335. Kenny Aronoff, 300M Records: Why Leaders Who Connect Get the Call

Release Date: Oct. 13

Being good at what you do gets you the first call. It doesn’t guarantee the next one.

Kenny Aronoff has spent over four decades as one of rock's most in-demand drummers, recording with hitmakers like John Mellencamp, Elton John, and The Smashing Pumpkins. The best of the best keep coming back to him, and not just for his drumming.

What You’ll Learn:‍

Three skills that help you get to the top, and stay there, even if you’re not the most “talented”
How to make yourself invaluable as a leader and a teammate
Why turning down a sure thing for your passion can be the right decision
Where to start if you're good at your job but don't love it
How to connect with people when it doesn’t come naturally
The four things that drive long-term success

‍In This Episode:

(00:00) Introduction
(01:05) Why the Best Keep Calling Him
(03:10) The Full-Circle Moment
(10:09) Classical Music Training
(15:06) How to Deal with a Tough Boss
(18:35) Leading with Fear vs. Love
(21:31) RPS (Repetition is the Preparation for Success)
(23:17) Turning Down a Good Opportunity
(26:49) Joining John Mellencamp
(30:53) Finding Your North Star
(32:51) Getting Fired and Fighting His Way Back
(38:42) The Road to “Jack & Diane”
(48:22) Can Your Purpose Change?
(50:50) Co-Elevation
(53:18) The Bill Clinton Lesson

About Kenny Aronoff:

Kenny Aronoff is one of the most influential and in demand drummers and percussionists in the world. He has entertained millions of people with his drumming, has played on thousands of records, and has been the “go to” drummer for the biggest stars in music while providing the beat of American culture over four decades!

He studied and played with members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, including world-renowned timpanist Vic Firth. He went on to study one year at the university of Massachusetts and four years at Indiana University School of Music in Bloomington, Indiana, where among other honors, he was awarded the school’s prestigious performer’s certificate. After graduating, Kenny was offered timpani positions in several symphony orchestras, but instead said “no” because he still wanted to be in a rock ‘n’ roll band and be part of a team of musicians that recorded music and toured the world, just like The Beatles did.

Three years later in 1980, he joined the John Mellencamp band, recording 10 albums and toured with him for over a 17-year period. Kenny’s innovative style and solid back-beats became the driving force behind Mellencamp’s long run of definitive hit records in the ’80s and ’90s.

In addition, Kenny is an enormously successful studio musician recording over 300 MILLION records in sales with more than 1300 that were RIAA Certified Gold, Platinum Or Diamond. A true renaissance man, Kenny is also a best-selling author, television show host, and accomplished corporate speaker, having taken the stage for top universities, corporations, and organizations around the world!

Resources Mentioned:

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