Jonathan Moffett
Jonathan Moffett | |
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Born | Jonathan Philip Moffett November 17, 1954 New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. |
Other names | Sugarfoot, Foot |
Occupations |
|
Years active | 1979–present |
Spouse |
Myra Hissami (m. 2021) |
Musical career | |
Genres | |
Instrument(s) |
|
Labels | Envision Entertainment |
Website | moffettstore |
Signature | |
Jonathan Phillip "Sugarfoot" Moffett (born November 17, 1954) is an American drummer, songwriter and record producer from
Early life
Moffett is the third of a musical family of siblings. His two other brothers played the guitar and the bass guitar, while Jonathan's father encouraged him to drum. His influences are
He initially wanted to play the bass guitar long before drums. He was always acutely aware of the bass guitar parts in songs and mimicked them on the bass drum.[4] Moffett was never musically trained and learned to play drums on his own by ear.[5] He was nicknamed "Sugarfoot" for his quick, articulate, and pronounced bass drum work, which requires a lot of precision and stamina for a drummer. He plays 16th note, 32nd note, and 64th note figures energetically and fluidly within rhythms.[6] Moffett started off his drumming career by performing locally with prominent bands within the region and at nightclubs as a young boy.
He came up with his
Career
The Jacksons
Moffett's professional career initially started with the Jacksons. In 1979, through serendipity, he came across the Jacksons' musical director, James McField, who told him they were auditioning for a new drummer. Though the final auditions were that day, they extended it for him, knowing how eager he was to play for the group. According to an article by Robyn Flans in Drummer Magazine in September 1984, Moffett said:
He [McField] called that night and the audition was set for the next day. I was familiar with their songs [the Jacksons'] because I had grown up with their music, yet I didn't know everything about the music...After we finished a few songs, they pulled me aside and said they'd let me know something soon. That evening, I got the call and they said they wanted me to join the group. It was just a miracle.[9]
His first major tour was the
With the Jacksons, I'll use it to accent certain moments before the vocal chorus. OR when Michael makes a move and stops real quick, I'll accent that with a catch. You've got to do it fast and drop back into the rhythm without breaking time.[8]
He proceeded to perform on the
When Moffett turned professional, he designed innovative futuristic drum kits for every tour to complement the stage design. His work with the Jacksons and unique drumming style led him to become one of the most in-demand pop music drummers and perform on 23 world tours.[15]
Moffett was present during the infamous
Madonna
After their initial meet during the Jacksons' Victory Tour, Moffett finally agreed to tour with
Moffett also recorded on three Madonna albums with producer Patrick Leonard—
Others
Michael called Moffett to tour with him on his Cover to Cover tour (1991). Totaling 30 shows, the tour took place in the United Kingdom, Brazil, Japan, Canada and the United States. Moffett also performed with Michael at the Rock in Rio festival, which is a recurring music festival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
He toured with Janet Jackson during the first leg of her janet. World Tour (1993–1995). The tour took place throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Australia.
