The rules for London-based Guinness say a drummer must play on at least one commercial record and be paid for the work. The drummer also must have given at least 20 concerts of 45 minutes or longer within five years.

The previous record holder was Taiga "Tiger" Onitsuka of Japan, who was recognized in 2008 at age 9 years and 9 months.

Julian, who is now seven, lives outside Detroit. His drummer-father, Bernie Pavone, said Julian's percussion background dates back before birth:

"I used to play music on my wife's stomach all the time when she was pregnant with Julian."