The Memphis Drum Shop, long a sanctuary for rhythm lovers, has welcomed another giant into its world: George Lawrence, a drummer whose career has blended performance, education, and entrepreneurship into a lasting legacy. His feature in Episode 28 of “Groovin’ In Memphis,” hosted by Chris “Pat” Bounds, offers a fresh look at a man who has spent decades behind the kit, and just as many years mentoring those coming up behind him.
Lawrence’s story isn’t one of overnight success. Hailing from Jackson, Mississippi, he put in years of work across cities like Los Angeles, Nashville, and Muscle Shoals, sharpening a style built on what musicians call the “deep pocket groove.” His ability to fit into almost any musical setting earned him steady gigs and, eventually, a full-time role with country-rock veterans POCO in 2004. Along the way, Lawrence became a go-to substitute in Nashville’s highly competitive scene, a place where only the best get called twice.
These days, George Lawrence has traded endless tours for something perhaps even more enduring: teaching. Through a partnership with Memphis Drum Shop, he now offers one-on-one lessons, group workshops, and special classes for drummers of all backgrounds. Students not only get a chance to learn technique but also hear firsthand the stories that only a lifetime of gigging can teach. It’s a rare opportunity, the kind you don’t often find outside the circles of music’s best-kept secrets.
But Lawrence’s influence isn’t limited to the classroom. As the owner and editor of Not So Modern Drummer, he’s carrying forward a publication that’s become a touchstone for drummers interested in vintage gear and the art of drum building. Founded in 1988 by John Aldridge, Not So Modern Drummer has evolved from a small newsletter into a digital hub under Lawrence’s watch, gathering players, collectors, and curious newcomers alike.
In addition, Lawrence runs DrumSellers.com, a platform born from Not So Modern Drummer’s old classified ads section. Moving it online in 2018, he created a trusted marketplace where drummers can buy and sell gear without worrying about scams, a genuine community, not just another faceless e-commerce site.
Filmed in the familiar, welcoming aisles of the Memphis Drum Shop, Episode 28 of “Groovin’ In Memphis” feels less like a polished interview and more like sitting in on a conversation between friends. Lawrence speaks with the kind of authority that doesn’t need to shout, a reminder that true mastery often comes with humility.
For those who care about where drumming has been and where it’s headed, George Lawrence’s latest chapter is well worth tuning into. The episode is now available through Memphis Drum Shop’s official channels.