2025 Competition Entry:
Funky Drummer by Ned Gray
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Genre
Rock
Artist
Website
Co-writer(s)
no
Performer(s)
Ned Gray-Drums, Vocals, and Harmonica
David Zychek-Guitar
Johnny Big (Grande)-Bass
David Zychek-Guitar
Johnny Big (Grande)-Bass
Description
I spent part of my career as a cruise ship musician and many things can happen, both on stage and while traveling worldwide. This song depicts a time when I flew from America to Europe to perform on one of the mega cruise ships.
Bio
NED GRAY
Singer, Songwriter Total Entertainer
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Few artists can lay claim to such a wide and varied career path as that of Singer, Songwriter
and all round Musician, Ned Gray. His own distinctive brand of Classic Rock, Blues & Country,
combined with his own relaxed performance style has created a sound that has engaged and
entertained audiences around the world for many years now.
Originally hailing from Omaha Nebraska, Ned’s first introduction to the world of music began
when he joined his first rock group as a drummer and singer at just 13. Recognition came quickly, winning a “Battle of The Bands” competition at the same age, whilst later being honoured in High School for “Outstanding Musicianship”. He went on to study a major in music at Nebraska’s Wesleyan University, which he credits for giving him a good foundation to build on musically.
His first taste of life as a travelling musician came when he embarked on the first of 3 USO tours, beginning in Europe and later to the Far East. It was from here that his sense of wanderlust and adventure was born and this same spirit has continued to this very day.
Moving to Denver, Colorado proved to be a significant turning point for Ned, where he regularly performed with various bands, both at major ski resorts and larger nightclubs in the state. He was also in high demand as a studio drummer at the famed Caribou Ranch in Nederland, Colorado, where he recorded the “Transitions” album with well known local band “Blackhawk”, as well as contributing his talent to other singer/songwriters on their demos.
Later moving to the north of San Francisco, Ned again found himself surrounded by new
opportunities. One of the real stand out moments at this time in his career was becoming a
replacement “Lost Planet Airman” with Commander Cody, embarking on a heavy touring
schedule and numerous TV appearances with the band. This proved to be just the beginning of Ned’s good fortune as he crossed paths with some of the true icons of the music world, leading to impromptu performances at private parties and small clubs alongside the likes of Joan Baez and Peter Tork of The Monkees, as well as opening for the likes of Ricky Skaggs, Dottie West, Lefty Frizzell and not forgetting Jerry Lee Lewis, who referred
to Ned as “… the best god damned drummer I’ve ever heard”.
In addition to performing live, Ned has also worked hard to hone his skills as a songwriter and has released 3 albums to date, including his debut, “Looking for the “Groundswell”, the “Roots Music Report” charting “Texas Chrome” (recorded at Willie Nelson’s studio in Austin, Texas) and the most recent entitled “Choreograph”, which includes the song “Phil” – a tribute to the late actor,Phillip Seymour Hoffman.
The next chapter of Ned’s career came about completely by chance when he stumbled across an article on cruise ship musicians and was immediately drawn to how much inspiration could be gained for future songs. The chance to perform for new audiences all over the world was also a major drawcard for this travelling troubadour and sure enough, it wasn’t long before he was a regular fixture on some of the largest cruise liners in the world – first as a drummer with a number of bands before venturing out on his own as a solo artist and since then, he hasn’t looked back… With a wealth of experience behind him and an unfaltering drive to continue to build on his career, Ned’s focus has now shifted to performing headline shows in his own tribute concert to the legendary Jimmy Buffet, one that has already earned him high praise from audiences and employers alike – amongst them, Shawn Robson, Musical Director of RCCL’s “Radiance Of The Seas”, who had this to say…“Ned had the audience on their feet wanting more with his Jimmy Buffet Tribute Show in the main theatre backed by the ship’s orchestra – a true professional”.
Equally at home on the larger concert stages or the more intimate venues, Ned’s versatility as a performer continues to go from strength to strength and with his easy going nature and quick sense of humor, it’s easy to see why he has become a crowd favorite amongst so many.
