Ahmir Questlove Thompson
Drummer
The Roots
Philadelphia, PA USA
“I don't know if anyone who's truly successful feels a sense of completion. I think it's just a constant mission to stay ahead.”
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Milestones
My road in life has been direct.
Started drumming at the age of two, got his first drum set when he was eight.
Would practice three to five hours every day as a kid.
Heard Grammy-winner Wynton Marsalis say he practiced eight hours a day and knew he had to step it up.
The Roots started out busking on the streets of Philadelphia, felt lucky if they made twenty dollars in a day.
After signing their first contract, band moved to Europe to tour, spent nights in two-star hotels.
Says he works an average of 18-20 hours a day-like a hamster, he's always spinning his wheel.
Treats each new year like a game of Russian Roulette: take a risk, see if you make it through, take another.
Stresses the importance of "proper planning"-like a chess player, always be thinking 12 steps ahead.
Keep following my journey
Career
Drummer
I'm the drummer for "The Roots," appearing on "The Tonight Show" and "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon."
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Art
Music
Being Creative
Hurdles
Challenges I Overcame
Financial
Financial
I got accepted to Julliard in New York, but because of my financial situation I couldn't afford to live in New York City.
Interviewed By
