Jimmi Seiter(bornJames Duke Seiter;May 2, 1945 inSt. Louis,Missouri) has worked as amusician,tour manager,artist manager,music producer,sound designer,stage producer andarchitect.
Jimmi Seiter | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | James Duke Seiter |
| Born | May 2, 1945 St. Louis,MissouriUnited States |
| Genres | Rock,R&B |
| Occupation(s) | Musician,Road manager,Percussionist,Associate producer,Architect |
| Instrument(s) | Drums,percussion |
Seiter is probably best known for his work asroad manager,associate producerand touring percussionist withThe Byrds[1]and as road manager forThe Flying Burrito BrotherswithGram Parsonsin the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Early life
editSeiter's musical interests developed at an early age while growing up inSt Louis.With encouragement from his parents and two brothers who were playing trumpet and piano, Jimmi decided upon drums as his instrument of choice and he quickly developed a keen sense of rhythm and natural timing. His first exposure to live performance soon followed with school recitals on the Admiral cruise boats on theMississippiin the early 1950s.
Asrock and rollmusic swept into Middle America, Seiter began absorbing many of his earliest influences from that era, which included the music ofBill Haley,Sam Cooke,Ricky NelsonandElvis Presley.High Schoolprovided Seiter with exposure to many more like-minded musicians and he would spend much time hanging out at music rehearsals with his brother Joe'sbig bandstyle dance band. Seiter's elder brotherJohn Seiterachieved success as a drummer, recording withSpanky and Our Gangin 1967.
During high school, Seiter was invited to join his firstrockband with two high school friends that playedelectric bass guitarand guitar. With the addition of ahorn player,the quartet began performing on the teen town dance circuit, later graduating to performances at special events and local clubs. The band later added a female vocalist, Pat Shannahan, and became known as Vince Arter and the High-5s. During this time that the band was introduced to youngIke Turner,already a big name in St. Louis. With his help the band were taught to playR&Balongside members of Ike's backing band and were soon playing the breaks in between Ike Turners headline shows on the night club circuit, gaining valuable musical experience along the way.
After high school graduation, Seiter spent a short time in theUS Navybefore embarking on a college course studyingArchitectureand Music. Subsequently, he moved toCaliforniato pursue a career in Architecture, securing a job inNorth Hollywooddesigning shopping centers.
During his time inLos Angeles,Seiter met and befriended the singerDobie Grayand soon became involved in thestage productionfor Gray's musical performances. While embarking on a tour of North California with Gray, Seiter was exposed to many more touring musicians and made valuable contacts, one of whom was currently working as aroadiewithThe Byrdswho at this time were enjoying chart success with hits like "Mr Tambourine Man"and"Turn! Turn! Turn!".
In time, Seiter was invited to assist on a North Californian tour withThe Byrds,followed by a tour ofTexas,and by that time, had put his architectural career on hold to concentrate on a new and challenging career as road and equipment manager for one of the most influential and exciting bands.[citation needed]
1970s
editAfter a brief stint working withThe Flying Burrito BrotherswithGram Parsonsin 1969, Seiter returned to working full-time withThe Byrdsas road manager at the behest of guitaristClarence White.He was later to be christened "manager by proxy" by Byrds publicistDerek Taylor.
Seiter is an uncredited percussionist on much of The Byrds mid to late era catalogue, and was encouraged to seek acknowledgment and credit for his performances by producerTerry Melcher.Both Melcher and White were also responsible for incorporating Seiter's performance on the drum kit into The Byrds' live shows.[citation needed]
By 1973, the members of The Byrds had disagreements which had begun to unravel the members' relationships. Seiter decided to leave, much to the disappointment of key band members.[citation needed]DrummerGene Parsonsand bassistSkip Battinwere fired soon afterward and eventually Clarence White left the band toRoger McGuinnwho was attempting a reunion album featuring the original Byrds lineup, thus spelling the end of the road for the longest-standing lineup of the band.
Seiter moved on to work with other major recording artists of the time such asAlice Cooper,Flo & Eddie,Rocky BurnetteandDavid Cassidy,later expanding his career in studio design and construction management. He also worked on many studio recording projects with his long-time friend Terry Melcher, among others.
Recent years
editWith his experience and knowledge in the fields of show production, audio, video, lighting, event organization, architecture and construction Seiter has worked on many large-scale events and installations around the world including the L.A.Olympicsceremonies, six subsequentOlympics,over 10 worldwide theme parks and the construction of a city inKazakhstan.[citation needed]Most recently, Seiter now lives and works inMacau,Chinadue to his involvement in planning for theBeijing2008Olympic Games.
In August 2012, Seiter published 'Volume 1' of a series of autobiographical recollections about his career working withThe ByrdsandThe Flying Burrito Brothers,entitled 'The Byrds - My Way (Volume 1)'. Subsequent volumes are expected to follow.
References
edit- ^Dawson, Dinky (16 July 2009)."1970 Tales of Byrds and Brownies".Crawdaddy!.Retrieved21 December2010.