Hometown Drummer Boy Breaks Guinness World Record

Macomb Township’s drumming prodigy, Julian Pavone, has added Guinness World Record holder to his list of achievements–an already extensive list for a 7-year-old.

As of March 21, 2010, Guinness World Records recognized Pavone as the youngest professional drummer in the world.

At 5 years 10 months and three days old, Pavone took the title from Japan’s 9-year 289-day-old Tiger Onitsuka.

“We’re honored to have such a prestigious source acknowledge all of Julian’s hard work," said Bernadino Pavone, Julian's father.

Pavone found his beat early, when at three-months-old he began playing the drums while sitting on his father’s lap. At 15 months old, he accepted his first contract to join the Cleveland Cavalier’s United Drumline as its youngest member by more than 16 years.   

His first CD came at 20 months old when he recorded “Go Baby!” with bassist Ralphe Armstrong and now at age 7, he is working on his sophomore CD with Michael J. Powell, a four-time Grammy Award winning producer who has also produced such artists as Aretha Franklin and Anita Baker.

When he is not using his 22-piece custom drum set with 17 cymbals to wow audiences around the world, Pavone attends the University Liggett School.

From radio spots, to television appearances, athletic halftime shows and live performances at legendary concert venues such as Whisky A Go-Go, the Grammy Museum, House of Blues and Hard Rock Café, Pavone is no stranger to fame.

While the raw talent is his alone, Pavone relies on numerous instructors to further hone his skill. These instructors include: George Dunn (drums), Dom Famularo (drums), Dennis Sheridan (percussion), William Winfield, III (drums), Francesco Cavallini (vocals, guitar) and staff at the Macomb Music Center (vocals).

For more information on Pavone or to view videos of "The World's Youngest Drummer," visit his website.

Honors and Awards

• "Maury's Most Talented Kid" of 2009
• The 2007 Rock and Roll Lifetime Achievement Award
• One of "Oprah's Most Talented Kids"
• Appears in "Sticks and Skins," a photography book about the world of drumming, featuring legendary drummers such as Buddy Rich, Ringo Starr, Neil Peart, Steve Ferrone and Tommy Lee.

Community Service

• Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Honorary Goodwill Ambassador for 2009
• The Miracle League of Michigan’s Honorary Goodwill Ambassador for 2009-2010
• Athlete’s with Disabilities Network (ADN)’s Honorary Global Ambassador
• Currently serving as the Macomb-Oakland Regional Center's Global Ambassador
• The Youngest Partner of the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals

Inventor and Entrepreneur

• He invented and received a patent for “Abracadabra”® Stain Cover-up at age 4.
• His second invention, “Julian’s Drum Gloves” is patent pending.
• His own all-natural fruit bar, Julian’s Go Bar, is currently on the market.
• He has artists endorsements with Vic Firth, Sabian Cymbals, ddrum and Sennheiser Microphones, and with Ful travel gear.