Courtney "Bam" Diedrick

Courtney “Bam” Diedrick of St. Ann, Jamaica is a renowned Grammy-winning drummer who tours with Damian Marley and recorded the acclaimed albums Distant Relatives (featuring Nas and Damian Marley), Stony Hill (Damian Marley). He has worked with many other artists such as Mick Jagger, Eric Clapton, Playing For Change (PFC), Dave Stewart, Josh Stone, Stephen Marley and the list goes on.

Courtney’s journey started in Brown’s Town, St. Ann, Jamaica, where he grew up making music with his other siblings. Music would soon take him to The Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts where his knowledge of Drums amplified. With the will to share all he had acquired, the classroom seemed to be the perfect outlet, so he opted to teach music at the Brown’s Town High School. However as a teacher, he could not contain all his potential, so he started working with different bands. His passion for his art can be felt in every rhythm he plays, and his beautiful soul shines through his undying love for music.

How we met: When Courtney “Bam” Diedrick plays the drums you feel the rhythm hit your chest and lift you up. I remember the first time I met Courtney he was playing drums with Damian Marley and performing on the Henry Rollins Show. They featured so many great performers on that show, but this performance with Damian and his band was on fire!! PFC has worked with Courtney Diedrick ever since, from the studio to the stage to the streets of Jamaica. He is featured on our newest album, PFC3: Songs Around The World.