Andrew Newmark was born on July 14, 1950, in Port Chester, New York, and raised primarily in the nearby suburb of Mamaroneck. His mother was Bermudian, and his father, Charles W. Newmark, was an Assistant District Attorney from 1938 to 1940 in New York City under then District Attorney Thomas E. Dewey. First taking up the drums at the age of nine, Newmark gradually honed his craft and was taking paid gigs at age 15. Visiting his mother\'s native Bermuda frequently throughout his youth, Newmark made the decision to move there on a more permanent basis at the age of 16. Newmark played in the Bermuda Jam, a Bermuda band that included former Savages guitarist Paul Muggleton.\n', '

One of his first prolific gigs was recording with a young Carly Simon, and he is featured on Simon\'s 1971 album Anticipation as well as her follow-up album, No Secrets. These, and other early sessions segued into a more permanent role as a member of the funk band Sly and the Family Stone from 1972 to 1973. Hired to replace Gerry Gibson, who in turn had replaced founding Family Stone member Greg Errico, Newmark was invited to audition for Sly Stone by Family Stone saxophonist Pat Rizzo. Newmark went on to record one album as the Family Stone\'s drummer, Fresh (1973) and also performed with the band for two years in live concert. And had played Beautifully Sweet Beat time on a Bread Recording \'LA Session to Artist\' Giants.\n', '

After leaving Family Stone in 1974, Newmark returned to session work, soon landing another prominent role playing drums on Gary Wright\'s 1975 album Dream Weaver. In addition, he continued performing on Carly Simon\'s solo albums into the mid-1970s and again in the early/mid-1990s. Newmark has also performed and recorded with John Lennon, Cat Stevens, Joe Walsh, B.B. King, Eric Clapton, David Bowie, Roy Buchanan, Bryan Ferry, Dan Fogelberg, George Harrison, Rickie Lee Jones, Patrick Moraz, Randy Newman, Pink Floyd, Roger Waters, David Gilmour, Murray Head, Keith Richards, Rod Stewart, Ronnie Wood, Roxy Music, ABC, Hue and Cry, Laura Nyro, Nicolette Larson, Elkie Brooks, Sting, Steve Winwood, Nils Lofgren, George Benson and Michael Franks.\n', '

Return to Andy Newmark Autograph Profile