Fred Dinkins was born in St. Louis, MO, and at the early age of six began swinging his first pair of sticks. By the age of thirteen, he began his professional career playing with various gospel acts.



In 1982, Fred Dinkins moved to Los Angeles, California, to expand his music education. Shortly thereafter, he became a teacher at the world-famous Musicians Institute, Percussion Institute of Technology. His unique style of teaching has earned him recognition as one of PIT's (Musicians Institute) most sought-after teachers and clinicians.



In addition to his many appearances on various recordings, videos, television shows, and film tracks, Fred Dinkins has performed with many artists including Al Green, Paul Jackson Jr., Verdine White, Norman Brown, Andre Crouch, Tremaine Hawkins, Hugh Masekela, Deniece Williams, Peaches and Herb, Heatwave, Gene Chandler, Taste of Honey (The American Bandstand's 50th Anniversary) and jazz singer Barbara Morrison.



In addition to his teaching at PIT, Fred Dinkins is currently resident drummer for the World Recording Studios (John Barnes), plus the drummer and musical director for Deniece Williams and The Emotions.



Fred is highly sought after for lessons to the stars such as Sinbad, Stevie Wonder, and Natalie Cole and more. Fred can be seen regularly on comedian Sinbads's Family Reality TV series show.



Fred Dinkins' instuctional book 'It's About Time' is available through his web site.