Rocky Dzidzornu
Encyclopedia
Rocky Dzidzornu, also known as Rocky Dijon, is an African percussionist. He is known for his playing contributions to the The Rolling Stones
, among others. Critic Ned Sublette
has written that the addition of his conga
drumming on "Sympathy for the Devil
" transformed the song from "a dirge, and a dull one at that . . . making it come alive". He continued playing with them through 1968, on tracks like "Child of the Moon", "Factory Girl
" and "You Can't Always Get What You Want
" and also participated in the same era on the Rock and Roll Circus event. In 1970 they used him again on "Can't You Hear Me Knockin'". During that decade he went on to record extensively with Taj Mahal
. He also recorded with artists such as Nick Drake
, Ginger Baker
, Stevie Wonder
and Billy Preston
. Bill Wyman
also enlisted him on his 1976 solo album Stone Alone.
War
's drummer Harold Brown has named him as an important influence, and also credits him with teaching Ginger Baker
.
The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones are an English rock band, formed in London in April 1962 by Brian Jones , Ian Stewart , Mick Jagger , and Keith Richards . Bassist Bill Wyman and drummer Charlie Watts completed the early line-up...
, among others. Critic Ned Sublette
Ned Sublette
Ned Sublette is an American composer, musician, record producer and musicologist. Sublette studied Spanish Classical Guitar with Hector Garcia at the University of New Mexico and with Emilio Pujol in Spain. He studied composition with Kenneth Gaburo at the University of California, San Diego...
has written that the addition of his conga
Conga
The conga, or more properly the tumbadora, is a tall, narrow, single-headed Cuban drum with African antecedents. It is thought to be derived from the Makuta drums or similar drums associated with Afro-Cubans of Central African descent. A person who plays conga is called a conguero...
drumming on "Sympathy for the Devil
Sympathy for the Devil
"Sympathy for the Devil" is a song by The Rolling Stones which first appeared as the opening track on the band's 1968 album Beggars Banquet. It was written by Mick Jagger credited to Jagger/Richards...
" transformed the song from "a dirge, and a dull one at that . . . making it come alive". He continued playing with them through 1968, on tracks like "Child of the Moon", "Factory Girl
Factory Girl
Factory Girl is a 2006 American biographical film based on the life of 1960s underground film star, socialite, and Warhol Superstar Edie Sedgwick. The film premiered in Los Angeles on December 29, 2006.-Plot:...
" and "You Can't Always Get What You Want
You Can't Always Get What You Want
"You Can't Always Get What You Want" is a song by The Rolling Stones released on their 1969 album Let It Bleed. Written primarily by Mick Jagger with assistance from Keith Richards, it was named as the 100th greatest song of all time by Rolling Stone in its 2004 list of "500 Greatest Songs of All...
" and also participated in the same era on the Rock and Roll Circus event. In 1970 they used him again on "Can't You Hear Me Knockin'". During that decade he went on to record extensively with Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal (musician)
Henry Saint Clair Fredericks , who uses the stage name Taj Mahal, is an American Grammy Award winning blues musician. He incorporates elements of world music into his music...
. He also recorded with artists such as Nick Drake
Nick Drake
Nicholas Rodney "Nick" Drake was an English singer-songwriter and musician. Though he is best known for his sombre guitar based songs, Drake was also proficient at piano, clarinet and saxophone...
, Ginger Baker
Ginger Baker
Peter Edward "Ginger" Baker is an English drummer, best known for his work with Cream and Blind Faith. He is also known for his numerous associations with World music, mainly the use of African influences...
, Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder
Stevland Hardaway Morris , better known by his stage name Stevie Wonder, is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer and activist...
and Billy Preston
Billy Preston
William Everett "Billy" Preston was a musician who gained notoriety and fame, first as a session musician for the likes of Sam Cooke, Ray Charles and The Beatles, and later finding fame as a solo artist with hits such as "Space Race", "Will It Go Round in Circles" and "Nothing from...
. Bill Wyman
Bill Wyman
Bill Wyman is an English musician best known as the bass guitarist for the English rock and roll band the Rolling Stones from 1962 until 1992. Since 1997, he has recorded and toured with his own band, Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings...
also enlisted him on his 1976 solo album Stone Alone.
War
War (band)
War is an American funk band from California, known for the hit songs "Low Rider", "Spill the Wine", "The Cisco Kid" and "Why Can't We Be Friends?". Formed in 1969, War was a musical crossover band which fused elements of rock, funk, jazz, Latin, rhythm and blues, and reggae...
's drummer Harold Brown has named him as an important influence, and also credits him with teaching Ginger Baker
Ginger Baker
Peter Edward "Ginger" Baker is an English drummer, best known for his work with Cream and Blind Faith. He is also known for his numerous associations with World music, mainly the use of African influences...
.
Partial discography
- 68 Beggars BanquetBeggars Banquet- Personnel :The Rolling Stones* Mick Jagger – lead and backing vocals, harmonica on "Parachute Woman"* Keith Richards – acoustic and electric guitar, bass guitar on "Sympathy for the Devil" and "Street Fighting Man", backing vocals, lead vocals on opening of "Salt of the Earth"* Brian...
