190 – Sandy Gennaro: Drumming for Cyndi Lauper, Joan Jett, The Monkees and Many Others, Opening for Queen in ’86, Inspirational Speaking w/ His B.E.A.T.S. Program

Sandy Gennaro was born and raised in NYC and currently resides in Nashville TN. Sandy has toured and/or recorded with: Cyndi Lauper, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Bo Diddley, Johnny Winter, The Monkees, Joe Lynn Turner, Michael Bolton, Benny Mardones, Craaft, The Mamas and Papas and Jon Paris. He has recorded several Top 10 singles and has performed for for over a billion fans spanning his 50 year career. Sandy has also made numerous TV appearances including The Tonight Show, The Grammy Awards, The American Music Awards, The MTV New Years Ball, and The Late Show with David Letterman among others. He is also a favored councelor at the Rock and Roll Fantasy Camps. He is currently recording and gigging with various artists in Nashville. Before his move to Nashville in early ‘14, Sandy gave lessons, master classes and inaugurated the Music Business program at the Collective in NYC where he started in 1987. Gennaro is also a corporate/academic inspirational speaker. He has brought his “B.E.A.T.S.” presentation to FedEx, Belmont University, Pacific Hotel Management LLC, Sam Ash Corp. The U.S. Space and Rocket Center, The Collective NYC and The School of Rock with extraordinary results. Participants in his “B.E.A.T.S.”program return to work or school with a renewed sense of purpose and enthusiasm, increased passion, tenacity and a renewed engagement in their work. They will be inspired by new behaviors that increase productivity and drive business, sales and leadership performance. “B.E.A.T.S.”in an acronym for Belief, Enthusiasm, Attitude, Tenacity and Service. In this episode, Sandy talks about: * Appreciating the journey over any destination * The acronym “B.E.A.T.S.” that he uses for his speaking engagements * Sandy’s early career highlights during the 1970’s and 80’s * Positive interaction with others that lead to monumental change in Sandy’s life * What lead to his long time gig with The Monkees (1987 – 2012) * Teaching at The Collective in New York City for 27 years * His tour with Cyndi Lauper in 1984/85 and his hybrid electronic/acoustic kit * Opening up for Queen in 1986 on four month tour with German band Craaft * Info about “Breast Cancer Can Stick It” Sandy endorses DW drums, pedals and hardware, Zildjian cymbals, Hot Sticks, Remo drumheads, Rhythm Tech percussion