is an American rock singer-songwriter, musician, painter and occasional actor known for his catchy, populist brand of heartland rock that eschews synthesizers and other artificial sounds...
- Kenny MarksKenny MarksKenny Marks, born Kenneth Michael Marks, November 6, 1950, Detroit Michigan, has performed on 6 of the 7 continents world-wide over his music career....
- Paul ShafferPaul ShafferPaul Allen Wood Shaffer, CM is a Canadian musician, actor, voice actor, author, comedian, and composer who has been David Letterman's sidekick since 1982.-Early years:...
Band - Peter CeteraPeter CeteraPeter Paul Cetera is an American singer, songwriter, bassist and producer best known for being an original member of the rock band Chicago, before launching a successful solo career...
- Rich MullinsRich MullinsRichard Wayne "Rich" Mullins was an American Contemporary Christian music singer and songwriter born in Richmond, Indiana. He had two sisters and two brothers....
- Robbie FulksRobbie FulksRobbie Fulks is an American alternative country artist originally from Pennsylvania but who is a longtime Chicago, Illinois resident...
- SurvivorSurvivor (band)Survivor is an American rock band formed in Chicago in 1978. The band achieved its greatest success in the 1980s with its AOR sound, which garnered many charting singles, especially in the United States. The band is best known for its double platinum-certified 1982 hit "Eye of the Tiger", the theme...
Studio recordings
- Deana Carter:The Story of My LifeThe Story of My Life (Deana Carter album)The Story of My Life is the fifth studio album released by American country singer/songwriter Deana Carter. The album peaked at #26 on the U.S. Top Country Albums chart and #150 on the Billboard 200. "One Day at a Time" was released in March 2005 as the lead-off single, and entered the Billboard...
(2004) and The ChainThe Chain (Deana Carter album)-Album:-Singles:...
(2007) - Survivor: Best of Survivor (1988);
- Robbie Fulks: Couples in Trouble (1998)
- Daniel BarenboimDaniel BarenboimDaniel Barenboim, KBE is an Argentinian-Israeli pianist and conductor. He has served as music director of several major symphonic and operatic orchestras and made numerous recordings....
: A Tribute to Duke Ellington - Icos: At the Speed of LifeAt the Speed of LifeAt the Speed of Life is rapper Xzibit's debut album. The album peaked at number 74 on the Billboard 200 music chart. The single Paparazzi was featured on the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 video game soundtrack...
(1999) - Icos: (self-titled debut)
- Rich Mullins: Canticle of the Plains
- Kenny Marks: World Gone Mad
- Dennis Deyoung: Live (2004), One Hundred Years from NowOne Hundred Years from Now (album)One Hundred Years from Now is the fifth studio album from Dennis DeYoung.The album was initially released in Canada in 2007, with the first single being the title track, which is a duet in French and English with Éric Lapointe....
(2007) - Kyle Woodring: A Child's Gift (solo cd 2004)
Death
Kyle died on September 8, 2009 at his home in Lockport, IL as the result of suicide. His brother, Kirk Woodring, posted the following information on Kyle's Facebook page: "Kyle struggled for most of his life with depression. At times his depression overwhelmed him. Despite all he had in his life, he often was unable to recognize his worth to the world. On September 8th he succeeded in committing suicide. I feel helpless and saddened to not have been able to help Kyle in his last hours. I'm sure many of you share this feeling of guilt. I also know that those truly intent on suicide rarely reach out once they are committed to the act. In fact the decision to act on these thoughts can bring about a sense of peace and calm. Depression is sometimes a terminal illness. I love my brother deeply and know how wonderful his life was. I will celebrate his light and know that the darkness is no longer present for him."On September 9, 2009 Survivor guitarist Frankie Sullivan
Frankie Sullivan
Frankie Sullivan, Frankie M. Sullivan III, is an American guitarist and songwriter. He is best known for being a founding member of the band Survivor, and has been the only constant member of the band since its formation in 1977.Along with former bandmate, keyboardist/vocalist Jim Peterik,...
wrote on his Facebook
Facebook
Facebook is a social networking service and website launched in February 2004, operated and privately owned by Facebook, Inc. , Facebook has more than 800 million active users. Users must register before using the site, after which they may create a personal profile, add other users as...
page "I am deeply saddened to have learned of the passing of my friend and one time Survivor Drummer Kyle Woodring. He was the best of people and will be dearly missed by all. Godspeed Kyle." http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1674621232&ref=nf
On September 10, 2009 Dennis DeYoung
Dennis DeYoung
Dennis DeYoung is an American singer, songwriter, musician and producer best known for being a founding member of the rock band Styx, a tenure that lasted from 1970 to 1999.-Early life:...
posted a picture of Kyle on his website with a message that read 'A gathering of angels appeared above my head.' In memory of my good friend Kyle Woodring. http://www.dennisdeyoung.com
Memorial services were held for Kyle in late September, 2009 in East Lansing, Michigan and Chicago, Illinois. Those in attendance ranged from Kyle's childhood friends to many of the musicians he worked with over the years, including Dennis Deyoung, Robbie Fulks, Jan James, and others.
In December, 2009 a scholarship fund to support a Mason Michigan High School student who excels in music performance was set up in Kyle's name.
External links
- Official web site
- Drummer for Mellencamp, Survivor found dead in home Chicago Sun-TimesChicago Sun-TimesThe Chicago Sun-Times is an American daily newspaper published in Chicago, Illinois. It is the flagship paper of the Sun-Times Media Group.-History:The Chicago Sun-Times is the oldest continuously published daily newspaper in the city...
article reporting on death.