A Fan of the Groove––DJ Helen Borgers
Here are comments from the legendary Helen Borgers, a very well-known disk jockey and entrepreneur. As an aficionado of Stix’s music, a supporter of his musical endeavors, and fan of ‘the groove,’ she wrote the following before she passed away.
“Stix Hooper has always been a visionary. For over 50 years through his career, and as the founder of the jazz group, Crusaders, his campaign has been to bring music to people so they can congregate, enjoy, appreciate, respect…and, at times, even dance!
He does not believe in boundaries or categories. He is credited with creating unique rhythms, and he gathers his players from all over the globe, welcoming influences from his various international musical partners. He has done it with this melodic, memorable … dare I say, “funky?” … collection of tunes.
Although he has formal music training, enabling him to work comfortably with a diverse array of artists, such as The Royal Philharmonic, The Rolling Stones and Quincy Jones, he is not one to follow custom or established rules. His music has unique grooves, for which critics originally chastised him. But music lovers ignored the closed-minded reviews, embraced the “Jazz Funk” and continue to listen and move to Stix Hooper’s music!
Because of his southern-bred roots, Stix is quick to point out that many of the prime innovators in Jazz/America’s music come from the south or mid-west: from Louis Armstrong, Charlie Christian, Count Basie, T-Bone Walker, Ornette Coleman, Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, Illinois Jacquet, Cedar Walton, Dizzy Gillespie and more. Eventually many moved to New York City, the east coast, or the west coast nurturing their music further.
These musicians were great practitioners of this art and experimented with rhythms, melodies, harmonies; some modified their instruments and created new forms of “jazz,” styles and grooves similar in what Stix creates.
Stix took the so-called “spang-a-lang” jazz ride cymbal pattern and put a backbeat to it. Also, for example, Kenny Clarke took a whole new approach to rhythm experimenting with creative time-keeping patterns. The resulting funk groove has made Stix one of the most—if not THE most—imitated and eventually sampled drummers in pop music.
Stix is proud of his Texas heritage, and he has found the same kind of devotion, appreciation, respect, and experimentation of Jazz music in musicians from around the world. Put these seasoned ingredients into a musical pot, and the results are stimulating…both to the body and to the ears. Tune in and enjoy!”
With love to Stix, from Helen B.
About Helen Borgers: Helen was a legendary DJ at KJAZZ 88.1 radio in Los Angeles, CA for nearly four decades. Helen often referred to herself as “too cool for school.” She had a lifelong love of anything Shakespeare and enjoyed all the classics in any art form, “whether it be literature, music or drama.” She was an inspiration to many and has been greatly missed since her passing in 2017.
Stix Hooper is one of the original superstar drummers of the Pearl roster. As a member of jazz instrumental group, the Crusaders, Stix introduced the Pearl sound to millions of listeners through their many recordings and live performances. His unique blending of Jazz and Funk proved that a drummer could be powerful, daring, and musical from behind the kit. Pearl is proud of our 40+ year long relationship with Stix and to be a part of his musical legacy.
Stix Hooper has been a valued member of the Zildjian Cymbals artist family for decades. It is rare for a drummer to have such a vast influence on many different musical styles, and to play with so many varied musicians through the years, and we are so proud that he has been playing Zildjian cymbals all this time. As Stix continues to make beautiful music and influence new generations of drummers, the Zildjian Company is happy to be part of his musical journey.
“Stix Hooper has certainly lived an interesting life. He has worked with some of the most talented musicians in the world. He’s traveled widely to perform and continues to plan future trips….He has escaped the hectic bustle of big cities like Los Angeles and probably added years to his life. L.A. is a place where musicians can find work but they have to be vigilant for opportunities. One night a musician might be playing in a small wine bar and the next week working with a major recording star in the studio, playing pop tunes. It’s great to have choices, so Hooper is in a good place with his long -lasting career.”
“Stix Hooper drums with his usual brilliance. He’s a percussionist of sensitivity who really listens. He’s inventive and driving in every mood – changing with facility from a four, to a twelve-eight on an intriguing slow blues, “Absolutely Funky,” to a Latin beat on a melodic ballad, to his own always absorbing rock rhythms.”
“Stix Hooper…(is) the best soul-jazz drummer in the business….The real surprise (as a composer) is “Journey From Within,” an Eastern-tinged modal groove. (It) becomes one of the first ‘out-jazz’ funk tunes!”