Bio

"For me, drumming is life and the beat of my heart." 

At first glance, Joel Tate’s portfolio and roster reads as a Who's Who of Music – rightfully so. 

Rising to notability as one of the D.C. area's premier drummers, Joel has shared the stage with such artists as; Gerald Albright, Alex Bugnon, Lalah Hathaway, Jenifer Holiday, The JoGo Project, Julian Junior Marvin and The Legendary Wailers, Kindred the Family Soul, Kenny Lattimore, Ledisi, Marcus Johnson, Maysa, Marion Meadows, Chante Moore, Najee, Phil Perry, Brian Simpson, Damien Sneed, Avery Sunshine, Gerald Veasley, Kirk Whalum, The National Symphony Orchestra, and 7 Sons of Soul. He has also made appearances on BET's Bobby Jones Gospel, TBN, Tom Joyner Morning Show, and CBS’ The Early Show. While recording and touring extensively with renowned artists, Joel’s drumming mastery caught the attention of the "Prince of Sophisticated Soul", Will Downing, in 2010. Joel soon garnered trust as a "go-to" musician and became a fixture in Downing’s recording and traveling band for eight+ years.

Having a knack for drumming from an early age, Joel continues to stretch his musical vocabulary by studying and listening to various genres of music. His disciplined practice regimen is evidenced by his melodic and thoughtful approach to drumming. 

Joel's journey continues to take him from coast to coast as a session drummer and live performing artist. The Covid-19 pandemic provided him the opportunity to pivot into production and master class teacher (email info@obadiahdrumz.com for clinic listings and pricing).

 

RECORDINGS:

  • David P Stevens LIVE at Gibson/2022 *Drums
  • Will Downing, Soul Survivor/2017 *Drums
  • Will Downing, Chocolate Drop/2015 "Saving All My Love for You" *Drums
  • Will Downing, Silver/2013 "I Go Crazy/Wishing On A Star/I Try" *Drums

  • 7 Sons of Soul, (Single) 2007 "Christmas Time" *Drums

  • Tyrone Powell, Inside Out/2007 *Drums

 

TV APPEARANCES:

  • Dedry Jones - "The Experience"  | PBS
  • Bobby Jones Gospel | BET
  • Good Morning America  | ABC 
  • CBS Morning Show | CBS
  • Tom Joyner Show | TV One

 

THEATRE PRODUCTIONS:

  • Carrie the Musical 
  • Murder Ballads 
  • Black Nativity