Photo via Blue Canoe Records
Best known for his work with the Derek Trucks Band, drummer Yonrico Scott has died. He was 63.
A statement from Blue Canoe records read, “Mr. Scott was a drummer, percussionist, vocalist, visual artist, educator, and a true friend and champion of our label… The people he touched with his gifts is unmeasurable. His spirit will live on and we ask that you pray for his family during this difficult time.”
After growing up in Detroit, Scott took to the drums at a young age and eventually apprenticed under Motown drummer George Hamilton. He found success as a session drummer for famed acts like Stevie Wonder, and joined the Derek Trucks Band in 1995.
“Yonrico [Scott, drums] is the oldest guy in the band, and he’s been doing this forever,” Trucks told Relix in 1998. “He brings a classical orientation to the band, having played with everything from symphonies to Whitney Houston. He’s so knowledgeable in music, and he’s one of the better drummers I’ve heard.”
A 2003 Relix piece on the Derek Trucks Band noted, “A veteran of Whitney Houston and Peabo Bryson’s touring bands, Scott had also manned the Broadway orchestra pits for The Wiz, Dreamgirls and 5 Guys Named Moe (after that play’s NYC run, he joined the national company as well). Yet with Trucks, he saw talent and intent ( ‘I could tell he was anointed’), as well as an opportunity to take an active role in the young group’s musical direction. As a result, he laughs, ‘I went from playing in Madison Square Garden to playing in 50-seat clubs.'”
Through the years, Scott acted as one of the creative bedrocks of the Derek Trucks Band, and even acted as their spokesman, accepting the 2010 Grammy for Best Contemporary Blues Album for the band’s LP Already Free.
He released three solo records between 2012 and 2015, and after Derek Trucks Band morphed into the Tedeschi Trucks Band, Scott joined the Royal Southern Brotherhood supergroup, performing alongside Cyril Neville, Devon Allman, Charlie Wooton and Bart Walker. That project released its self-titled debut in 2012.
Outside of music, Scott found joy in the visual arts, often showcasing his work on the drumheads of his kit.
Watch Scott perform a stirring, seven-minute drum solo circa 2015 below:
14 Comments comments associated with this post
Geoff PAYSON
September 28, 2019 at 5:00 amHe would not ever take his own life.
I am shocked and so lost just learning of my friends passing.
The Col. Was looking for a new drummer.
In Zambi,
Geoff
Cyboogie
September 21, 2019 at 1:00 amFIJI!
He blew my mind in 95 with Col. and Dr. Dan
Bill VZ
September 20, 2019 at 9:32 pmMet Yonrico after a DTB show in Princeton, a gracious and sweet man, with a huge personality…which came out in his playing. RIP, and thank you, you touched us deeply with your talent.
Timothy Johnson
September 20, 2019 at 5:52 pmUgh…still haven’t gotten over the loss of Kofi, and now this. The jams in Heaven just amped up, though!
Pamela Taylor
September 20, 2019 at 3:05 pmDeeply enjoyed and appreciated Yonrico’s hard-driving rhythm and artistry at many U.S. venues, both in the early days with Derek, Todd, the Count, and Mike and later w the RSB. Yonrico was a dedicated Dad. We enjoyed speaking with him after gigs, hearing about his artistic pursuits and chatting about everything from political ideas to funding for the arts. A true friend, Yonrico was by Kofi’s hospital bedside as well. Gone way too soon. Rock on Brother, We love you.
jim
September 20, 2019 at 2:03 pmI saw him in a great band when Dark Horse Tavern in Atlanta would do Sunday night jazz jams in the late 70’s-early 80’s. So versatile!!!
Rabbit47
September 20, 2019 at 3:16 pmIt was actually Walter Mitty’s back then.
me
September 20, 2019 at 12:33 pmRIP Yonrico. Enjoyed those great DTB years… I miss those days just as you will be missed…
Roy
September 20, 2019 at 12:17 pmPlay on brotherman you did well here! Saw many a DTB show…. a few RSB shows and Randall Bramlett/Geoff Atichison Hittin’ The Note Party @ Terra Blues in n.y.c. Yonrico always brought it to the bandstand….. i guess he’ll bring it to the heavenly band…. difficult day, found out about Harold Mabern earlier this morning…. well got lots of shows to revisit today…. play on and enjoy today,everyone to the fullest
Oh Jesus
September 20, 2019 at 11:16 amNot another suicide?
Debra L Lubin
September 20, 2019 at 6:37 pmWhere did you come up with that theory??
Lubin Butt
September 20, 2019 at 8:32 pmStandard when cause of death is not immediately released, Where have you been of late?
KB
September 22, 2019 at 7:21 pmStandard? GTFO douche.
TimeFlack
September 28, 2019 at 5:01 amWhat is wrong with you ?