Mike Botts: The Legendary Drummer’s Journey to Success

Who Is Mike Botts?

Mike Botts was an American drummer, best known for his work with the classic rock band Bread. He was born on December 8, 1944, in California, and grew up in Pasadena. Botts’ first exposure to music was through his parents, who were both professional musicians. His father played the bass and his mother was a pianist.

Botts started playing the drums when he was four years old and by the time he was a teenager, he was already playing gigs around town. He attended Pasadena City College, where he studied music theory and percussion. Botts was a self-taught drummer, and he learned by listening to records and practicing on his own.

Age, Relationships, Children, and Height

Mike Botts passed away on December 9, 2005, at the age of 61 from colon cancer. He was married twice. His first marriage was to Deborah Botts, and they had a son named Michael Botts Jr. His second marriage was to Pam Botts, and they had a daughter named Sarabeth.

Mike Botts was 5 feet 7 inches tall, which is around 170 centimeters.

Career

Mike Botts’ professional music career began when he joined a local band called The Travelers. In the late 1960s, he became a studio musician and played on recordings for artists such as Linda Ronstadt and The Monkees.

In 1970, Botts was asked to join the band Bread as their new drummer. He replaced the original drummer, Jim Gordon, and played on the band’s last four albums. He also co-wrote several of the band’s songs, including “Dream Lady,” “She’s the Only One,” and “Fancy Dancer.”

After the breakup of Bread, Botts continued to work as a studio musician and played on recordings for artists such as Dan Fogelberg and Karla Bonoff. He also formed a new band called The Mike Botts Band, which released two albums in the 1980s.

Top Songs by Mike Botts

Some of the most popular songs by Bread featuring Mike Botts as their drummer are:

– “Goodbye Girl”
– “It Don’t Matter to Me”
– “If”
– “Everything I Own”
– “Guitar Man”
– “Aubrey”

Net Worth

Mike Botts’ net worth is estimated to be around $1 million. However, it is difficult to determine an accurate figure, as much of his income came from his work as a studio musician and session drummer, which is often not publicly disclosed.

FAQs About Mike Botts

What made Mike Botts a legendary drummer?

Mike Botts was known for his technical prowess, his ability to play a wide range of styles, and his precision and consistency. He was also a prolific songwriter and contributed to many of Bread’s most popular songs. Botts’ drumming style is often described as “delicate” and “subtle,” and his playing was a key element of Bread’s sound.

Who did Mike Botts collaborate with throughout his career?

Mike Botts worked with a wide range of artists throughout his career as a studio musician and session drummer. Some of the artists he collaborated with include:

– Linda Ronstadt
– The Monkees
– Dan Fogelberg
– Karla Bonoff
– Olivia Newton-John
– Anne Murray
– Joan Baez
– Randy Newman

How did Mike Botts get his start in music?

Mike Botts’ parents were both professional musicians, so he was exposed to music from a young age. He started playing the drums when he was four years old and began playing gigs around town when he was a teenager. Botts attended Pasadena City College, where he studied music theory and percussion.

When did Mike Botts join Bread?

Mike Botts joined Bread in 1970, replacing the band’s original drummer, Jim Gordon. He played on the band’s last four albums and also co-wrote several of their songs.

What are some of Mike Botts’ most famous songs?

Some of Mike Botts’ most famous songs include:

– “Goodbye Girl”
– “It Don’t Matter to Me”
– “If”
– “Everything I Own”
– “Guitar Man”
– “Aubrey”

Did Mike Botts ever tour with Bread?

Yes, Mike Botts toured with Bread throughout the 1970s. The band was known for their live performances, which featured Botts’ precise and delicate drumming.

What did Mike Botts do after Bread broke up?

After the breakup of Bread, Mike Botts continued to work as a session drummer and studio musician. He also formed his own band, The Mike Botts Band, which released two albums in the 1980s.

What was Mike Botts’ signature drum kit?

Mike Botts’ signature drum kit was a Ludwig Vistalite kit in clear acrylic. He used Zildjian cymbals and Remo drum heads.

Did Mike Botts have any children?

Yes, Mike Botts had two children. His son’s name is Michael Botts Jr., and his daughter’s name is Sarabeth.

What was the cause of Mike Botts’ death?

Mike Botts passed away on December 9, 2005, at the age of 61 from colon cancer.

What was Mike Botts’ role in Bread?

Mike Botts was the drummer for Bread and also contributed to the band’s songwriting. He played on their last four albums and co-wrote several of their songs.

What other bands did Mike Botts play in?

In addition to his work with Bread, Mike Botts also played in The Travelers, a local band from his hometown of Pasadena, California. He also formed his own band, The Mike Botts Band, which released two albums in the 1980s.

Was Mike Botts ever nominated for any awards?

Yes, Mike Botts was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1971 for his work on Bread’s song “Make It with You.” The song was nominated for Best Arrangement Accompanying Vocalists.

What was Mike Botts’ drumming style?

Mike Botts’ drumming style was often described as “delicate” and “subtle.” He was known for his technical prowess, his ability to play a wide range of styles, and his precision and consistency.

Who were some of Mike Botts’ musical influences?

Mike Botts’ musical influences included jazz drummers such as Art Blakey, Max Roach, and Philly Joe Jones, as well as rock drummers like Ringo Starr and Hal Blaine.

What was Mike Botts’ involvement with Bread’s songwriting?

Mike Botts co-wrote several of Bread’s songs, including “Dream Lady,” “She’s the Only One,” and “Fancy Dancer.” He also contributed to the overall sound and arrangement of the band’s music.

What made Mike Botts stand out as a musician?

Mike Botts’ technical prowess, his ability to play a wide range of styles, and his precision and consistency made him stand out as a musician. He was also a prolific songwriter and contributed to many of Bread’s most popular songs. Botts’ drumming style was often described as “delicate” and “subtle,” and his playing was a key element of Bread’s sound.