Brett Eldredge Drummer, Derrek Phillips, Plays to a Different Beat

Derrek Phillips grew up in the bay area of San Francisco, CA, in a home filled with music of all genres. Some of his earliest memories are playing percussion on whatever pot or pan he found in the kitchen to the records of Sly and the Family Stone, Metallica, and Digital Underground.

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Derrek met his wife at a local bay-area high school band competition while she was playing trombone. His interest in playing all types of percussion allowed him to play in community orchestras, drum and bugle corps, including studying with the late, great, jazz drummer, Tony Williams.

His love for music took him east, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies from William Patterson University in New Jersey.

After years of honing his skills in and around the New York jazz scene, Derrek’s dreams of continuing his professional music career led him to Nashville. He has played and toured with such acts as Bonnie Tyler, Dr. John, Alison Kraus, James Otto, Delbert McClinton, Charlie Hunter, The McCrary Sisters, and many others. 

A two-time Grammy winner, his percussion skills can be heard on the “Nashville” TV show, along with soundtracks by Vanessa Williams and Michael McDonald.

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In 2014, Derrek joined Hank Williams, Jr.’s band and he currently plays and tours with country music sensation Brett Eldredge.

Derrek and I sat down one sunny summer day in 2020 on the porch of Moo Country in Leiper’s Fork, TN. We discussed the influence his parents had on encouraging his musical ability and how the coronavirus pandemic is impacting professional tour musicians. 

He’s endorsed by Pearl Drums, Istanbul Cymbals, Evans Drumheads, Alclair Audio ear monitors, Drum Dots, Stack Ring Percussion, and Vater Sticks. Sit back and enjoy this episode with one of country music’s most energetic and talented drummers.