Michael Jackson's solo career
Moffett continued to perform with Michael Jackson throughout the duration of his solo career on various shows and tours, such as his third and final tour, the HIStory World Tour (1996–1997).[23] He also drummed for the Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration shows at the Madison Square Garden in New York City on September 7 and 10, 2001, and the United We Stand: What More Can I Give benefit concert led by Jackson himself in Washington, D.C. among several others on October 21, 2001.[24]
Moffett drummed for the
Moffett was supposed to perform on Jackson's This Is It concerts (2009–2010), rehearsing for months. The concerts were cancelled following Jackson's death on June 25, 2009, eighteen days before the first slated performance.[26] He was featured in Michael Jackson's This Is It (2009) documentary motion picture film alongside many other concert films, shows, and documentaries. This Is It's worldwide gross revenue was $261 million, making it the highest-grossing concert film of all time. There are snippets of him drumming throughout the documentary as well as discussing the concert series that never came to be and his history with Jackson.[27]
Though Moffett was known as "Sugarfoot" to the rest of the world, Jackson cut his stage name short and called him "Foot" instead. Moffett was Jackson's live drummer of choice from the beginning when he first started drumming with the Jacksons. Jackson always called him first for each tour and show, even when he was under contract with other artists.[5] The two collaborated over the course of 30 years starting in 1979 to 2009 with a total of four tours together; This Is It would have been the fifth. Aside from working with Jackson, he was friends with him and hung out at the Jackson Estate (Hayvenhurst home) with the family (including Jackson family matriarch, Katherine Jackson, who he considers his "second mother") and one-on-one with Jackson at Neverland Ranch and his other homes.[28] The two had drawing contests on the road when touring and Jackson sent him birthday and holiday cards when they were not together.[29] Moffett was with Jackson the night before he died until 1 AM.[30]
Moffett performed at the
Equipment
Moffett is currently sponsored by
Awards
- YouTube Silver Creator Award (2018)
- Destiny (The Jacksons): RIAA Platinum Award (1978)
- "Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)" (The Jacksons): RIAA Gold Award (1979)
- Triumph (The Jacksons): RIAA Platinum Award (1979)
- The Jacksons Live! (The Jacksons): RIAA Platinum Award (1981)
- Victory (The Jacksons): RIAA Platinum Award (1984)
- True Blue (Madonna): RIAA Platinum Award (1986)
- Sleeping with the Past (Elton John): RIAA Platinum Award (1989)
- Like a Prayer (Madonna): RIAA Platinum Award (1989)
- I'm Breathless: Music from and Inspired by the Film Dick Tracy (Madonna): RIAA Platinum Award (1990)
- Rush Street (Richard Marx): RIAA Platinum Award (1991)
- Janet (Janet Jackson): RIAA Platinum Award (1993)
- Paid Vacation (Richard Marx): RIAA Platinum Award (1994)
- HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I (Michael Jackson): RIAA Platinum Award (1995)[34]
- Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix (Michael Jackson): RIAA Platinum Award (1997)
Legacy
Moffett's drumming techniques and style are often mimicked by drummers all over the world to this day, and his work is taught in various music schools. His drum beat on "
Filmography
Year | Film | Role | Credits |
---|---|---|---|
2017 | Madonna 6 Concert DVD Set | Musician | Drummer |
2016 | Michael Jackson's Journey from Motown to Off the Wall | Himself | Speaker |
2011 | Madonna Live: The Virgin Tour (re-released also on Blu-ray) | Musician | Drummer |
2009 | Michael Jackson's This Is It | Musician | Drummer |
2009 | Madonna: Celebration – The Video Collection | Musician | Drummer |
2003 | Madonna Who's That Girl – Live in Japan (re-released) | Musician | Drummer |
1997 | Michael Jackson HIStory Tour – Live in Munich '97 | Musician | Drummer |
1991 | Madonna: Truth or Dare | Musician | Drummer |
1990 | Madonna: The Immaculate Collection | Musician | Drummer |
1988 | Coming to America | Musician | Songwriter |
1988 | Madonna: Ciao, Italia! – Live from Italy | Musician | Drummer |
1985 | Madonna Live: The Virgin Tour (re-released also on Blu-ray) | Musician | Drummer |
Discography
Albums
Year | Album | Artist | Credits |
---|---|---|---|
