Felix “D-Kat” Pollard
(May 1, 2012)–Felix “D-Kat” Pollard is a professional musician who has put his talents to use around the world. His propulsive performance style and versatility with drums have enabled him to play everything from pop to jazz to gospel and rock and alongside some of the greatest musicians in the world.
His roster includes Anastacia, George Duke, Chaka Kahn, The Staple Singers, Jessica Simpson, Brian Culbertson, Phil Upchurch, Clay Aikens, and a host of others. There is no doubt that Felix is one of the most sought after percussionists in the music industry.
The 40-year old Chicago native now lives in Los Angeles, CA. He was initially exposed to golf while attending Taft High School in Chicago, but just recently started playing after a friend suggested it in 2010. Today he is a strong fan of the game, carries a 24 handicap and is scouting out golf clubs to join.
“Everyone in my household has their own set of clubs,” he says with a wide, infectious smile. “My wife, Damali, has gone out with me on the course, a time or two, and our two sons, Daniel (18) and Dillon (8) have been involved with The First Tee. Our youngest son, Dorian (age 2) is fascinated by clubs and eager to learn.”
Pollard’s musical talents were obvious at an early age (left photo). From the time he was two he was banging away on anything in sight.
By the age of 10 he began to play on a Ludwig drum kit and made his professional debut in the gospel choir ‘Voices of Deliverance’. Even though his roots are found in gospel and Jazz, he has performed for a wide range of audiences including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Savion Glover’s ‘Bring Da Noise, Bring Da Funk’.
Pollard takes his golf clubs on the road with him crossing continents, and time zones, during rigorous performance schedules that last sometimes months. He plays wherever his travels take him. “I get out on the golf course about 5 or 6 times a month and play rounds with friends and with people I’ve never met before,” he says.
His winning personality is very much a part of his talented success in the music business and it has gained him TV appearances that include the HBO special Midnight Mac, with Bernie Mac, The Jay Leno Show, Oprah, Late Night with David Letterman; he has even performed for the former first lady Hillary Rodman Clinton at the 1996 Democratic National Convention.
When Pollard is available, golf professional Aubrey Shaw at the lakes Golf Course at Segundo (CA) helps him with intensive training sessions.
“The training is helping me with the fundamentals of the game….which is the most important aspect of the game. For me, making a good swing—as apposed to just hitting the ball hard, or far—is most important. Overall, my goal is to shoot a low score and to compete in local tournaments and events and play well.”
Anyone who recalls the original Felix the Cat cartoon character will remember him as having a grin that spanned the width of his face and beyond – very much like Felix Pollard aka Felix D Kat, drummer groovemeister par excellence, according to remarks on MySpace. But where as the original Felix resided in two-dimensional black and white, this “Kat” lives his life in glorious 3-D Technicolor.
“I want to continue to work and perform with the best musician, and make everyone around me feel good about what I bring to the music industry as a true musician”.
Felix Pollard – MEINL DRUM
FESTIVAL 2008
Pollard is currently working on his own project now; and in his rotation are Lionel Richie, Sheila E., Keiko Matsui, and many others. To relax the music connoisseur/artist likes snowboarding, speaking to young people, cooking and hanging with his wife and sons.
“I love God and being out on the golf course allows me an opportunity to reflect on truly how GREAT he is while I enjoy the beauties of nature.”
