The Bernard Purdie Interview: Steely Dan, Aretha Franklin & 'The Purdie Shuffle'

Bernard Lee "Pretty" Purdie (born June 11, 1941) is an American drummer, and an influential R&B, soul and funk musician. He is known for his precise musical time keeping and his signature use of triplets against a half-time backbeat: the "Purdie Shuffle." Purdie is known as a groove drummer with immaculate timing who makes use of precision half note, backbeats, and grooves. He often employs a straight eight groove sometimes fusing several influences such as swing, blues and funk. He created the now well-known drum pattern Purdie Half-Time Shuffle that is a blues shuffle variation with the addition of syncopated ghost notes on the snare drum. Variations on this shuffle can be heard on songs such as Led Zeppelin's "Fool in the Rain" and Toto's "Rosanna" (Rosanna shuffle). Purdie plays the shuffle on Steely Dan's "Babylon Sisters" and "Home At Last".

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[RickBeato]

If you guys want to see me do more travel content and interviews, please consider becoming a member of the Beato Club to enable me to do more of it.

[realbser]

When Bernard tells Rick that this is basically the best interview he’s ever done, I’m tearing up. I don’t know why. Just the joy of seeing him behind that kit and hearing his philosophy and the fact that he’s 83. This interview belongs in a time capsule. Thank you Rick and Bernard. Both legends. 😃

[mgscano]

Rick, you started your career as a musician, while in the future you’ll be remembered as a prominent historian

[leemarsh]

That’s not an interview, it’s a masterclass ! Awesome work Rick

[beckbeat]

I’m super excited about this. In 2013 I had a one-on-one lesson with Bernard Purdie at the Clef Club in Philadelphia, PA. It was absolutely incredible. I've always loved the feel and joy in his playing and a dream came true when I got to sit down and learn from him. On a side note: We were supposed to meet at a studio in NYC. I drove up from Philly, but Mr. Purdie was a no-show. I was disappointed. On my way back he called me personally and apologized. He had a family emergency. He asked me where I lived. I told him. The next day he came down to Philly to give me my lesson. Talk about being a professional. I'm forever grateful.

[pauldevro]

"it's long, so watch it in segments." if this was 3 hours i think most would still watch this all at once. This is incredible.

[makeadifferenceall]

So much humility for one of the greatest rock drummers to repeatedly talk about "staying out of the way" of the other musicians in the band. I love how he also emphasizes the feel and groove of the music. And his joy in talking about and listening to music is infectious.

[RhettShull]

What an absolute legend, great interview Rick!

[giantmetalcrickets]

Two things: 1. Rick is the best music interviewer I've every seen. Every incredible, historic interview ends with the artist gushing about how much they enjoyed the experience. 2. I truly believe Rick will have a real, positive impact on music going forward. Think about that! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.

[Cardinal]

To hear a legend keep saying "it's the engineers" and then describing how recording engineers made him a better player; controlling his sound so they could control the mix while he kept his playing simple to make room for everybody in the mix was a crucial lesson for me. That and seeing him talk about how he's humbled himself to serve the music and sharing what he's mastered.

[diederikvanvleuten]

This is what happens if an interviewer who really understands music in all its aspects talks with one of the greatest drummers of all time. No time limits, no other interest than to serve music itself. And no underestimation of the viewers. This is how it should be and very seldom is. Dear Rick it is up to you and only you to secure in words the legacy of all those great unforgettable geniuses that touched our hearts for ever. Bernard Purdie is a living legend. I can’t wait for your four hour interview with Donald Fagen. Make it four days. You are a gem

[DeadKoby]

Bernard has 2 major reasons that he's a TOP TIER
#1, He's good at what he does.
#2 He's nice to people, and makes it about the music.

[spudgo]

Bernard Purdie - the King of Groove and Master of the art of listening. I'd love to see Rick do an interview like this with Stewart Copeland - that would be awesome.

[CaliforniaBushman]

Playing the Best Steely Dan Tunes he played on DURING the interview made this one of the coolest interviews of any musician EVER, Rick. So cool.

[hardlymick]

The Purdie Shuffle is the musical evauivalent of Bernard's personality. His collaborative humility seems to be core to his legend. Whether he's playing or talking, I find myself smiling.

[theyapsta]

This is GOLD. I'm not even a drummer. I could listen to Bernard talk for hours. What an amazing interview.

[Itaivarochik]

“Having a positive feel about what you do is everything” what a great takeaway from this legendary drummer.

[markcatanzaro]

Bernard Purdie is THE DEFINITION of what it means to be a living legend! Being recorded as far back as the 60's and still going strong in 2022!!! That's incredible IN ANY PROFESSION! God bless him!

[RalphOnofrio]

I became friends with BP when he played here in Connecticut with my singer friend Karen Frisk.I was surprised to see him in this tiny club playing jazz..He sat at our table on every break, and we talked drums and drummers..Great guy..No big crowd, just a great night with this short time later, he was at the Connecticut drum show.I was standing in line for a book signing, and he called me out to sit next to him, and talk some more..Another great day. Ralph Onofrio.

[robwasnj]

We're blessed to have Bernard living in my part of NJ. He shows up and supports young musicians as well, have seen him several times at various events. Absolutely love what he's done for music.