ZOOM Announces 2019 Creator of the Year Award Winner

Zoom Corporation recognized Steve Gadd with the Zoom 2019 Creator of the Year Award on the eve of the opening of the 2020 Winter NAMM Show.

“It is an honor for Zoom to have a special relationship with Steve Gadd and to recognize him for his outstanding musical contributions and achievements,” commented Zoom North America CEO, Scott Goodman. “Yet, with all his talent and all his success, Steve’s grace and humility is award-winning as well. You won’t find a better drummer, musician, or person than Steve.”

Regarded as one the most influential musicians of our time, Steve’s drumming over the past 50-plus years has encompassed so many musical styles. His feel, technique, and musicality on such tunes as Paul Simon’s “Fifty Ways,” and Steely Dan’s “Aja”, and Chick Corea’s “Nite Sprite” were so awe-inspiring and his concepts so innovative that they instantly assured his special position in the history of not just percussive arts, but contemporary music as a whole.

Starting in 1968, Gadd rapidly rose to prominence on the studio scene. His resume includes a variety of artists, including Carly Simon, Phoebe Snow, Aretha Franklin, Al DiMeola, Stanley Clarke, Rickie Lee Jones, Tom Scott, Frank Sinatra, and Stuff. His own band, Steve Gadd Band, has released four albums to date. Their 2016 release, “Way Back Home” was nominated for a Grammy Award, and their 2019 self-titled album Steve Gadd Band was awarded the 2019 Grammy for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album.