(The Rolling StonesThe Rolling StonesThe Rolling Stones are an English rock band, formed in London in April 1962 by Brian Jones , Ian Stewart , Mick Jagger , and Keith Richards . Bassist Bill Wyman and drummer Charlie Watts completed the early line-up...
) - 69 Five Leaves LeftFive Leaves LeftFive Leaves Left, recorded in 1969, was the first of three albums by British folk musician Nick Drake. Like Bryter Layter but unlike Pink Moon, this album contains no completely solo songs...
(Nick DrakeNick DrakeNicholas Rodney "Nick" Drake was an English singer-songwriter and musician. Though he is best known for his sombre guitar based songs, Drake was also proficient at piano, clarinet and saxophone...
) - 69 Let It BleedLet It BleedLet It Bleed is the eighth British and tenth American album by English rock band The Rolling Stones, released in December 1969 by Decca Records in the United Kingdom and London Records in the United States...
(The Rolling StonesThe Rolling StonesThe Rolling Stones are an English rock band, formed in London in April 1962 by Brian Jones , Ian Stewart , Mick Jagger , and Keith Richards . Bassist Bill Wyman and drummer Charlie Watts completed the early line-up...
) - 70 Ginger Baker's Air Force 2Ginger Baker's Air Force 2Ginger Baker's Air Force 2 was the second and final album by Ginger Baker's Air Force, released in 1970 . In Germany it was released with a different track listing, including previously unreleased songs....
(Ginger Baker's Air ForceGinger Baker's Air ForceGinger Baker's Air Force was a jazz-rock fusion band comprising Ginger Baker on drums, Steve Winwood on organ and vocals, Ric Grech on violin and bass, Jeanette Jacobs on vocals, Denny Laine on guitar and vocals, Phil Seamen on drums, Alan White on drums, Chris Wood on tenor sax and flute, Graham...
) - 70 Sticky FingersSticky Fingers-Personnel:The Rolling Stones*Mick Jagger – lead vocals, acoustic guitar on "Dead Flowers", electric guitar on "Sway", percussion*Keith Richards – electric guitar, six & twelve string acoustic guitar, backing vocals...
(The Rolling StonesThe Rolling StonesThe Rolling Stones are an English rock band, formed in London in April 1962 by Brian Jones , Ian Stewart , Mick Jagger , and Keith Richards . Bassist Bill Wyman and drummer Charlie Watts completed the early line-up...
) - 70 The Answer (Peter BardensPeter BardensPeter Bardens was a keyboardist and a founding member of the British progressive rock group Camel. He played organ, piano, synthesizers and mellotron and wrote songs with Andrew Latimer...
' Village) - 71 The Real ThingThe Real Thing (Taj Mahal album)The Real Thing is a 1971 live album by Taj Mahal. It was recorded on February 13, 1971 at the Fillmore East in New York City and features Taj Mahal backed by a band that includes four tuba players.-Track listing:...
(Taj MahalTaj Mahal (musician)Henry Saint Clair Fredericks , who uses the stage name Taj Mahal, is an American Grammy Award winning blues musician. He incorporates elements of world music into his music...
) - 71 Happy Just to Be Like I AmHappy Just to Be Like I AmHappy Just to Be Like I Am is an album by American blues artist Taj Mahal.-Track listing:All tracks composed by Taj Mahal; except where indicated# "Happy Just to Be Like I Am" # "Stealin'" # "Oh, Susannah"...
(Taj MahalTaj Mahal (musician)Henry Saint Clair Fredericks , who uses the stage name Taj Mahal, is an American Grammy Award winning blues musician. He incorporates elements of world music into his music...
) - 74 Fulfillingness' First FinaleFulfillingness' First Finale-Side One:#"Smile Please" – 3:28#*Stevie Wonder – lead vocal, background vocal, Fender Rhodes, drums#*Michael Sembello – electric guitar#*Reggie McBride – electric bass#*Bobbye Hall – congas, bongos#*Jim Gilstrap – background vocals...
(Stevie WonderStevie WonderStevland Hardaway Morris , better known by his stage name Stevie Wonder, is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer and activist...
) - 74 Perfect AngelPerfect AngelIn 1973, a college intern for Epic Records found Riperton in semi-retirement. She had become a homemaker and a mother of two in Gainesville, Florida. After he heard a demo of the song "Seeing You This Way", the rep took the tape to Don Ellis, VP of A&R for Epic...
(Minnie RipertonMinnie RipertonMinnie Julia Riperton was an American singer-songwriter best known for her 1975 single "Lovin' You". She was married to songwriter and music producer Richard Rudolph from 1972 until her death in the summer of 1979. They had two children - music engineer Marc Rudolph and actress/comedienne Maya...
