Will Kennedy

William Kennedy (born 9 May 1960), born in San Mateo, California, is an American drummer, composer, and producer. Specialising in jazz fusion and contemporary jazz, Kennedy is widely recognised for his complex rhythmic contributions and long-standing tenure with the Grammy-winning ensemble The Yellowjackets.

Early Life

Kennedy began his musical foundations by playing percussion and traps throughout his primary and secondary school years. He received early private instruction from Bill Nawrocki before pursuing formal music studies in junior college under the guidance of Professor Bill Bell. Under Bell's mentorship, Kennedy began performing professionally within the San Francisco Bay Area music scene. During this formative period, he joined the group Rythmus 21, which led to his introduction to steel pan musician Andy Narell. At the age of 19, Kennedy embarked on his first European tour and recording sessions with Narell, an experience that solidified his technical interest in studio production and composition.

Career

The professional career of Kennedy is defined by his significant discography with The Yellowjackets, whom he first joined in 1986 following an audition recommended by saxophonist Marc Russo. He contributed to ten recordings between 1987 and 2000 before departing the group, eventually returning for the 2011 release Timeline. Beyond his work in jazz fusion, Kennedy has served as the house drummer for television programmes including The Martin Short Show and the Emmy-winning The Wayne Brady Show. His session portfolio includes film soundtrack contributions for Alfie, Ladykillers, and the Academy Award-winning Sideways. Kennedy has toured and recorded with a diverse array of artists such as Chaka Khan, Lee Ritenour, Jonathan Butler, and Larry Carlton. Additionally, he pursued songwriting and publishing ventures through Pure Delite Music, contributing to projects for R&B acts such as the Dazz Band and Bill Summers.

Personal Life

Kennedy is noted for his commitment to musical education and the development of emerging talent. He has conducted instructional drum clinics globally and released educational materials, including a video for Warner Bros. and the audio course Will’s Practice Room. Within the percussion industry, he maintains professional endorsements with manufacturers such as Pearl Drums, Zildjian, Evans, and Shure. His legacy in the jazz community is built upon a reputation for musical finesse and a distinctive approach to the drum kit that emphasises melodic support within an ensemble. He remains a respected figure in the California music community, where he first established his professional roots.

Current Activities

Kennedy continues to perform and record as a core member of The Yellowjackets, supporting their recent catalogue and touring internationally at various jazz festivals and theater venues. He is also active in developing online instructional content to expand his reach to drum students worldwide. Managed by his own production and representation teams, Will Kennedy is currently engaged in several high-profile projects, including ongoing ensemble performances and the development of interactive music clinics.