Elliot Fine grew up playing jazz and backing some of the idiom's greats. He began subbing in the Minnesota Orchestra in the early '50s, which evolved into a full-time position that lasted over 40 years.



As a sought-after educator and author Elliot Fine was prolific, contributing to the art several drumming texts, including the classic, '4-Way Coordination', one of the most innovative and highly regarded of all drumset method books, which he co-authored with his friend and Minnesota Orchestra section-mate, Marvin Dahlgren.



Elliot passed away peacefully in his sleep, after a long and brave battle with cancer, May 4th, 2012.