Turtles Drummer John Barbata Passes On

John Barbata, who played drums for The Turtles, Crosby Stills Nash & Young, and Jefferson Airplane, died on May 8 2024 at the age of 79.

John Barbata was born on Easter Day, April 1 1945, in Passaic, New Jersey. Growing up he lived in Sarnac Lake, New York and Nutley, New Jersey. He became interested in drumming after watching his older brother play drums in his school's marching band. His family moved to California when he was 16 years old. As a teenager he formed a band called The Ambassadors. He played drums with The Ambassadors for several months before being approached by surf rock band The Sentinels about becoming their drummer. He played drums on The Sentinels' singles, as well as their albums Big Surf, Surfer Girl, and Vegas Go Go.

In the spring of 1966 The Turtles were looking for a replacement for their drummer Don Murray. Gene Clark of The Byrds recommended John Barbata to them. He played drums on The Turtles' no. 1 hit "Happy Together" and remained with the band until they disbanded in 1970. That same year he replaced Crosby Stills Nash & Young's drummer Dallas Taylor. He went onto play drums on eight of CSN&Y's albums, as well as play drums on solo albums for Graham Nash, David Crosby, and Stephen Stills.

In 1972, while Crosby Still Nash & Young were on hiatus, he joined Jefferson Airplane to record their final studio album of the Seventies, Long John Silver, and the live album Thirty Seconds Over Winterland. He remained with the band when they reformed as Jefferson Starship. He remained with Jefferson Starship until injuries from a car crash in October 1978 forced him to leave the band. Prior to the accident he had also recorded with Doctor John, The Everly Brothers, Joni Mitchell, Leon Russell, Linda Ronstadt, and yet others.

Following his accident, John Barbata left the music industry. He published a memoir, The Legendary Life of a Rock Star Drummer in 2005. He spent his final years in southern Oklahoma.

John Barbara was one of the most remarkable drummers of the Sixties and Seventies, and it seems likely his percussion was responsible for much of The Turtles' success. His style was utterly unique, with Mr. Barbata taking elements from other types of music. It is little wonder that he was very much demand (he reportedly turned down an offer to drum for Elvis Presley). It is also little wonder that he would have a lasting influence on other drummers. John Barbarta was a major talent, and that talent was in part responsible for the success of the bands with whom he played.