2009 | Christmas Again | Self | Songwriter, arranger, background vocals, drum overdubs, producer |
2008 | Original Album Classics | The Jackson 5 | Main personnel |
2004 | The Essential Jacksons | The Jacksons | Drums |
2003 | Universo Fortis | Alberto Fortis | Musician |
2002 | Something Beautiful | Color Theory | Drums, percussion |
2000 | Come Play with Me | Amanda Shelby | Drums |
2000 | Sexy Sweet Thing | Cameo | Vocals (background) |
2001 | Victory/Triumph (Reissue) | The Jacksons | Drums |
1999 | Three for One Box Set | Madonna | Drums, percussion |
1999 | Rewind | Vasco Rossi | Drums |
1998 | Star Kid (Soundtrack) | Nicholas Pike | Drums |
1997 | Flesh and Bone | Richard Marx | Drums |
1996 | Don't Be Scared by These Hands | Fee Waybill | Drums |
1996 | Kissing Rain | Roch Voisine | Drums |
1996 | The Real Deal | Edgar Winter | Drums |
1994 | Paid Vacation | Richard Marx | Drums |
1993 | Pretty Vultures | Ten Inch Men | Drums |
1993 | Duets | Elton John | Drums |
1993 | Five Live | George Michael | Drums |
1992 | Nerve Net | Brian Eno | Drums |
1992 | The Complete Collection and Then Some... | Barry Manilow | Drums |
1991 | Rush Street | Richard Marx | Drums |
1990 | To Be Continued... (box set)
|
Elton John | Drums |
1990 | I'm Breathless | Madonna | Drums, percussion |
1990 | Blond Ambition World Tour Live | Madonna | Live drums |
1990 | The Immaculate Collection | Madonna | Drums, percussion |
1989 | Animotion (Room to Move) | Animotion | Drums |
1989 | Mr. Jordan | Julian Lennon | Drums |
1989 | 2300 Jackson Street | The Jacksons | Drums |
1989 | Sleeping with the Past | Elton John | Drums |
1989 | Like a Prayer | Madonna | Drums, percussion |
1989 | The CBS Collection (5xCD) | The Jacksons | Drums |
1989 | The Jacksons LP | The Jacksons | Drums |
1988 | Hope for the Runaway | Kenny Loggins | Drums |
1988 | This Is Serious | Marilyn Martin | Drums |
1988 | La Cocina Caliente | Luis Conte | Drums |
1988 | Forever | Chapter 8 | Drums |
1988 | Coming to America | Soundtrack | Songwriter, arranger, background vocals, drum overdubs, producer |
1988 | One More Story | Peter Cetera | Drums |
1988 | Us | Nick Kamen | Drums |
1987 | Who's That Girl Live in Japan | Madonna | Live drums |
1987 | Timothy B.
|
Timothy B. Schmit (The Eagles) | Percussion, cymbals |
1986 | True Blue | Madonna | Drums, percussion |
1984 | Ciao Italia: Live in Italy | Madonna | Drums |
1984 | Dream Street | Janet Jackson | Drums |
1984 | Jermaine Jackson | Jermaine Jackson | Drums |
1984 | Victory | The Jacksons | Drums |
1983 | Standing on the One | Job Gibson | Drums |
1982 | Diana's Duets | Diana Ross | Drums |
1982 | Heartbeats | Yarbrough and Peoples | Drums |
1982 | Silk Electric | Diana Ross | Drums |
1981 | The Jacksons Live ! |
The Jacksons |
Live drums |
1980 | The Two of Us | Yarbrough and Peoples | Drums |
Songs
Year | Song | Artist | Credits |
---|---|---|---|
2018 | "Thriller" (instrumental) for Netflix documentary Quincy | Quincy Jones | Drums |
2009 | "Flame" | Self | Songwriter, arranger, background vocals, drum overdubs, producer |
2009 | "In Our Country" | Self | Songwriter, arranger, background vocals, drum overdubs, producer |
2009 | "To Be Free" | Self | Songwriter, arranger, background vocals, drum overdubs, producer |
2004 | "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" – live in 1981, from The Essential Jacksons | The Jacksons | Live drums |
1999 | "La Fine Del Millennio" | Vasco Rossi | Drums |
1997 | "Still a Thrill" | Sybil | Drums |
1995 | "Words Without Meaning" | 3T | Drums |
1992 | "Fractal Zoom" | Brian Eno | Drums |
1993 | "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" | George Michael | Drums |
1993 | "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" | Elton John & George Michael | Live drums |
1987 | "Hold Me in Your Heart" | Timothy B. Schmit (The Eagles) | Cymbals |
1987 | "A Better Day Is Coming" | Timothy B. Schmit (The Eagles) | Percussion |
1988 | "All Dressed Up" for the film Coming to America | Chico DeBarge | Songwriter, arranger, background vocals, drum overdubs, producer |
1982 | "Muscles" | Diana Ross | Drums, percussion, written by Michael Jackson |
1982 | "Love Song" | La Toya Jackson | Written by Jonathan Moffett & Tito Jackson |
1981 | "Don't Stop the Music" | Yarbrough and Peoples | Drums |
References
- ^ Jonathan Moffett eltonjohn.com
- ^ "Drummerworld: Jonathan Moffett".
- ^ "Jonathan Moffett Biography". www.drumlessons.com. Retrieved March 12, 2017.
