At 16, John (Johnny Bee) Badanjek (pronounced:buh-DAN-jek) was the drummer for the Motor City's premier rock and roll band, Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels. There he hammered out one of the three greatest drum breaks in the history of rock, according to Rolling Stone Magazine (On "Devil With A Blue Dress").
After the group disbanded in 1967, "Bee" toured and recorded with Edgar Winter, Alice Cooper, Dr. John, Bob Seger, Ronnie Montrose, Nils Lofgren and others, providing the backbeat for some of rock's legendary tracks.
But Johnny Bee's preeminent position in the nation's hard rock hall-of-fame was not won with sticks alone -- in 1972, he co-founded The Rockets as a showcase for his songwriting skills. He served in a dual role as drummer/lead vocalist until 1976 -- when they opted for a bluesier voice.
Bee's songs launched the group into national prominence, and proved his ability to score consistently on the nation's pop music charts ("Can't Sleep", "Turn Up the Radio","Takin' It Back").
"Art chose me at a very early age. As a descendant from a very passionate lineage my people were known for their expressiveness. My first inclination to artistic form was musical in nature. To me, melody and rhythm are akin to breathing and consuming oxygen. As I progressed in my career as a musician, I never saw myself as a side man in a top rock band ever. I am proud to say that I always carried myself and my craft as an artist. Coming from Detroit, Michigan and being exposed to the multi-cultural musical taboo that was commonplace to this town, I was witnessed to some of the greatest musical artistry and brilliance the likes this world has not yet recovered from.
It was the ripe age of nine that I made the conscious decision to dedicate my life to the pursuit of artistry. However, unbeknownst to me , I didn't realize this artistry would encompass more than melodic and rhythmic endeavor. My authentic pursuit of artistic freedom brought me to drawing and painting and a deep appreciation for this encompassing art form. With all of my life's experiences I transitioned naturally into a free painter with endless ideas and exuberance for life! I found that I had the same deep passion for painting as I did for music. In fact I find the two inspire each other.
Art is the language that I use to express the authentic passion that flows through my veins. This is clearly exhibited by my vision, my dreams, and imaginary world that subconsciously influence and guide my work to completion. In fact I have no preconceived notion where my dreams, visions and imaginary world take my artistic expression. It is the trust that I place in these three elements that have set me totally free. Artistically, I am at my most productive nd I have only just begun!"
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