When once asked what it is that makes him stand out from other like minded musicians, Ned
replied… “I have been pondering what sets me apart from all the others and I would have to say that my love and perseverance for my craft gives me a leg up. I feel that all those years playing drums in bands have served as my apprenticeship for the path I’m travelling now. Each great talent I have performed with has taught me a little bit more”, adding “Maybe I am just an old hippie that loves music and the effect it can have on people, the way it touches them. It’s all about the smiles on their faces, the places and times in their lives that it takes them to”.
Whilst continuing to perform live remains a priority, Ned has also spent time attending several
industry workshops where he was able to gain invaluable advice and insight from renowned
artists including Rodney Crowell, Steve Earle, Bernie Taupin, Lisa Loeb and Shawn Colvin. These personable experiences have given Ned a whole new perspective on his own songwriting, with plans for his next solo album currently underway.
It’s a long way from the young boy who used to tap away at the family table in Omaha pretending to play drums, dreaming off exploring the world as a professional musician and whose first glimpse of the ocean wasn’t until he was 18, but with hard work and dedication and a real drive to make things happen, his music has taken him further than he ever dreamed possible – from France, Australia, US, England, Italy and beyond.
A genuine enjoyment and appreciation for what he does remains as strong as ever for Ned and with no intentions of stopping anytime soon, he still has much to do in an already impressive career to be proud of…
Singer, Songwriter Total Entertainer
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Few artists can lay claim to such a wide and varied career path as that of Singer, Songwriter
and all round Musician, Ned Gray. His own distinctive brand of Classic Rock, Blues & Country,
combined with his own relaxed performance style has created a sound that has engaged and
entertained audiences around the world for many years now.
Originally hailing from Omaha Nebraska, Ned’s first introduction to the world of music began
when he joined his first rock group as a drummer and singer at just 13. Recognition came quickly, winning a “Battle of The Bands” competition at the same age, whilst later being honoured in High School for “Outstanding Musicianship”. He went on to study a major in music at Nebraska’s Wesleyan University, which he credits for giving him a good foundation to build on musically.
His first taste of life as a travelling musician came when he embarked on the first of 3 USO tours, beginning in Europe and later to the Far East. It was from here that his sense of wanderlust and adventure was born and this same spirit has continued to this very day.
Moving to Denver, Colorado proved to be a significant turning point for Ned, where he regularly performed with various bands, both at major ski resorts and larger nightclubs in the state. He was also in high demand as a studio drummer at the famed Caribou Ranch in Nederland, Colorado, where he recorded the “Transitions” album with well known local band “Blackhawk”, as well as contributing his talent to other singer/songwriters on their demos.
Later moving to the north of San Francisco, Ned again found himself surrounded by new
opportunities. One of the real stand out moments at this time in his career was becoming a
replacement “Lost Planet Airman” with Commander Cody, embarking on a heavy touring
schedule and numerous TV appearances with the band. This proved to be just the beginning of Ned’s good fortune as he crossed paths with some of the true icons of the music world, leading to impromptu performances at private parties and small clubs alongside the likes of Joan Baez and Peter Tork of The Monkees, as well as opening for the likes of Ricky Skaggs, Dottie West, Lefty Frizzell and not forgetting Jerry Lee Lewis, who referred
to Ned as “… the best god damned drummer I’ve ever heard”.
In addition to performing live, Ned has also worked hard to hone his skills as a songwriter and has released 3 albums to date, including his debut, “Looking for the “Groundswell”, the “Roots Music Report” charting “Texas Chrome” (recorded at Willie Nelson’s studio in Austin, Texas) and the most recent entitled “Choreograph”, which includes the song “Phil” – a tribute to the late actor,Phillip Seymour Hoffman.
