Keith “The Hardest Working Hair In Show Business” Rosenbaum was born in Bay Village Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland, moving out to Phoenix at age 6. As were many children of the era, Keith was planted firmly in front of the television set that fateful Sunday, February 9, 1964, when The Beatles performed on The Ed Sullivan Show. His life was forever changed. He took up the drums, with Ringo being his inspiration and “teacher.”
When asked, “How did you learn to play the drums?,” Keith’s reply was quick and to the point. “I modified a phonograph so I could get the music into a set of headphones. I sat for hours on end, listening, learning, and playing along to the beat that Ringo was laying down. For me, it’s all about the time, and the feel, and when it comes to Ringo, NOBODY has a groove like Ringo… NOBODY.”
The Valley’s music scene has included the talents of H.W. for many years. The drumming began in 6th Grade with ‘The Deep Impressions’ and grew to ‘2nd Story Giraffe’ in 8th Grade and “Wheat Ridge’ in High School at Alhambra HS (Frasier’s alma mater as well). Chances are if you’ve been listening to live music in the Valley, you’ve heard him. If you recognize any of these bands, ‘The City Kids’ ‘Iron Butterfly (Yes, THAT Iron Butterfly)’ ‘ Andy Hardy’ ‘Debye DeLorean & the Imports’ ‘Paradox’ ‘Back Seat Romance’ ‘Wa Benz’ ‘The Switch’ ‘Axis’ ‘Express’ or ‘The Tina Bailey Band,’ you’ve seen Keith perform. He has worked with national acts; Chuck Berry at the former Tempe Gold Rush and the legends of psychedelic rock ‘Iron Butterfly.’
H.W. currently plays with “Marmalade Skies” – a musical tribute to The Beatles.
H.W. playing his exact replica of Ringo’s Black Oyster Pearl Drum Kit
Custom built by TJS Custom Drums.
Keith Rosenbaum with the Visitors