Blueprint Studios are thrilled to present a unique Masterclass with Chic Drummer Ralph Rolle.
Ralph Rolle is a drummer from The Bronx, New York. Specifically, Bronx River Projects, the home of Hip Hop. Afrika Bambaataa was his neighbour. He has been playing professionally since the age of 18 when he toured with disco band Musique and it’s no surprise that with more than four decades of professional experience, within the music industry, he enjoys an illustrious career as a much sought-after drummer, producer and clinician.
His performance and recording credits include Nile Rodgers and Chic (for which he is best known and for whom he currently plays), Sting, Bono, Bette Midler, Paul Simon, Aretha Franklin, Queen Latifah, Slash, Eric Benet, Erykah Badu, Toshinobu Kubota, D'Angelo, John Legend, Paul Simon, India Arie, Elvis Costello, Smokie Robinson, Slash, Mickey Dolenz and Gwen Stefani, not to mention 14 seasons drumming for NBC’s ‘It’s Showtime at The Apollo.
Chic featuring Nile Rodgers played Westminster Hall, London on New Year’s Eve 2017, which was televised by BBC One and attracted 4.5million viewers. Chic were also the main entertainment for the official after party at the 60th Grammys Awards on January 28th. You can also catch them in Manchester at Castlefield Bowl on Wednesday, June 27th, 2018
Ralph is also a highly accomplished baker and in 1996 established The Soul Snacks Cookies Company using recipes that have been in Ralph’s family for over three generations. When not playing with Chic, Ralph can be found in the bakery at 5.30am, working with his team of bakers, all of whom are from the local community. Fans of the cookies include Jennifer Lopez, Whoopi Goldberg and Prince Albert of Monaco and Manchester’s very own Tim Burgess of The Charlatans, who describes them as “the best cookies in the world”.
The drum clinics he delivers are sessions in music and life, which attract not only drummers, but all types of musicians and music lovers, plus those who are interested in growing in a positive way. Expect insight, stories and motivation from a unique career backing some the worlds greatest artists.
