Short Personal Background & History

Art Verdi was born on March 19, 1945 in Orange, NJ where he spent his entire childhood. Art got married September 20, 1975 to Joanne whom he met at a club where he was playing. Art & Joanne's first son, Gary, was born September 22, 1976 & their second son, Artie, came along February 5, 1979.

Art's Family (This section was written by Art in the first person.)

Parents

My father was a talented jazz violinist. He played the big clubs in New York and even had a radio show under the name "Art Verdi and Ten Commanders". My mother (Judy) and aunt (mom's sister Diane) had a dance and singing act in nightclubs around New York when they met. My folks quit the clubs after they were married and dad became a cabinet refinisher.

My father passed away many many years ago and my mother is still alive, GOD BLESS HER, at the ripe old age of........WOW! She is going to be 90 this May 19th (2007).

Siblings

I only have one sibling, my sister Patricia. However, no one calls her Patricia, because we all call her Patty. Patty is a very successful woman who owns two seperate and thriving businesses. Patty also has a husband, Dave, who has 3 grown children from a previous marriage.

Children

I have two sons, Gary & Artie.

Gary, the oldest of the two, has recently given me my first grandchild. My granddaughter, Nicole, was born November 13, 2006 in the Phiippines where my son currently lives and works. Gary owns a web development company which has graciously redesigned this site for me.

My youngest son, Artie, is currently single and is a musician in his own right. Unfortunately, he has taken up guitar instead of the drums like his old man. I am still very proud of him though and he has quite a bit of talent. Artie taught himself how to play the guitar left handed (even though he is a right handed person). When I discovered his interest in the guitar I started paying for him to take lessons from a professional. Artie has progressed to the point now where he now teaches lessons.

Grandchildren

As I said above I have a granddaughter, FINALLY, whom I can not wait to see and hold in person. I have not seen her yet because she lives with her parents in the Philippines. (Nicole's mother, Jennifer, is Filipina.)

Nicole Amber

Taken February 1, 2007Taken February 2, 2007

Taken February 1, 2007Taken February 2, 2007

World's Fastest Drummer

(April 23, 2001 - August 10, 2002)

Art Verdi broke the previous record of 1071 Single Strokes in 60-Seconds held by Johnny Rabb by doing a Whopping 1116 Single Strokes in 60-Seconds. Art was the first man in history to break the 1100 Single Stroke mark and he did it all at the age of 56. Art has been affectionately nicknamed "The Godfather" by some of his colleagues, due to his 55+ years in drumming, and wears the monicker proudly.

Although there has been some controversy surrounding Art's involvement with the WFD (World's Fastest Drummer Organization) where people have made comments about Art being only about speed, Art would like to point out that he has been a drummer and interested in music since he was a little boy. He has played with many bands, played countless gigs in so many clubs all over the East Coast that Art has lost count a long time ago. Art's dedication to music and drumming is unmatched by any of his colleagues and he has always been this way. Art has instilled that love of music into his children's life as well.

When his oldest son, Gary, expressed an interest in learning the guitar Art immediate purchased him an acoustic guitar and set him on the right path hiring a guitar teacher. Considering Gary's young age at the time his interest waned and Gary eventually dropped the lessons. However, his youngest son, Artie, picked up that same interest in the guitar and his passion burns strong. Art also paid for his youngest son's lessons and now the boy is a man approaching 30 years old and gives lessons himself to students younger than him. Artie has his own band and plays as often as he can and is starting to have some success of late playing before larger and larger crowds.