Modern Drummer Interview with James Gadson (September 2007)
The drummer in the previously-linked video of “Ain’t No Sunshine” is James Gadson. He’s had quite a recording career, working with folks like Bill Withers, Paul McCartney, and Beck. (He was not the drummer on the album version of “Ain’t No Sunshine,” though. That was Jim Keltner.)
Modern Drummer magazine published an interview with him in the September 2007 issue. He talks about how he got his start in the music industry and gives some advice. The excerpt on the website is short, but a really good read.
MD: Do you think someone can be taught to play funky?
James: I’ve taken on a few students recently, and some of them have great chops, but they need to be focused on the right thing. I think if someone can play, they can be guided. You can be taught, and it has nothing to do with the color of your skin.