Lee Graziano | |
|---|---|
 The American Breed in 1968 (Graziano stood at top middle) | |
| Background information | |
| Born | November 9, 1943 Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Genres | Rock, pop |
| Occupation(s) | Drummer |
| Instrument(s) | Drums |
| Years active | 1965-present |
| Formerly of | The American Breed, Rufus |
Lee Graziano (born November 9, 1943) is an American drummer known for being a member of The American Breed (1966-1970) and Rufus (1970-1972). [1] [2]
Graziano joined Gary & The Knight Lites in 1965. Originally joining to fill in for their drummer Jim Michalak, who had gone to Las Vegas for a weekend, he became their official drummer when Michalak failed to return to the group after a number of weeks. A year later, they changed their name to The American Breed. The group entered the Billboard Hot 100 at number five in 1968 with Bend Me, Shape Me. [3] Graziano was known for playing both the drums and trumpet on stage. After touring for another two years, the group split up in 1970.
Not long after the American Breed broke up, Graziano and two former American Breed members, Al Ciner and Chuck Colbert, formed the group Rufus. During his tenure, he recorded two singles with the group: “Brand New Day” (1970), and “Fire One, Fire Two, Fire Three” (1971), before leaving in 1972.
Graziano went on to be the president of the NARAS, and from 1978 to 1985, owned the popular rock club Haymakers. [1] Graziano teamed up with American Breed again to record another album in 1986. In the mid-1990's, Lee went back to his alma mater, Fenwick High School in Oak Park, Illinois to become general manager of their hockey program along with alumnus Mike McGinnis. The team won two state championships under the guidance of President Jim Quaid and Athletic Director Mike Curtin. [1]
In 2005, Lee was inducted into the Illinois Hockey Hall of Fame. [1] [4]
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