Liberty DeVitto is known in the music industry as the “songwriter’s drummer,” his resume deftly proclaims his rockstar cred: he’s performed on 13 platinum albums which have sold over 150 million copies and recorded and arranged the drum parts for 22 of Billy Joel’s 23 top-40 hits. 6 of those recordings went on to win Grammys.
However, Liberty’s new book, Liberty: Life, Billy and the Pursuit of Happiness makes clear that while his years with Billy Joel were outstanding, the other elements of the story of his life and ascension to the highest drum throne in the land are just as captivating. In fact, it’s possible to get so caught up in the early parts of Liberty’s autobiography that one forgets that a career in rock and roll superstardom is on its way.
Here, Liberty and I discuss vinyl, Billy Joel, The Beatles, why Ringo is so great, recording with Paul McCartney, growing up on Long Island, and the rock and roll wisdom that Liberty has learned along the way. Please welcome one of the most successful rock and roll drummers of all time and one of my musical heroes, Liberty DeVitto.
Evan Toth is a songwriter, professional musician, educator, radio host, avid record collector and hi-fi aficionado. Toth hosts and produces The Sharp Notes each Saturday evening at 6pm and TVD Radar on Sundays at 5AM on WFDU, 89.1 FM. Follow him at the usual social media places and visit his website.
