Herman Matthews began playing drums at the age of seven and has been the backbone of world-class pop, rock, jazz, soul, R&B and funk bands for nearly thirty years. At age eleven he played in his uncle’s blues organ trio, which laid the groundwork, discipline, and training for working with such acts as Kenny Loggins, Richard Marx, and Tower Of Power. Herman’s ability to stop, look, and listen has put him in demand with artists around the world.



Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Herman Matthews headed west to Los Angeles in 1988. His first major professional tour was with jazz recording artist Kirk Whalum. His other touring and recording credits include Bob James, Stevie Wonder, The Isley Brothers, Expose, Angie & Debbie Winans, Rebekah, Meredith Brooks, Kina, George Duke, Tiffany, and Everette Harp to name a handful. Herman has also had the pleasure of recording two CDs with the bad boys of funk: Tower Of Power.



Herman Matthews s currently working with two-time Grammy award winner Kenny Loggins and singer/songwriter Richard Marx. Other headliners or artists he has played for via House band, Showcase, or Television include David Foster, Michael McDonald, Phillip Bailey, Sheryl Crow, “Baby Face” Edmonds, Herbie Hancock, James Ingram, Steven Stills, Edger Winter, Luther Vandross, Celine Dion, Michael Bolton, Patty Austin, Chaka Chan, Carol King, SHeDAISY, Ronnie Millsap, Fee Waybill, Bill Champlain, Maxi Priest, Debbie Gibson, Diane Reeves, Kenny G., John Farnham, Nia, and Gavin Christopher. Herman has also played for (former) US president Bill Clinton on three occasions as well as Nelson Mandela.



Herman has been involved with and has helped start many bands, including: Ace Boone Coon, Big Pygmies, Doc Huck-A-Buck & The Bazookie Bros., Pass The Peas, The Astro Soul City Orchestra, and Stank.



His latest music venture is a down home funky jazz project entitled Southern Comfort featuring Everette Harp – Sax, Dwight Sills – Guitar, Andre Barry – Bass and Dave Kochansky – Keys. The group was started with Harp and Sills, both childhood friends from Houston. They teamed together to have some fun playing music and are currently in the studio and playing locally in Los Angeles to packed houses.



Herman has turned a lot of heads in the drumming community:



Modern Drummer - ’98 Readers Poll #1 in the R&B category



Modern Drummer - ’97 Readers Poll #3 in the Funk category



Modern Drummer - ’96 Readers Poll #3 in the R&B category



Modern Drummer - February ’96, featured article, "Bottom-Line Player" by Robyn Flans



He also has a monthly column with DRUM! Magazine.



Herman has worked with studio greats: Abe Laboriel, Paul Jackson Jr. Nathan East, Greg Phillinganes, Randy Jackson, Richard Tee, Freddy Washington, Paulinho DaCosta, Louis Conti, Dean Parks, Neal Stubenhouse, Lenny Castro, Michael Landau, Steve Kaun, Ron Carter, John “J.R.” Robinson, Leeland Sklar, Ricky Minor, Jimmy Haslip, Al McKay, Tony Maiden, Gerald Albright, Bashiri Johnson, Bill Summers, Buzzi Featon, Neal larson, Robby Neville, Mark Russo, Dean Brown, Michael Thompson, Roy Bitton, “Hutch” Hutchenson.



Herman L. Matthews III is a graduate of The High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Houston, Texas where he studied music under the direction of Doctor Robert Morgan and was awarded The Ed Trongoni Award, recognizing him as an outstanding music major. Herman Matthews also attended Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan with the help and guidance of Ann C. Price, alumni of Interlochen and Herman’s Jr. High School music teacher. After graduating from high school, Herman auditioned and was accepted into The Airman of Note, the country’s best military big band, based on his enthusiasm and reading skills.