Biography

Muskegon, Mi native Derico Watson began playing drums at the age of five. A few short years later, he played regularly at his grandmother's church. Derico remembers, “I always liked to play to my grandmother's records using Quaker Oats boxes, coffee cans, you name it. I was told then that I had a natural gift from God.”

Derico went on to graduate from Muskegon High School where he developed his skills while performing in the music program. Watson, an accomplished educator and clinician has performed and or recorded with artists such as Victor Wooten, George Duke, Jeff Coffin, Prasanna, Tommy Sims, and Ken Reynolds just to name a few. He's also toured with Marvin Sapp, The Dynamites, Stacie Orrico, SMV (Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller & Victor Wooten), and the Derico Watson Group which has appeared with James Brown, Spyro Gyra, and Earth, Wind and Fire. Watson also has presented drum clinics and master classes at the Berklee College of Music, PASIC, the Montreal Drum Fest and the Mexico City Drum Festival.

Currently, Derico records and tours with legendary bassist, Victor Wooten and SMV. When he’s not on the road, he resides in Nashville, TN where he teaches and records regularly. In addition, Derico endorses Mapex Drums, Sabian Cymbals, Vic Firth Drumsticks and Aquarian Drumheads.