About Bobby
Bobby has been a “first call” drummer in the Twin Cities for over 30 years, and was a founding member and leader of MN musical institution, the TC Jammers. He has worked locally with Lamont Cranston, The Steeles, the Doug Maynard Band, Hoopsnakes, and Mick Sterling & the Stud Brothers to name a few, and was original drummer in Dr. Mambos Combo.
On national & international level, Bobby played with The Time, Jesse Johnson’s Revue, Bonnie Raitt, Bobby Lyle, Roy Buchanan, Curtis Salgado, Chuck Berry, Roseanne Barr, The Shirelles, Al Wilson, Otis Day and The Knights, Bruce Conte of Tower Of Power, Lipps Inc., among many others. Bobby spent 1988 on world tour in supporting act for Gladys Knight And The Pips. Nat’l & int’l TV appearances include Soul Train w/Jesse Johnson’s Revue, opening Soul Train Music Awards w/Alexander O’Neal, and Rick Dee’s Into The Night TV show with Roseanne Barr. The video “Be Your Man” with Jesse Johnson’s Revue as well as an acting appearance in the 1982 movie “Purple Haze.” Recording highlights include Jesse Johnson’s Revue on A & M Records and 4 albums for Lipps Inc. on Polygram Records as well as playing drums and being featured on lead vocals on The Minneapolis All Stars live CD for Ben Sidran’s “Go Jazz” label.
"Bobby Vandell is a Musicologist with the X factor!"
– Curtis Salgado
Santana, Robert Cray, Roomful of Blues
Bobby with Jesse Johnson's Revue in 1985.
Bobby also produced and arranged the music for Roseanne Barr’s comedy album for Hollywood Records.
Bobby has been inducted into Midwest Music Hall Of Fame a total of 5 times with 5 separate bands, has been awarded a MN Music Award for best drummer, and his TC Jammers have been awarded multiple MN Music Awards for best band. He has been awarded a total of 4 gold records, including; the 1980 Polygram release “Lipps Inc.” “Funkytown” … the #1 song in the world at the time, Alexander O’Neal’s “Fake” and “All True Man” records as well as the A & M release “Jesse Johnson’s Revue.”
“My Lifetime Passion for Music”
Bobby Vandell has been a professional musician for over 50 years and has 5 gold and platinum records for his efforts.
In 2013, he added ‘Radio Host’ to his resume and has been producing Jazz, Blues, and Fusion shows since.
"Bobby Vandell is a Musicologist with the X factor!"
– Curtis Salgado
Santana, Robert Cray, Roomful of Blues
three Shows, one great host
“Bobby’s shows focus on artists that have changed the way music is made and whose work continues to influence the musical landscape. Congratulations my brother, I’ll be listening!”
– David Garibaldi
Tower of Power Funk Drumming Icon