Manuel “ Manny “ Kellough 
Drummer Extraordinaire

Most session players dream about playing for just one legend. Manny Kellough’s career is peppered with legendary performances, multiple gold records and a Grammy Award. The California native began playing drums at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church , providing the backdrop to gospel music at the tender age of eight. After honing his skills in the school marching band, he was ready to take on his first “professional gig”. Recording called “ The Fat Man “ with HANK JACOBS and the TKO’s provided the training ground that launched a career that spans more than four and a half decades.

In 1974, armed with experience, a masters degree in music from University of Southern California and heightened passion for his craft, the young drummer set his sights on playing serious music. Already well known in the industry as an excellent session musician , Manny was invited to join GRAHAM CENTRAL STATION. Within a year the group was nominated for a Grammy.


From a young drummer to an accomplished Drummer Extraordinaire, Manny Kellough knows music. His distinctive sound can be heard on numerous compilations and renditions of jazz standbys . Thirty years as a sought after session musician on numerous jazz, pop and rock compilations has given him “ legendary “ status among his peers and newcomers. Manny often acknowledges that he “learned what drumming was all about” While on tour with the legendary RAY CHARLES. And although he’s gifted in all genres of music, it was while touring with jazz greats Carmen McRae and later, FREDDIE HUBBARD that he felt the call and passion to “ play jazz. " 


This photo of Billy Preston and his band the God Squad was taken on the A&M Records sound  before the" NOTHING FROM NOTHIN" release party and concert 1973. From left to right: Billy Preston , Hubbie Heard , Kenny Lupper , Manny " Deacon " Kellough.

Manny’s versatile talents and mastery as a drummer can be also heard in the sounds of the seventies accompanying artist including the ROLLING STONES, the MAIN INGREDIENT, and BARRY WHITE.