“Let's
Make a Joyful Noise.”
That is the phrase that best describes Billy Coakley's attitude toward
creating and sharing his love for drumming. As he puts it, “When
you are blessed to do the things that bring you great joy, your hope
is that the listener will also experience that same joy.” This
is the fuel that has fired Billy's drumming for 27 years.
Billy Coakley is a Cleveland based drummer who was born in New York
City in 1961. He moved to Cleveland in 1969. It was after moving to
Cleveland while in the third grade he had a life changing encounter
with the drums. He shares that he was watching an episode of Batman
in which Robin was wearing a wig and playing a drum solo when he found
his calling as a drummer.
His early years were spent in private lessons and also playing in the
high school band. After high school Billy went to study music at Potomac
State College in Keyser, West Virginia. He then studied at the Berklee
College of Music in Boston Massachusetts where he performed in the Jazz
band orchestra and percussion ensembles. Along this journey Billy has
participated in master classes and studied with Billy Hart, Tommy Campbell,
Louie Bellson, Skip Hadden and his long time early teacher Dave Brewer.
All these individuals and experiences have been instrumental in helping
Billy become one of he most inspiring drummers anywhere. Billy's
professional career as a performer and an educator got started in the
early 80's playing in a variety of jazz, rock and raggae bands. His
10 years with the reggae band SATTA from 1985 to 1995 were some of the
most exciting with the release of 5 records and nonstop touring through
the U.S., Europe and Asia. As well as appearing in an NBC Movie of the
Week the KEYS which aired in Spring of 1992.
However not one to sit idle, Billy is currently in one of Cleveland's
hottest blues and rock power trios the Armstrong Bearcat Band which
along with nonstop club dates and festivals has shared the stage with
the Allman Brothers, George Thoroughgood and the Destroyers, Little
Feet, Johnny Winter, Blue Oyster Cult, Southside Johnny, Robin Trower,
Tower of Power and others. Billy who is a committed Christian is also
a member of the music ministry at his home church. As well, Billy is
teaching, doing solo performances, drum clinics, "Around the world
with Drums" a performance for young people and a whole host of
other musical projects.
Wether playing in front of 3000 people at a concert hall or 20 people
in a youth group assembly, Billy's powerful and inspiring drumming is
a shining example of discipline, hard work and a desire to share his
gift for drumming with others.
Billy
is available for Drum Clinics, Solo Performance and his "Around
the World Drumming Program" which he offers to schools as a means
to inspire young children to play the drums.
