M&SR: When did you first become interested in drumming?
English: It was Willie who switched me to drums in 1956. My brother, Oliver, was performing on a show with Willie on a radio station in Fort Worth, Texas. They needed a drummer for one show during the middle of the day, and I was available because all the drummers everybody knew were at work. I ran my own business and I could easily take time off during the day. All I could do was count one, two, three, four on a snare drum, but I knew how to keep a beat from my music training. I’m proud that my first and only job playing drums has been playing for Willie Nelson.
M&SR: What is it like being a member of Willie Nelson’s band, and having him as one of your closest friends for over 50 years?
English: Willie is extremely loyal, and that’s one of his many attributes. Willie’s not worried about having the greatest musicians on earth—or else he wouldn’t have me around—but he wants to have somebody around like me who he likes. He was gracious enough to model the concept album “Me and Paul” after our friendship. We’ve been friends for life, and I appreciate his friendship more than I can say.
M&SR: What are your favorite drums?
English: Lately I’ve been playing just a snare drum onstage with Willie, to go along with his recent stripped-down sound. I’m using a chrome Rogers Dynasonic snare, and a custom-made wooden Tommy Winkler snare—he’s a custom drum builder out of Nashville. Both of the snares have that very high, crisp sound I like...they sound alive. I barely touch them, and they just sing.
M&SR: What are some other percussion brands that you like?
English: I really like the vintage Rogers stuff. And years ago, Gretsch gave me a set to play, but I didn’t like the hardware. I called up Craig Gretsch and told him what I didn’t like, and they changed it up for me to where it became the set I toured with for about 30 years.
M&SR: Have you ever owned or played a set of electronic drums?
English: Years ago, I picked up one of those sets...it may have been an old Simmons or Roland set. It was four large pads, and you could set them to sound like anything. Willie came by to see me and I played them for him, and we both agreed that they sounded synthetic, which they are. There’s just nothing like playing on a wood drum kit.
M&SR: What other equipment do you choose?
English: I use Vic Firth brushes and Pro-Mark sticks. I really like the quality, the selection, and the prices of both companies.
M&SR: What is your music instrument dealer of choice?
English: Guitar Center is just about my favorite. There are many specialty dealers all of us shop with, but we just really like Guitar Center. They’re very nice people there, and when I buy guitars for Willie and the band to sign to give to charities, they give us a great deal on them. Really any time we buy, we try to find a Guitar Center.
M&SR: Is there anything music instrument makers can do to make the products better?
English: You know, I’m amazed at how good the instruments are now. They’ve come so far and everything across the board is getting so much better. Even with cymbals.
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