June GArdner

Biography

Albert "June" Gardner, also known as "Gentleman June," was born on December 31, 1930, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He launched his professional music career immediately after high school, first touring with R&B vocalist Lil Green. Gardner quickly became a fixture in the vibrant New Orleans music scene, performing at the legendary Dew Drop Inn with Edgar Blanchard & the Gondoliers, and establishing himself as a versatile and reliable drummer in both jazz and rhythm & blues circles.

Gardner's career reached national prominence when he spent nine years performing and recording with Roy "Good Rockin' Tonight" Brown, and later as the drummer for soul legend Sam Cooke from 1960 until Cooke's death in 1964. He played on Cooke's iconic live albums, including "At the Copa" and "Live at the Harlem Square Club." Gardner's drumming can also be heard on Lee Dorsey's hit "Working in a Coal Mine" and he was a regular member of Dave Bartholomew's band. After returning to New Orleans, Gardner led his own sessions, notably releasing the single "99 Plus One"/"Mustard Greens," and anchored his own traditional jazz band, The Fellas, performing at venues like Bourbon Street and the New Orleans JazzFest.

Known for his groove versatility and ability to adapt to various styles, Gardner was respected by peers and audiences alike. His legacy endures as one of the Crescent City's great drummers, having contributed to the sound of numerous R&B and jazz recordings and influenced generations of musicians through his work both on stage and in the studio.

Fun Facts

• Gardner was nicknamed "Gentleman June" for his demeanor and professionalism.
• He replaced another legendary New Orleans drummer, Leo Morris (later known as Idris Muhammad), in Sam Cooke's band.
• His track "Mustard Greens" is noted for its proto-funk drumming and quasi-Latin big band arrangement.
• Gardner led his own traditional jazz band, The Fellas, performing regularly on Bourbon Street and at the New Orleans JazzFest.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Professor Valmont Victor - Gardner's influential drum teacher in New Orleans (Private instruction, early career development) [1940s]

Key Collaborators

• Lil Green - First major touring engagement after high school (Live tours) [Late 1940s]
• Edgar Blanchard & the Gondoliers - Band member and recording artist at Dew Drop Inn (Live performances, studio recordings) [1950s]
• Roy Brown - Drummer for nine years in Brown's band (Live performances, studio recordings) [1950s]
• Sam Cooke - Touring and recording drummer until Cooke's death ("At the Copa", "Live at the Harlem Square Club") [1960-1964]
• Lee Dorsey - Session drummer on hit recordings ("Working in a Coal Mine") [1960s]
• Dave Bartholomew - Regular band member (Live and studio work) [1960s]
• Lionel Hampton - Collaborated as a drummer (Live performances) [Various]
• Alvin Tyler - Collaborated as a drummer (Live performances) [Various]
• David Torkanowsky - Performed in bands led by Torkanowsky late in Gardner's career (Live performances at Irvin Mayfield's Playhouse) [2000s]
• Germain Bazzle - Performed together in New Orleans ensembles (Live performances) [2000s]

Artists Influenced

• New Orleans drummers and R&B musicians - Gardner's versatile style and session work set a standard for local musicians (Numerous studio recordings and live performances) [1960s-2010]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Mass in B Minor, BWV 232 (Excerpts): No. 6, Laudamus te (Mozart, J.S. Bach, Schumann & Others: Works)
2. Mass in B Minor, BWV 232 (Excerpts): No. 6, Laudamus te (Mozart, J.S. Bach, Schumann & Others: Works)
3. Tennessee Waltz (A) (New Orleans' Funkiest Delicacies)
4. 99 Plus One (99 Plus One)
5. Last Night (99 Plus One)
6. Hammerhead (99 Plus One)
7. One Mint Julep (99 Plus One)
8. Hot Seat (99 Plus One)
9. Mustard Greens (99 Plus One)
10. It's Gonna Rain (99 Plus One)

External Links

• Spotify