) - 75 Music Keeps Me TogetherMusic Keeps Me TogetherMusic Keeps Me Together is an album by American blues artist Taj Mahal.-Track listing:All tracks composed by Taj Mahal; except where indicated# "Music Keeps Me Together"# "When I Feel the Sea Beneath My Soul"# "Dear Ladies"# "Aristocracy"...
(Taj MahalTaj Mahal (musician)Henry Saint Clair Fredericks , who uses the stage name Taj Mahal, is an American Grammy Award winning blues musician. He incorporates elements of world music into his music...
) - 75 It's My PleasureIt's My PleasureIt's My Pleasure is the tenth studio album by Billy Preston, released in 1975. This album marked the modernisation of Preston's music, placing a heavier emphasis on synthesizers. It also marked his first collaborations with singer Syreeta Wright who sings on one track...
(Billy PrestonBilly PrestonWilliam Everett "Billy" Preston was a musician who gained notoriety and fame, first as a session musician for the likes of Sam Cooke, Ray Charles and The Beatles, and later finding fame as a solo artist with hits such as "Space Race", "Will It Go Round in Circles" and "Nothing from...
) - 75 The Boys Don't Do It (Hugh MasekelaHugh MasekelaHugh Ramopolo Masekela is a South African trumpeter, flugelhornist, cornetist, composer, and singer.-Early life:Masekela was born in Kwa-Guqa Township, Witbank, South Africa. He began singing and playing piano as a child...
) - 76 Stone Alone (Bill WymanBill WymanBill Wyman is an English musician best known as the bass guitarist for the English rock and roll band the Rolling Stones from 1962 until 1992. Since 1997, he has recorded and toured with his own band, Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings...
) - 76 You Can't Argue with a Sick MindYou Can't Argue with a Sick MindYou Can't Argue with a Sick Mind is a live album by Joe Walsh, released in 1976 . Recorded live just before Joe joined up with Eagles, who also play on "Help Me Through the Night". This was Walsh's last album release on ABC Records...
(Joe WalshJoe WalshJoseph Fidler "Joe" Walsh is an American musician, songwriter, record producer, and actor. He has been a member of three commercially successful bands, the James Gang, Barnstorm, and the Eagles, and has experienced notable success as a solo artist and prolific session musician, especially with B.B...
) - 77 Music Fuh Ya' (Musica Para Tu)Music Fuh Ya' (Musica Para Tu)Music Fuh Ya' is an album by American blues artist Taj Mahal.-Track listing:# "You Got It"# "Freight Train"# "Baby, You're My Destiny"#"Sailin' Into Walkers Cay"# "Truck Driver's Two Step"# "The Four Mills Brothers"# "Honey Babe"...
(Taj MahalTaj Mahal (musician)Henry Saint Clair Fredericks , who uses the stage name Taj Mahal, is an American Grammy Award winning blues musician. He incorporates elements of world music into his music...
) - 77 BrothersBrothers (Soundtrack)Brothers is an album by American blues artist Taj Mahal.-Track listing:# "Love Theme in the Key of D"# "Funky Butt"# "Brother's Doin' Time"# "Night Rider"# "Free the Brothers"# "Sentidos Dulce "# "Funeral March"...
(Taj MahalTaj Mahal (musician)Henry Saint Clair Fredericks , who uses the stage name Taj Mahal, is an American Grammy Award winning blues musician. He incorporates elements of world music into his music...
) - 81 Magic WindowsMagic Windows (album)Magic Windows is the thirty-second album by jazz pianist Herbie Hancock, released in 1981.Personnel involved in this album, besides Herbie himself, include among others: Melvin "Wah Wah" Watson, Ray Parker Jr., Sylvester, Paulinho da Costa, Adrian Belew, Sheila Escovedo and Coke Escovedo.-Track...
(Herbie HancockHerbie HancockHerbert Jeffrey "Herbie" Hancock is an American pianist, bandleader and composer. As part of Miles Davis's "second great quintet," Hancock helped to redefine the role of a jazz rhythm section and was one of the primary architects of the "post-bop" sound...
) - 95 Mo' RootsMo' RootsMo' Roots is an album by American blues artist Taj Mahal.-Track listing:All tracks composed by Taj Mahal; except where indicated# "Johnny Too Bad" # "Black Jack Davey"# "Big Mama"# "Cajun Waltz"# "Slave Driver"...
(Taj MahalTaj Mahal (musician)Henry Saint Clair Fredericks , who uses the stage name Taj Mahal, is an American Grammy Award winning blues musician. He incorporates elements of world music into his music...
) - 98 Do What You Like (Ginger BakerGinger BakerPeter Edward "Ginger" Baker is an English drummer, best known for his work with Cream and Blind Faith. He is also known for his numerous associations with World music, mainly the use of African influences...
) - 09 Valleys of NeptuneValleys of Neptune-Recording details:All recording details are included in the Valleys of Neptune booklet, except for the Target tracks, which are listed on the inside of the Digipack behind the CD.Target bonus tracks-Album artwork:...
(Jimi HendrixJimi HendrixJames Marshall "Jimi" Hendrix was an American guitarist and singer-songwriter...
)