Jerome Day’s versatile drumming is demonstrated in styles ranging from rock and pop to hip hop and country. On tour, Jerome is seen by thousands in concerts across the country and witnessed by millions on national television programs including “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “Live with Regis and Kelly” and “Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve.”
After relocating to Los Angeles from his hometown of Detroit, it was only a few short months before Jerome found himself in the studio of Uncle Kracker producer, Mike Bradford, rehearsing for their upcoming tour. “Jerome really listens and is quick to get what I’m looking for, in the studio and live. He’s just an all-around great drummer,” says Bradford.
Jerome’s passion for the drums as well as his formal education began when he picked up his first pair of drumsticks as a fourth grader. All through school Jerome actively participated in concert, orchestra and jazz bands as well as community theatre musicals.
As a member of the percussion ensemble at Henry Ford Community College in Dearborn, Michigan, Jerome gained experience on a variety of instruments including marimba and congas. Jerome also studied privately with several leading drum instructors in the Detroit area. Through these teachers he developed a deeper understanding and love for jazz, fusion and Latin music.
Jerome began playing clubs at the age of 17. Soon he found himself immersed in the Detroit music scene, drumming for many local rock, blues and rap bands. Jerome also has played for many ’60s Motown acts such as The Coasters, The Drifters, The Contours and The Chiffons.
By 1996, Jerome had built up a reputation for being a reliable and proficient drummer and soon was asked to join Detroit’s hometown favorite, the Howling Diablos. Their unique funk-rock sound won the band several Detroit Music Awards, including Outstanding Live Band and Best Pop Rock Recording for their 1997 release “Green Bottle.” The Diablos’ tribute to Gene Krupa, “Go Gene Go,” spotlighted the drums and helped Jerome hone his technique as well as develop a following of fans.
Jerome played clubs across the country with the Howling Diablos. The band toured with Alice Cooper and the Scorpions, Incubus, and opened locally for Tom Petty, Creed, Megadeth, Joe Walsh, Sponge and longtime friend, Kid Rock. In late 2001, London-Sire records released “Good Rockin’ Tonight – The Legacy of Sun Records,” where Kid Rock produced and guest-rapped on the Howling Diablos’ track, “Drinkin’ Wine Spo-Dee-O-Dee.” Jerome was featured along with the band and Kid Rock in the accompanying Sun Records documentary on PBS, and, with the Howling Diablos, has appeared on many Detroit radio and television shows including Mitch Albom’s nationally syndicated radio program.
Jerome’s drumming can be heard on many recordings including Uncle Kracker’s 2004 Lava/Atlantic records release, “Seventy-two & Sunny,” Howling Diablos’ “Green Bottle” engineered by the Grammy award-winning Steve King (Eminem), and sessions at the famed A & M Studios in Los Angeles with Fastball producer, Julian Raymond.
Jerome Day 