Paul Leim | |
|---|---|
| Born | Paul William Leim (1950-12-29)December 29, 1950 (age 74) Port Huron, Michigan, United States |
| Origin | Nashville, Tennessee, United States |
| Genres | Country music,rock,pop,Contemporary Christian,film music[1] |
| Occupation | Musician |
| Instrument(s) | Drums, percussion |
| Years active | 1970–present |
| Website | paulleim |
Paul William Leim (born December 29, 1950) is an American drummer and recording session musician based inNashville.[2][3]
Leim was born in Port Huron, Michigan[4] and raised inTroup, Texas. He was inspired to take up drumming as a child after hearing the recording of "Skin Deep" by Duke Ellington and his Orchestra featuringLouie Bellson on drums.[5] Robin Hood Brians, a recording studio owner, told Leim he played as if he had a metronome in his head, and invited Leim to play on recordings.[6]
He moved toLos Angeles in his mid 20s[4] to further pursue his music career, and relocated to Nashville in 1988.[7]
Leim has worked withJohn Williams (Return of the Jedi),[8]Doc Severinsen,[6] The Berlin Orchestra, The London Symphony, The Boston Pops,Lionel Richie,[9]Dolly Parton,Peter Cetera,Tanya Tucker,Randy Travis,Michael W. Smith,Reba McEntire,Kenny Rogers, PUR, Lorrie Morgan,Lyle Lovett,Amy Grant,Collin Raye,Montgomery Gentry,Lonestar,Faith Hill,Bob Seger,Billy Currington,Kenny Chesney,[9]Shania Twain,[10] and others.
Motion picture credits for Leim includeThe River,Tank,The Legend of DB Cooper,Dirty Dancing,Elvis and Me, Elvis, andStar Wars Return of the Jedi. Episodic television series and specials includeWonder Woman,Knight Rider,Dukes of Hazzard,Elvis,Fall Guy,Spencer for Hire,The Tonight Show,Growing Pains,Battlestar Galactica,Barbara Mandrell and the Mandrell Sisters, andDolly. He was staff onThe Grammy Awards, eight years on Dick Clark'sAmerican Music Awards, four years with the Academy of Country Music Awards, and the Grand Ole Opry.
Leim recorded with The Monkees on their 20th anniversary album,Then and Now, including "That was Then and This is Now".[6]
Leim is an eight-time Academy of Country Music drummer of the year Nominee, multiple winner of Nashville Music Award, "Drummer/Percussionist", and Nashville Music Row Magazine's "Top 10 Music All Stars" award winner. Most recently he is winner of "Drum Magazine" Drummie of the Year, (Country Category) 4 Years in a Row and Modern Drummer Magazine "Reader's Poll", Drummer of the Year, (Country Category) for an Eighth year in a Row (2001 – 2008).
Leim has toured with:[11]
Leim lives in Nashville with his wife Jeanie. He is a licensed pilot and has owned several aircraft.[7]
This section presents a partial list of albums to which Leim has contributed.
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Artists | |
