Joe English (musician)

Joe English (born February 7, 1949) is an American musician who, during the 1970s, played drums in Paul McCartney's band Wings and in the Southern Rock/Jazz group Sea Level, among others.

A native of Rochester, New York, Joe English was a member of Jam Factory, a band based in Syracuse, that evolved into the Tall Dogs Orchestra of Macon, Georgia. Searching for an opportunity to expand his talent, he answered an ad for a drummer. The address led him to the basement of an old building where, much to his surprise, he found himself face to face with Paul McCartney. The audition was for Wings, and English got the job. His first album with Wings was "Venus and Mars" and, one album later, he would even take the lead vocals for the song, "Must Do Something About It" from "Wings at the Speed of Sound". He was the drummer on the "Wings Over the World" tour.

Eventually, by September 1977, part of the way through the sessions for "London Town", English became sick and returned to Macon, Georgia, where he began playing with Chuck Leavell's band Sea Level.

Following his Christian salvation experience, he formed the Joe English Band, with himself as the lead singer and drummer. The band toured the world, playing with other major Christian bands of the era, including Petra, DeGarmo & Key, Mylon LeFevre and Servant. The Joe English Band recorded a release without Joe's vocals called "AKA Forerunner". The band included John Lawry, who left to play for Petra in 1984. In 1986, Joe English played in former Petra vocalist Greg X. Volz's band, Pieces of Eight. In the late 1980s, English joined Randy Stonehill, Phil Keaggy, Rick Cua and others as part of the Compassion All Star Band. In 1988, the band recorded live "One by One", their only album together.

As of the late 1990s, English is no longer able to play drums professionally, due to chronic ankle health issues. He played the drums "open handed" meaning that he played the snare with his right hand and the hi-hat and ride cymbals with his left.

Currently, Joe lives in a small town in North Carolina about one hour west of Charlotte called Spindale. He has entirely given up his music career, and now he is a very influential part of the choir at his church.

Discography

With Paul McCartney & Wings

* "Venus and Mars" (1975)
* "Wings at the Speed of Sound" (1976)
* "Wings over America" (1976)
* "London Town" (1978)

With Sea Level

* "On the Edge" (1978)
* "Long Walk on a Short Pier" (1979)
* "Ballroom" (1980)

With Joe English Band

* "Lights in the World" (1980)
* "Held Accountable" (1982)
* "Press On" (1983)
* "Live" (1984)
* "What You Need" (1985)
* "The Best Is Yet to Come" (1985)
* "Back to Basics: English 101" (1988)
* "Lights in the World / Held Accountable" (1991)