Who Is Jeff Porcaro? Age, Biography and Wiki
Jeff Porcaro was born on April 1, 1954, and sadly passed away on August 5, 1992. Even in 2025, his legacy continues to resonate in the music industry. Best known as the co-founder and drummer of the rock band Toto, Porcaro's work as a session drummer has earned him recognition as one of the greatest drummers in history. With a career spanning two decades, his unique drumming style and incredible techniques have influenced countless musicians worldwide.
| Occupation | Musicians |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 1, 1954 |
| Age | 38 Years |
| Birth Place | Hartford, Connecticut, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 5 August, 1992 |
| Died Place | N/A |
Popularity
Jeff Porcaro's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
During his lifetime, Jeff Porcaro stood at approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall. Though specific weight records are not commonly noted, he was known for maintaining a fit and healthy physique, which contributed to his dynamic performances and stamina behind the drum kit.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
While specifics about his personal life are often less publicized, Jeff Porcaro was married to his childhood sweetheart, Susan Porcaro, with whom he had two children. Their relationship reflected a strong bond that endured throughout his life. As of 2025, discussions around his past relationships are of interest, though no romantic partnerships outside of his marriage have been widely reported.
Porcaro began playing drums at the age of seven. Lessons came from his father Joe Porcaro, followed by further studies with Bob Zimmitti and Richie Lepore. When he was seventeen, he got his first professional gig playing in Sonny & Cher's touring band. He later called Jim Keltner and Jim Gordon his idols at that time.
During his twenties, Porcaro played on hundreds of albums, including several for Steely Dan. He toured with Boz Scaggs before co-founding Toto with his brother Steve and childhood friends Steve Lukather and David Paich.
Jeff Porcaro is renowned among drummers for the drum pattern he used on the Grammy Award-winning Toto song "Rosanna", from the album Toto IV.
The drum pattern, called the Half-Time Shuffle Groove, was originally created by drummer Bernard Purdie, who called it the "Purdie Shuffle." Porcaro created his own version of this groove by blending the aforementioned shuffle with John Bonham's groove heard in the Led Zeppelin song "Fool in the Rain", while keeping a Bo Diddley beat on the bass dr
um.
Porcaro describes this groove in detail on a Star Licks video (now DVD) he created shortly after "Rosanna" became popular. Besides his work with Toto, he was also a highly sought session musician.
Porcaro collaborated with many of the biggest names in music, including Boz Scaggs, Rhythm Heritage, Steely Dan, Lee Ritenour, Larry Carlton, David Foster, George Benson, Donald Fagen, Miles Davis, Christopher Cross, Michael McDonald, Al Jarreau, Michael Jackson, Sonny & Cher, Tommy Bolin, Eric Carmen, Eric Clapton, Joe Cocker, Andrew Gold, Stan
Getz, Herb Alpert, David Gilmour, Elton John, Leo Sayer, Rickie Lee Jones, Paul McCartney, the Bee Gees, Lynn Anderson, Sérgio Mendes, Jim Messina, Seals and Crofts, Barbra Streisand, Richard Marx, Don Henley, Frankie Valli and Joe Walsh.
Porcaro contributed drums to four tracks on Michael Jackson's Thriller and also played on the Dangerous album hit "Heal the World". He also played on 10cc's ...Meanwhile (1992). Porcaro featured on Al Stewart's 1980 album 24 Carrots. On the 1993 10cc Alive album, recorded after his death, the band dedicated "The Stars Didn't Show" to him.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing in 1992, Jeff Porcaro had an estimated net worth of around $10 million. His revenue largely stemmed from his prolific music career, both as a member of Toto and as a sought-after session drummer. Today, his work continues to generate income through royalties from music sales, royalties from performances, and licensing agreements. His enduring impact on the music industry ensures that his financial legacy continues to thrive.
Career, Business and Investments
Porcaro’s career boomed during the 1970s and 1980s as he collaborated with top artists and musicians, creating iconic tracks that would define a generation. With Toto, he co-wrote and played on numerous hits, including “Africa” and “Rosanna.” Additionally, his work as a studio musician included collaborations with big names like Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Stevie Wonder. Following his passing, his family and former bandmates ensured that his music and contributions remain celebrated, fostering ongoing appreciation for his work.
Jeffrey Thomas Porcaro (April 1, 1954 – August 5, 1992) was an American drummer. He is best known for being the co-founder and drummer of the rock band Toto, but is also one of the most recorded session musicians in history, working on hundreds of albums and thousands of sessions.
While already an established studio player in the 1970s, he came to prominence in the United States as the drummer on the Steely Dan album Katy Lied (1975).
Social Network
Despite his early departure from the world, fans and musicians alike continue to honor Jeff Porcaro's memory across various social media platforms. Dedicated fan pages and tribute accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter actively share his music, memories, and influences, keeping his legacy alive. Periodic updates about anniversary events and remembrances help sustain his presence in the online community.
Education
Jeff Porcaro’s education was primarily centered around his passion for music, beginning in his childhood. He took private drum lessons, unleashing his talent at a very young age. Although he did not pursue formal higher education, his dedication to practice and collaboration with seasoned musicians served as a practical education, allowing him to hone his craft and develop the remarkable skills that would ultimately define his career.
As we honor Jeff Porcaro's memory in 2025, his contributions to music continue to inspire new generations of musicians and fans, solidifying his place in rock history.
His younger brother Mike was a successful bassist and was a member of the band Toto. Younger brother Steve is still a studio musician and was also a member of Toto. Porcaro was raised in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles and attended Ulysses S. Grant High School. Jeff's youngest sibling was sister Joleen, born in 1960.
