Hello, Modern Drummer readers. My name is Steve Potts, and I would like to welcome you to my first blog on the MD website. Now, let me tell you a little bit about myself.

I was born in Memphis, Tennessee. Watching my older brother, Paris (Alvin) Potts, and cousin Al Jackson, Jr. inspired me to play drums and marching drums throughout school, where my major was in music. I am a recipient of Memphis Awards, National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, and Premier Player Awards.

In Memphis, I have been honored over the years by working with many great producers, including Willie Mitchell at Hi Records, recording Pop Staples, Al Green, Marti Pellow, Ann Peebles, Otis Clay, Bobby Rush, and more. Advertisement

Some of my other recordings include Neil Young, Paul Rodgers, Stephen Stills, Solomon Burke, Robin Ford, Booker T and the MGs, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Kirk Whalum, Cat Power, David Crosby, Axelle Red, Maria Muldaur, Eddie Floyd, Terence Trent D’Arby, Boz Scaggs, Buddy Guy, Jesse Valenzuela, Joe Walsh, Lucky Peterson, Johnny Lang, Wynonna Judd, Orito, Memphis Horns, Blues Brothers 2000, Tony Joe White, Lonnie Brooks, Rufus Thomas, Ike Turner, Bill Lee Riley, Mavis Staples, Shirley Brown, Shemekia Copeland, Otis Rush, and Luther Allison.

I am currently touring with Gregg Allman, and my past tours include Booker T and the MGs, Isaac Hayes, Gregg Allman, Neil Young, Crosby Stills Nash and Young, Wynonna Judd, Cat Power, the Blues Brothers Band, Guy Sebastian and Golden Earring, and Cindy Lauper.

I first met Paul Rodgers at Royal Studio while we were recording his CD The Royal Sessions. It was an honor to work with him, and he is a very nice person. I always enjoyed listening to Bad Company, and recording with him was awesome. When he sings, his voice makes you want to groove. It was nice hearing him sing soul music because he was such a good rock ’n’ roll singer; I knew he could sing soul music because of his soulful voice. He truly is “The Voice!” Advertisement

I endorse Pearl drums, Zildjian cymbals, and Regal Tip drumsticks, and that is the gear I played on the sessions for Paul’s CD.

I will be performing this record with Paul on June 19 at Town Hall in NYC. The show will consist of the songs we recorded on The Royal Sessions, and we’ll be ending the night with “Can’t Get Enough,” an all-time favorite Bad Company song. Click here for more information.