Jack Gilfoy

Jack Gilfoy – (b. Indianapolis, July 31, 1939 – d. Indianapolis, May 2, 2008) – Drummer, bandleader, engineer, and historian. As a freshman at Indiana University (BM 1963, MM, 1966), Gilfoy joined the Al Cobine band and soon became a permanent fixture in the rhythm sections of Indiana groups up until his death in May of 2008. His performance credits are extensive including appearances with the Tommy Dorsey Band, Jimmy Dorsey Band, Errol Garner, Teddy Wilson, Doc Severinsen, Johnny Mathis, Andy Williams, Sonny and Cher, and even Elvis Presley (1971). Perhaps he is best known for a thirty-year stint as the drummer for Henry Mancini—both on tours and on the TV show. Equally adept at classical playing, Gilfoy had experience playing as a percussionist with numerous symphony orchestras around the country. During the last eighteen years of his life, Gilfoy was the Director of Jazz and Music Business at IUPUI, where he directed a well-known big band. In addition, he led several other groups. Recording on his own Naptown Jazz Records label, his other groups included the Naptown Jazz Quintet (established in 1977) and a thirteen-piece Jazz State of Indiana swing band, which recorded two discs that recreate the history of jazz in Indiana. Further, the two CDs complement Duncan P. Schiedt’s book also called The Jazz State of Indiana (1977). Lastly, he opened his own recording studio in Bloomington in 1965 and recorded local musicians including John Mellencamp, whose first album (Chestnut Street Incident) came from there.