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Drummer Who Backed Tom Jones & Dusty Springfield Dies
4 Nov
Summary
- Clem Cattini, drummer for The Tornados, has died at 89.
- He played on numerous UK Number One singles.
- He was the first British drummer to top US charts.
The music world is mourning the loss of Clem Cattini, a celebrated drummer and co-founder of the band The Tornados, who passed away at the age of 89.
Cattini was instrumental in The Tornados' groundbreaking success. Their 1962 instrumental "Telstar" dominated the UK charts for five weeks and marked a historic moment as the first British group to reach number one on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Beyond his work with The Tornados, Cattini established himself as a highly sought-after session musician. His drumming featured on an impressive array of UK Number One hits, including "Green, Green Grass of Home" by Tom Jones and "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me" by Dusty Springfield.
Colleagues and artists have shared their tributes, remembering Cattini as a "world class musician" and "gentleman." Fellow drummer Carl Palmer acknowledged Cattini's pioneering role for British drummers, while Tony Christie noted his extensive list of chart-topping recordings.
Cattini's impressive discography also includes work with artists such as Engelbert Humperdinck, The Equals, and even on Paul McCartney's "Thrillington" album. He also toured with major acts and performed with the Top Of The Pops orchestra.
