Ken VanGemert
Founding Member | Drums
Originally from Addison, Illinois, and now calling Dandridge, Tennessee home, Ken VanGemert brings 50 years of drumming experience, a love of music, and a powerful sense of rhythm to Ed Sullivan III & The Road.
A self-taught drummer, Ken first discovered his passion for percussion after hearing a neighbor practicing drums. What started as curiosity quickly became a lifelong journey through live performances, bands, and studio recording.
Influenced by legendary Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham, Ken enjoys a wide variety of musical styles and brings solid timekeeping, drive, and dynamics to every song he plays.
After five decades of performing cover songs, Ken was ready for something different: the opportunity to help create original music.
"I've been looking for a natural singer for years that's looking to play originals," Ken says.
As the first musician to join Ed Sullivan III in forming The Road, Ken holds the distinction of being the band's founding drummer. Joining the project gives him the chance to bring his own musical ideas and feelings into new songs, with the goal of recording and performing original music for audiences.
The Man Behind the Drums
When he's not behind his drum kit, Ken enjoys camping, shooting, and the simple things in life. Despite five decades of musical experience, he describes himself as "just a normal guy that loves music."
Ask Ken to describe himself in three words, and he'll tell you:
"Old, ambitious and tired."
And his personal motto?
DILLIGAF.
If you know what it means, you know. If you don't, well, Ken probably isn't going to lose any sleep over it.
That's Ken VanGemert. Fifty years behind the drums, still ambitious, still making music, and still doing things his own way.
Welcome to The Road, Ken!