- ^ "Jonathan Moffett Biography | Famous Drummers". www.drumlessons.com. Retrieved May 6, 2017.
- ^ a b "02/08/17 Jonathan "Sugarfoot" Moffett - Drummer with Michael Jackson, George Michael, Madonna and Elton John". Jackie's Groove. Retrieved May 31, 2017.
- ^ "Jonathan Moffett". Eventful. Retrieved March 26, 2017.
- ^ "Jonathan Moffett on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved May 17, 2018.
- ^ a b "Drummerworld: Jonathan Moffett". www.drummerworld.com. Retrieved May 7, 2017.
- ^ "Jonathan Moffett Biography | Famous Drummers". www.drumlessons.com. Retrieved March 27, 2017.
- ISBN 9781631063671.
- ^ a b c "Jonathan Moffett | Official Site | JMdb". Jonathan Moffett | Official Site | JMdb. Archived from the original on December 5, 2018. Retrieved March 26, 2017.
- ^ "Jacksons Triumph Tour Information". www.michael-jackson-trader.com. Archived from the original on May 1, 2015. Retrieved March 22, 2017.
- ^ a b "Jonathan Moffett – The Best Drum Lessons and Drum Shows Online". www.drumchannel.com. drumchannel.com. Retrieved March 22, 2017.
- ISBN 9781451651584.
- ^ "Jonathan 'Sugarfoot' Moffett | Beat Magazine". www.beat.com.au. Archived from the original on March 22, 2017. Retrieved May 26, 2017.
- ^ tubeWATCH3Rr (July 15, 2009), Michael Jackson's – Pepsi Commercial Accident in 1984, retrieved May 12, 2017
{{citation}}
: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ a b c "Jonathan Moffett". Discogs. Retrieved March 22, 2017.
- ^ "JONATHAN MOFFETT". Discogs. Retrieved March 12, 2017.
- ^ "Madonna Virgin Tour Snapshots". www.lanphier.net. Retrieved March 23, 2017.
- ^ "The Who's that girl Tour-1987". January 27, 2012. Retrieved March 23, 2017.
- ^ "Live Aid (July 13th, 1985): Madonna". liveaid.free.fr. Retrieved March 26, 2017.
- ^ Two Rooms: A Tribute to Elton John & Bernie Taupin (TV Movie 1991), retrieved May 26, 2017
- ^ "Video: The drummers of Michael Jackson". MusicRadar. Retrieved March 22, 2017.
- ^ "'NSYNC, Michael Jackson, P. Diddy, Mariah Stand United at D.C. Concert". MTV News. Retrieved March 22, 2017.
- ^ "Diana Ross – Silk Electric". Discogs. December 12, 1982. Retrieved May 21, 2017.
- ^ "Michael Jackson Documentary This Is It..." CNN iReport.
- ^ "Michael Jackson's This Is It (2009) – Financial Information". The Numbers. Retrieved May 21, 2017.
- ^ "Jonathan Sugarfoot Moffett". www.facebook.com. Retrieved May 31, 2017.
- ^ "Jonathan Sugarfoot Moffett". www.facebook.com. Retrieved May 31, 2017.
- ^ "Jonathan Moffett: Drummer for the King of Pop". MJVibe. April 6, 2014. Retrieved May 21, 2017.
- ^ Jisi, Chris (January 8, 2020). "Men in the mirror: the bassists of Michael Jackson". Guitar World.
- ^ "Michael Jackson Immortal Tour Wraps With Eighth-Best Gross of All Time". Billboard. Retrieved March 26, 2017.
- ^ "Exclusive: Michael Jackson drummer Jonathan Moffett to perform This Is It songs at AIMS – Undercover.fm News". Undercover. Archived from the original on March 27, 2017. Retrieved March 26, 2017.
- ^ "RIAA Awards". www.mjjcollectors.com. Retrieved June 15, 2017.
External links
- Official website (Archived November 9, 2020, at the Wayback Machine)
- Jonathan Moffett at AllMusic
- Jonathan Moffett discography at Discogs
- Top 500 Drummers – Jonathan "Sugarfoot" Moffett at Drummerworld
- Jonathan "Sugarfoot" Moffett Interview at NAMM Oral History Collection (2019)