The next chapter of Ned’s career came about completely by chance when he stumbled across an article on cruise ship musicians and was immediately drawn to how much inspiration could be gained for future songs. The chance to perform for new audiences all over the world was also a major drawcard for this travelling troubadour and sure enough, it wasn’t long before he was a regular fixture on some of the largest cruise liners in the world – first as a drummer with a number of bands before venturing out on his own as a solo artist and since then, he hasn’t looked back… With a wealth of experience behind him and an unfaltering drive to continue to build on his career, Ned’s focus has now shifted to performing headline shows in his own tribute concert to the legendary Jimmy Buffet, one that has already earned him high praise from audiences and employers alike – amongst them, Shawn Robson, Musical Director of RCCL’s “Radiance Of The Seas”, who had this to say…“Ned had the audience on their feet wanting more with his Jimmy Buffet Tribute Show in the main theatre backed by the ship’s orchestra – a true professional”.
Equally at home on the larger concert stages or the more intimate venues, Ned’s versatility as a performer continues to go from strength to strength and with his easy going nature and quick sense of humor, it’s easy to see why he has become a crowd favorite amongst so many.
When once asked what it is that makes him stand out from other like minded musicians, Ned
replied… “I have been pondering what sets me apart from all the others and I would have to say that my love and perseverance for my craft gives me a leg up. I feel that all those years playing drums in bands have served as my apprenticeship for the path I’m travelling now. Each great talent I have performed with has taught me a little bit more”, adding “Maybe I am just an old hippie that loves music and the effect it can have on people, the way it touches them. It’s all about the smiles on their faces, the places and times in their lives that it takes them to”.
Whilst continuing to perform live remains a priority, Ned has also spent time attending several
industry workshops where he was able to gain invaluable advice and insight from renowned
artists including Rodney Crowell, Steve Earle, Bernie Taupin, Lisa Loeb and Shawn Colvin. These personable experiences have given Ned a whole new perspective on his own songwriting, with plans for his next solo album currently underway.
It’s a long way from the young boy who used to tap away at the family table in Omaha pretending to play drums, dreaming off exploring the world as a professional musician and whose first glimpse of the ocean wasn’t until he was 18, but with hard work and dedication and a real drive to make things happen, his music has taken him further than he ever dreamed possible – from France, Australia, US, England, Italy and beyond.
A genuine enjoyment and appreciation for what he does remains as strong as ever for Ned and with no intentions of stopping anytime soon, he still has much to do in an already impressive career to be proud of…
Lyrics
FUNKY DRUMMER
Written by: Ned Gray
Woke up in the morning and it’s time to go
Got a gig on the cruise ship gonna play some rock n’ roll
Flying to Mallorca on a three-legged flight
They lost my luggage I got no clothes for tonight
Chorus:
That’s how I roll
Funky drummer
That’s how I roll
Funky drummer
Got on the ship and played non-stop from nine to two
A guy walks in and says, “Hey man, are you already through?”
I said I got jet lag and I need to quit
I played three more for his benefit
Chrous:
That’s how I roll
Funky drummer
That’s how I roll
Funky drummer
I took the ship from the south and to the north
I saw some castles and some beautiful ports
I’ve been on the cruise now a thousand times
I went first class I didn’t pay one dime
Chorus:
That’s how I roll
Funky drummer
That’s how I roll
Funky drummer
Lead section instrumental
– Chorus out
Written by: Ned Gray
Woke up in the morning and it’s time to go
Got a gig on the cruise ship gonna play some rock n’ roll
Flying to Mallorca on a three-legged flight
They lost my luggage I got no clothes for tonight
Chorus:
That’s how I roll
Funky drummer
That’s how I roll
Funky drummer
Got on the ship and played non-stop from nine to two
A guy walks in and says, “Hey man, are you already through?”
I said I got jet lag and I need to quit
I played three more for his benefit
Chrous:
That’s how I roll
Funky drummer
That’s how I roll
Funky drummer
I took the ship from the south and to the north
I saw some castles and some beautiful ports
I’ve been on the cruise now a thousand times
I went first class I didn’t pay one dime
Chorus:
That’s how I roll
Funky drummer
That’s how I roll
Funky drummer
Lead section instrumental
– Chorus out
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