Oldaker, Jamie

Oldaker, Jamie

 Jamie Oldaker was born on 5 September 1951. He began playing drums at the age of nine. While still in high school, he was earning several hundred dollars a week playing in clubs around Tulsa, Oklahoma.

In 1971, he and Dick Sims (also from Tulsa) joined Bob Seger’s band. In that band, they worked with Shaun Murphy and Marcy Levy. All would later work with Eric Clapton.

While employed as a session player at Leon Russell’s studio, Jamie met Carl Radle. Carl, who had previously worked with Eric in Delaney & Bonnie & Friends and Derek & The Dominos, was instrumental in bringing Jamie into the studio for Eric’s 461 Ocean Boulevard Sessions in 1974. Jamie was a fixture in Eric’s touring and recording bands between 1974 and 1980 and again from 1983 to 1986. In 1990 and 1991 re-joined Eric’s band for several nights of the annual Royal Albert Hall run.

A successful session drummer, Jamie has worked with Peter Frampton, Stephen Stills, The Bee Gees, and Ace Frehley (Kiss). He has also worked in all facets of the music industry, including music publishing and artist management. He is currently a member of the Nashville-based band, The Tractors. Their 1994 self-titled debut sold more than two million copies and spawned the hit “Baby Likes To Rock It”. The band’s second album, Farmers In A Changing World was released in 1998.

He is currently writing a book about his experiences in the music business. His most recent project is Mad Dogs & Okies, a recording and film project on the musical heritage of Oklahoma. Eric, along with Vince Gill, Taj Mahal, Bonnie Bramlett, Peter Frampton and others participate.

Jamie can be heard on Eric’s albums 461 Ocean Boulevard, Backless, Slowhand, 24 Nights, and Behind The Sun.

Official Website: www.jamieoldaker.com