John Russell Lamkin, III is a native of Baltimore Maryland. He began playing drums at the tender age of four. His father, John R Lamkin, II, (a well respected trumpeter in the greater Baltimore /Washington area), noticed the talent of his young son and began encouraging him to develop his natural abilities. So he grew up listening to the legendary sounds of Art Blakey, Philly Joe Jones, Dennis Chambers, Harvey Mason, Stewart Copeland, Billy Cobham, Elvin Jones and others who all heavily influenced his style and commitment to the music. With both his parents as role models, John found himself attending The Manhattan School of Music in New York City and later, Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts.
While Living in Boston, Lamkin has been recognized by and played with a number of exceptionally talented recording artists. Among them have been alto saxophonist Donald Harrison, bassist Michael Henderson, alto saxophonist Kenny Garrett, trumpeter Christian Scott, pianist Danilo Perez, smooth jazz saxophonist Najee, vocalist Jean Carne, vocalist Nnenna Freelon, pianist Mulgrew Miller, trumpeter Terrence Blanchard, pianist Cyrus Chestnut, bassist Christian McBride, R&B vocalist Jon B, pianist Chick Corea, the late great Lionel Hampton, Living legends Abbey Lincoln, Ruth Brown, Cuba Gooding Sr., Curtis Fuller and Benny Golson.
Now at the age of 37, a graduate of Berklee College of Music, Lamkin finds himself at the threshold of his career. He maintains however, a deep respect and appreciation of those whove set standards in the music world.
