Russ
Whitman began playing drums at the early age of 6 years old. From then on, he
always knew what he wanted to do with his life. Following in his father's
footsteps, he started off playing by ear in his grandfather's church. Russ
continued his musical education thru his middle and high school years
consistently placing first chair in almost every all-state ensemble from
concert to jazz.
After high school, he continued his
education on the collegiate level and in the US Navy. Since then, Russ was a
member of Carolina Crown, Tarheel Sun, and Carolina Gold Drum and Bugle Corps.
After many years of marching and instructing numerous high school and
collegiate drum lines, Russ turned his attention back to the kit.
For the last decade, he has had the honor
of working with some outstanding groups of musicians who would develop his
playing far more than any classroom could. This includes Steve Gatlin, The Lawrence
Welk Show, The Swingtime Orchestra, Soul Power Posse, Painted Man, Eason, and
the jazz group J360; where he shared the stage with Spyro Gyra, the
Yellowjackets, Gato Barbieri, Kim Waters, and the late Jimmy Smith. For
the last few years, he has toured with Craig Woolard, Frontiers, and is now the
drummer for Grand Ole Opry member, Craig Morgan