About Eldon Simms

An accomplished, talented and versatile drummer and performer, Eldon has prepared and positioned to be a professional musician since he was 12-years-old.

Hailing from a musical family (The Art Syms Duo a popular 1950’s Jazz/Blues recording group featuring his uncle), Eldon was naturally exposed to the music business. Using those initial experiences as an inspiration, Eldon made a decision to make a lifetime commitment to perfecting his skill. Some of his other heavy influences include James Brown, George Clinton, Prince, Earth Wind and Fire, The Beatles, Kiss.

A student of New Jersey City University, Eldon studied under the direction and tutelage of Nick Cerruto, one of music’s most accomplished percussionists. This training led to his touring of Amsterdam, East and West Germany in 1992. Eldon has since continued his involvement in a variety of projects where he displayed his versatility. Through drumming, writing, arranging and producing, he has worked with many well-known artists of different musical genres. This list includes Melvin Sparks (Blues), Ben E. King (R&B), Oran “Juice” Jones (Urban Contemporary), The Revelators (Gospel), Blackbeard (Rock), Wally Richardson (Jazz) and Hal Daniels (Jazz). Eldon has also recorded as a studio musician and has appeared with an assortment of groups at New York City’s most popular clubs: The Blue Note, Apollo Theater, and The Theater at Madison Square Garden.

Most recently, he has performed at the Norwalk Jazz Festival. Recorded in Albany, New York and performed with his own group on New York City’s Upper Westside, the West End, and an off-Broadway show called “Out of Water”.