Member Profile

Danny Gottlieb is one the most recognized drummers in the world. He is best known as the original drummer in the Pat Metheny Group, of which he was a member for 6 years. Danny, along with his wife, percussionist Beth Gottlieb are full time members of actor/musician Gary Sinise’s Lt. Dan Band, performing fund raising benefit concerts around the world for organizations that include the USO and the Building Homes for America’s Bravest Foundation.   Venues have included Afghanistan, Kuwait, the Pentagon, Walter Reed Hospital, Brooks Army Medical Center and hundreds more. 

During the past 40 years, Danny has performed or recorded with some of the most accomplished musicians in contemporary music. They include: Gary Burton, Sting, Gil Evans, John Mclaughlin, Bob Brookmeyer, Bobby McFerrin, Chick Corea, Stan Getz, Gerry Mulligan, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Al Di Meola, Airto Moreira, Mike Stern, Jeff Berlin, Jim Hall, John Scofield, Michael Franks, The Blues Brothers Band, Booker T. and the MG’s, the NDR, WDR, and HR Big Bands, the George Gruntz Concert Jazz Band, Maria Schneider, Carla Bley, Steve Swallow, Victor Wooten, Mark Egan, Pat Coil, Larry Coryell, Randy Brecker, and many more. He is featured on more than 400 recordings to date, including four Grammy Award winners. He was also nominated for a Grammy Award in 2009 for his performance with the Chuck Owen Jazz Surge Big Band.  Danny also performs with his wife as part of the “Gottlieb Duo”. 

Danny is an Associate Professor of Jazz Studies at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. He is a graduate of the University of Miami, and studied privately with drum legend Joe Morello for 40 years. Danny has also studied with Gary Chester, Mel Lewis, Bob Moses, Ed Soph and Jack DeJohnette. He writes a monthly column for Drum! Magazine, and has authored a best selling text, The Evolution of Jazz Drumming (Hudson Music). He has also released 13 educational DVDs, including three with his teacher, Joe Morello. Danny has been on the covers of Modern Drummer, Downbeat, Percussionist, and Digital Drummer Magazines.

Danny proudly endorses: DW Drums, Remo Drum Heads, Zildjian Cymbals, Hot Sticks, Regal Brushes, Alternate Mode (Kat) Electronic Percussion, Mark Electronic Drums, Eames Drum Shells, and Offworld Drum Pads. Danny and Beth have a newly released signature drum pad through Offworld, called the Scout.