13 Facts About Rick Coonce

Eric Michael Coonce was the drummer for American rock band The Grass Roots from 1966 to 1972.

Rick Coonce was born in Los Angeles, California on August 1,1946, at The City of Angels Hospital.

Rick Coonce attended a Catholic school for six years while his mother worked to support the family.

Rick Coonce's father played the fiddle and his mother sang.

Rick Coonce developed an interest in music at an early age by observing his parents and his older brother's guitar lessons, though his mother insisted he learn the accordion.

Rick Coonce attended high school in Simi Valley and played in local bands in between working at a Sunkist Growers packing house.

At age twelve, Rick Coonce switched from guitar to drums, and he was given a used drum kit by his mother.

Rick Coonce then gave lessons at sixteen at a music store, whose owner provided him a new drum set in exchange for monthly payments.

Rick Coonce joined a Mexican-American group called The Beethovens, with Freddie Trujillo on lead guitar, John Sepulvada on bass, Mike Vasquez on sax and Ruben Arvizo on rhythm guitar.

Rick Coonce was strongly influenced by Mexican folk music and rock legend Ritchie Valens, with whom Rick Coonce's older brother had been a high school classmate.

Rick Coonce appeared with the group on many television programs such as American Bandstand and The Ed Sullivan Show.

Rick Coonce was able to work with drummer legend Hal Blaine, who was an importance influence.

Rick Coonce left the band in 1972 and moved to Vancouver Island, Canada, where he played in many local groups and recorded music in his home studio.