Each month in 2021, we’ve featured a member of the worldwide Gretsch community as our spotlight “featured player” of the month!

Our final featured drummer in 2021 and the month of December is . . . Jake D!

At the young age of three, it was obvious that Jake D had an extreme passion for drums…being a musician was his destiny. Now 14 years later it remains evident that through hard work, dedication, AND education, Jake D has forged himself a path into the league of professional drumming, providing him the opportunity to study with some of the world’s greatest drummers and teachers such as Hannah Welton (Prince), Paul Wertico (Pat Matheny), Stanton Moore (Galactic), and Jason Bitner (Shadows Fall), just to name a few. This exposure has already placed Jake D in the proverbial spotlight of some of the most respected and well-known drum and percussion manufactures and artist relations managers in the world.

In 2019 Jake was invited to open the prestigious Chicago Drum Show as a clinician. One of the youngest clinicians to ever do so in the show’s long-running history. Most recently Jake D is holding down the drum throne for one of Chicago’s most popular festival show bands, logging an extensive amount of gig hours…both studio and live performance.

Jake D continues to foster relationships in the industry and is currently endorsed by Gibraltar Hardware, Vater Drumsticks, Cympad International, Kellyshu Inc, Humes & Berg Cases, and Drumtacs. Jake plays Zildjian Cymbals and of course, “Gretsch Drums.” You can follow Jake D on social media via Instagram, Youtube, or his Facebook Fanpage. Just search JAKE D on your favorite platform.

We asked Jake . . .

How old were you when you knew you were interested in becoming a musician?
I was about 3 years old when I started playing and have never stopped.

Why did you choose Gretsch?
Gretsch was the simple choice, that great Gretsch sound, the history and the family!

What Gretsch gear do you currently use?
I currently use a Renown and a Renown 57.

Which musicians were the biggest influence on you and why?
My biggest influences are Hannah Welton, Stanton Moore, Joey Jordison, Luke Holland, and Taylor Hawkins.