John Barbata (b. April 1, 1945) is a noted drummer active especially in pop and pop/rock bands in the 1960s and 1970s both as a member and as a session drummer. Already an established session drummer when he joined The Turtles, he was one of the pioneering drummers who converted pop music rhythms from the down-beat rhythms of the 1950s to the off-beat rhythms that have dominated ever since.

His most famous band memberships have been:

• The Sentinals .
• The Turtles.
• Jefferson Airplane.
• Jefferson Starship.
• Crosby Stills Nash & Young.

Other notable collaborations include:

• With Strangers guitarist Joel Scott Hill and bassist Bob Mosley .
• With other Jefferson Airplane members as session musicians on ex-member Grace Slick's album Manhole.
• Session musician for
  • Eric Clapton.
  • Leon Russell.
  • Dave Mason.
  • ...and many others, with over 60 albums to his uncredited credit.

External links

• Biography