Drummer / Percussionist Birthday Calendar

John Louis Richardson, born May 13, 1964 in Champaign, Illinois, is an American drummer who has worked in rock and alt-country with such artists as 2012 CMA Song of the Year nominee Will Hoge, Gin Blossoms, Badfinger and Wilco guitarist Jay Bennett. Richardson is also owner of Drum Farm Studio in Menomonie, Wisconsin.

Richardson started his professional career in 1980 with seminal Champaign-Urbana band, The Martyrs. He was a founding member, along with fellow high school friends Kent Whitesell, Chris Bowe and Charles Andrews. The Martyrs reunited in 2010 for the re-release of their eponymous first album (originally released in 1983) and two live shows at the High Dive in Champaign, IL on January 21 and January 22, 2011. He also played in Champaign-Urbana bands Nix86 and The Vertebrats.