Ode To Papa Joe
“Ode To Papa Joe”
I initially met Joe Porcaro 33 years ago. I’d just begun working for Paiste - my debut gig in the music instrument industry and I was very green in LA at the time. I’d just moved here from Upstate New York and was just freelancing as a musician when I saw an advert in the Orange County Register for a Telemarketer position at the acclaimed cymbal company. Back then, there were no computers. My job for the 1st year was to call on dealers, referencing my leads via physical card files. I was the inside sales guy, supporting the exterior sales reps and honestly, I barely remember that 1st year. Sales just wasn’t my thing and as luck would have it, the position of Artist Relations Manager opened up and being a professional player and recipient of a college music degree, they decided to give me a shot at it. There was no “guide book”, no instruction - just thrown into the fire, immediately dealing with their celebrity endorsees…and, I loved it. I related to them comfortably, already being familiar with their world, so it worked out and to this day, I’m still doing that type of work.
When I first met Jeff and Joe Porcaro, it was a huge deal for me, as I’d followed their careers my whole life. Jeff of course, was a major influence on me. Back in Syracuse where I was from, Toto was a big deal. The Musician’s band. We loved them and played their stuff in cover bands. The year they won multiple Grammys for Toto IV, we had a Grammy party and cheered them on, thinking that they saved popular music that year. I’ll never forget it.
I remember seeing photos of Joe Porcaro from that evening, there, supporting his children. I remember thinking how proud he must’ve been. I’d known about Joe from all his films and television work as well as all the recordings he played on. So, when I got the Paiste gig and started managing their AR, I slowly began to meet my artist roster. It was very exciting. Some of the first artists I met included Alex Cline, Rafael Gayol, Michael Barsimanto, Terry Bozzio, Emil Richards and, Jeff & Joe Porcaro. All of them became life-long friends.
Jeff used to say, “I gotta pack a lunch to come down to Paiste!” He lived in the San Fernando Valley and we were in Brea which was indeed a long haul. Jeff liked to take the kids to Disneyland, so sometimes he’d stop by on his way to the park and we’d quickly take care of business so they could get on their way. But mostly, I’d come up to him if we needed to work on something.
In the early days of my time with Paiste, I spent a lot of time with Joe and also with Emil Richards - often with the 2 of them together. Working on something for Paiste, going to see them perform in their Jazz quartet, or going with them on a film session dates - which I often did in those days. We’d plan our day around lunches or dinners…as they’d say, “We gotta eat!” We spent a lot of personal time together, including holiday hangs. It was on one of their many gigs that I met my then fiancé, Victoria - who Emil introduced me to and though we never Wed, is still a dear friend of mine. Actually, the night I proposed to Victoria, after our dinner, we headed directly to the Porcaro’s house where they were celebrating Emil’s birthday and it also ended up being an engagement celebration as well. A truly special evening.
Joe Porcaro was, simply put, one of my life’s biggest gifts and inspirations. He was my mentor – in so many ways. Of course, musically he was a major influence. He was a total musician and one of the greatest all-around percussionists. Joe mastered whatever instrument he tackled. I had the honor of writing about his career in feature articles for drum trades…about his hard-work ethic, his amazing talent and continual interest in learning…all these things have given me so much to learn from and strive for. But also and probably more important, was the way he treated other people. He was the most patient and kindest man I’ve ever met. He defined empathy. Watching him at a trade show, it would take him forever to walk the floor as he stopped to talk to people. He never rushed a conversation and he sincerely took interest in everyone. He genuinely made people feel better about themselves and always offered some words of encouragement. It was what made him a world-renowned teacher. Drummers all over the world consider Joe their favorite teacher and, rightfully so. To have that kind of compassion, combined with immense natural talent and deep knowledge, is rare. Probably the proudest moment of my career in the music instrument business was launching the campaign for Joe’s induction into the Percussive Arts Society Hall Of Fame. Being there watching Joe receive this prestigious award was one of the happiest moments in my life. I’m so thankful he lived to experience that, as he was so deserving of the accolade.
Joe’s way with others was huge for me. I know I’m a better person from knowing him…most definitely. In these last 17 years, my wife Carrie & I spent a lot of time with Eileen and Joe and we grew very close. Their long marriage…the way they were together, we found so inspiring. To us, theirs was the shining example of a loving union. We will treasure forever, all our times together.
I knew the day would eventually come of Joe's passing. I am so very sad and miss him so much. As I wrote “Ode To Papa Joe” and created the video for the song, I felt his presence. I heard his voice…”Yo Rich”. It still doesn’t seem real to me that he’s gone. My dear friend Eddie, with whom I shared many hangs with Joe, speak almost daily about our sadness for this immense loss of our dear friend. We will always hold him close to our hearts and we’ll think of him often, as we continue to share delicious meals and good grooves in his honor. As Joe would always say when we planned our many hangs, “Come on!” He was always ready for the hang. And, the fact that we also lost Emil in the same year, also a devastating loss for me, is an incredible story in itself, given the fact that they’d been friends since they were young children. They were the best of friends and spent their entire lives supporting each other, making music…and making history. So inspiring. I’m also so thankful to Emil for all his love and friendship.
I will miss my mentor Joe Porcaro for the rest of my days. I will treasure my time with him forever. I will be eternally grateful for the honor of knowing him and calling him my close friend. Thank you so much, Joe P. Life is better because you were here and I hope I can continue to live a kind and caring life, in your memory.
Rich Mangicaro - November 2020
(click on image below to view my tribute video)
