All you have to do is mention the name Bobby Christian to anyone who has
ever known him, and their eyes light up. Each musician who knows him well
has a favorite story to tell about an impossible chart that Bobby sight-read
perfectly, a lesson they took with him, a conversation they had with him
at a NAMM or PAS show, how much they learned from playing in his band,
how big his family is .... 'As one of my friends once said, 'It must be
great to have a family so big that you never play without an audience."'
Those words were written by Bobby's eldest grandchild, John Nasshan, Jr.,
and read at his funeral on January 4, 1992. Here are but a few comments
from those who knew "Mr. Percussion."
John Nasshan, Jr. (professional drummer/percussionist in Las Vegas, Nevada)
"If I were to be asked why I play drums and percussion, my answer would be simple: my grandfather, Bobby Christian. I grew up surrounded by percussion. When the time came for me to have real teachers, Gramps told me who to study with: Roy Knapp, Bob Tilles, AI Payson, Kathleen Kastner, Joe Morello, Henry Adler -- nothing but the best. I attribute having good musical instincts to being part of Bobby Christian's life. Gramps always said that the fact that we play percussion and drums means nothing; it's whether or not we elevate the craft and all the art that goes with it to a better level. That's what really matters.
"Gramps and I shared a special kind of love that bonded us together, centering around music and percussion. I remember sitting right in front of Gramps when he conducted his Sunday big band rehearsals at home, and wanting to be the drummer more than anything in the world. I remember going on numerous recording sessions with him and watching him do whatever they asked him to do on the first take! He never missed. I remember how proud 1 was to finally play drums with his big band; one of my dreams had come true. My youth is so full of experiences like these that I honestly feel special to be Bobby Christian's grandson."
William F Ludwig, Jr. (retired president of the Ludwig Drum Company)
"It was the fourth of January, 1992. At the wake, we passed out music -- a recessional written by Bobby himself. Under the direction of Dick Schory, twenty drummers (including myself and my son, William F Ludwig, III) performed the retreat from the cathedral on muffled drums in Bobby Christians honor.
"Following the service, two others and I performed Harvey Firestone's drum trio Drummer's Farewell at the graveside. I was proud to have participated in this last earthly salute."
Herb Brochstein (president of Pro-Mark Corporation)
"I always kidded Bobby that an army band should consist of 28 musicians and two drummers! But Bobby Christian was an all-around musician and true percussionist.
"In 1947, I had heard Bobby's name and knew his reputation. I had much to learn, so 1 went to work for Bobby, helping him run the studio and school of percussion. me so many opportunities. He was a giving person, not a taking person.
"Bobby's talents were overwhelming. t would always do the work of two and a half three players! He was kind of a shy person except when it came to music. Did you know he was writing music on December 24th for record date he was planning in April? Amazing."
Jim Catalano
(marketing manager for Ludwig)
"You don't appreciate what someone like Bobby Christian has to teach you until you really need it. For me, it came to fruition duriing some of my Pops concerts. Knowing all about claves was more important than the intricacies of an Elliot Carter timpani solo. He 'saw beyond the trees' to teach you things that you could use in a real musical career. No one was more professional to deal with than Bobby Christian."
Michael Balter (Chicago drummer/percussionist and president of Mike Batter Mallets)
"One evening, Bobby gave me a call and asked if I would play a rehearsal the next morning for him, since he had a double recording session. The rehearsal was for the Chicago Emmy Show, which was to be on local TV. Bobby instructed me to mark the parts clearly so he could just walk in and play the telecast. This was not an unusual request, because Bobby had done it numerous times before.
"I was there for the 10:00 A.M. rehearsal and introduced myself to the conductor. Bobby said that he would show up around 2:00 PM.-plenty of time before the 8:00 PM. telecast. The parts were passed out and the theme for the show appeared to be written for five timpani. I only had two drums, 29" and 26" Ludwig Universal models. I questioned the conductor about our being three drums short. I was told that we were not, because the part was written for Bobby Christian!
"It wasn't until 5:30 PM. when Bobby came running in. I explained the run-down and talked over the show with him. Many Rubenstein, the conductor, said, 'Bob, we have a problem.' Bobby said, 'What happened? Didn't the kid play the parts?' Many said, 'That's just it. He did play the parts and played them perfectly. The acts want him to play the show.'
"Bobby became outraged, and I didn't know what to do. The shouting match began between the conductor and Bobby. Then Bobby stormed out of the hall, stopped at the doorway, turned around, and said with a huge smile on his face, 'Hey Marty, I hope you know that only a student of Bobby Christians would be able to play this show!'
"The next day I called Bobby and tried to explain that it was not my idea to play the show. I didn't want him to think that I was taking away his gig. Bobby said to me, 'Michael, you gave me the greatest compliment a student can ever give a teacher. You have done me proud.' So I said, 'Hey Bobby, now will you tell me how you played the bass drum on beat four?' His reply: 'Hell, no!'
"This funny side of Bobby Christian is not one that many people knew. Having had the good fortune of knowing him, I am proud of the fact that I was able to call him a friend. Bobby, we all will miss you."
Joe Calato (founder and president of J.D. Colors Manufacturing Co., Inc.)
"When I think of Bobby Christian, I remember a man of great warmth, energy, and talent. This, of course, was reflected in his playing. I remember Bobby running from one side of the stage to the other to play percussion parts in Dick Schory's Percussion Pops Orchestra. He was the perfect musician and showman for the job.
"But most of all I remember Bobby as a great family man. His family was the most important thing in his life. It's a very close family, and every Sunday they would all gather --children and grandchildren -- at Bobby and Jo's home for dinner. They're really goingto miss him. We're all going to miss Bobby."
Maurie Lishon (former proprietor of Frank's Drum Shop)
"Bobby Christian, a living legend in his own time, has now taken his rightful place in the Hall of Eternal Legends. I had a wonderful brotherly relationship with him for almost half a century, and I have seen him perform percussion gymnastics beyond description.
"For a couple of years, Bob and I were on the CBS staff at the same time. There are many funny stories of happenings, but there is one that always comes up, still, after thirty years. It was about the time Bobby had a solo finger cymbal cue. In those days, the individual had to go up to the front mic'. In this studio, the control booth was about eight feet above the stage. Bobby had plenty of time, so he gracefully approached the mic and proceeded to do an 'Oscar-winning' pose -- eyes riveted on the booth. When the cue came, Bobby made one grandiose sweep with the finger cymbals -- and missed!
"They also talk about the time he was doing a multiple date and was running from one studio to another with no time. He had an immediate vibe cue, and as he charged in, there was a cover on the instrument. So he played the part -- cover and all-and no clinkers! That was Bobby Christian."