Leonard “Pudge” Tribbett is currently the touring drummer for R&B legend Anita Baker. Pudge hails from the Philadelphia area, where he came up in the family business of Gospel Music under the leadership of his cousin Tye Tribbett and Greater Anointing. After attending college on a football scholarship, Pudge went straight into full-time playing and hasn’t looked back. In addition to Anita Baker, Pudge’s resume also includes Roberta Flack, Ray Chew, Regina Bell, and Sheila E, and he is also part of the creative team behind Soul Surplus sample packs. In this episode, Pudge talks about * Anita Baker’s “in the moment” approach to live shows* Getting involved in Greater Anointing as a teenager, and the foundation it laid for his career* Splitting time in college between football, academics, and music* What he learned on a tour opening for Don Henley* “Don’t play what’s in front of you, play what’s in you” * The mentorship of fellow Philadelphian Brian Frasier Moore* His relationship with gear Pudge Tribbett endorses DW Drums, Sabian Cymbals, and Remo Drumheads