Johnny Vidacovich stands as one of the most influential drummers in modern New Orleans music, known for blending second-line tradition with jazz-level control and improvisation. His feel and phrasing have become part of the city’s drumming language, both on stage and through teaching.
Born in New Orleans in 1949, Vidacovich began playing as a child and was working professionally by his late teens. Over the years he performed and recorded across the New Orleans world, including associations with major figures linked to the city’s R&B and funk tradition as well as its jazz scene. He became especially well known through Astral Project, the long-running New Orleans group built on forward-leaning improvisation. Vidacovich is also recognized as a respected educator, including co-authoring (with Herlin Riley) the widely used method book New Orleans and Second Line Drumming.
Recent activity: Vidacovich continues performing publicly, including appearances connected to University of New Orleans events and ongoing New Orleans scene work.
Plays: Pearl; Paiste; Vic Firth.
Sources: JohnnyVidacovich.com; NAMM Oral History; University of New Orleans; Astral Project.
Update: January 23, 2026
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