Rich Mangicaro, Gon Bops’ Artist Relations Manager and Product Specialist has performed and/or recorded with many of music’s most influential artists including 15 years as a band member of Eagles’ founder, the late Glenn Frey. Rich has also worked with Joe Walsh, Jeff Bridges, Aaron Neville, The Tubes, James Paige Morrison, Venice, Michael McDonald, David Crosby, Jackson Browne and many more.

As a music journalist, Rich has written for all the top drum industry trades, enjoying both national and international recognition. Rich has also created and edited video content for many artists and product promotions.

For over 30 years, Rich Mangicaro is recognized as one of the music instrument industry’s foremost authorities in the field of artist relations. Rich is currently the Artist Relations Manager/Product Specialist for Gon Bops, Inc. and for Native Tongue Percussion. Also for Gon Bops, Rich is the creator and host for their successful podcast, The Percussion Loft, featured on all the popular podcast platforms.

Rich Mangicaro has composed underscore music along with his writing partner Jonathan Jay Clark for Atomica Music, currently featuring 4 collections – “Destinations”, “Tension & Trouble”, “Lofty Pursuits” and “The Good Life”. Examples of their compositions, under the name At Noon, can be found on their Soundcloud page. Rich has released 2 solo albums under his own name, “Travels” and “Dialogues”, and is currently finishing his 3rd instrumental album entitled “A Dream I Had”, which will be available in late 2024.

 

THE BACKSTORY

BORN IN:
Syracuse, NY

LIVES IN: 
Santa Monica, CA

DRUMMING SINCE: 
1965

CURRENT PROJECT(S):
Currently working on his 3rd solo Album entitled "A Dream I Had"; Writing underscore music for Atomica Music; playing occasionally for the Southern California band Venice; producing and rehearsing indie artist Bob Koch; Creator and host for Gon Bops' podcast "The Percussion Loft", available on all podcast platforms.   

THE INSIDE SCOOP

BIGGEST INFLUENCE(S):
Steve Jordan; Jim Keltner; Steve Shehan; Ralph McDonald; Luis Conte; Lenny Castro; Peter Gabriel; Joni Mitchell; The Beatles

FAVORITE ALBUMS YOU PLAYED ON: 
Bisquera Brothers - "Self-Titled"; Rich's solo albums "Travels", "Dialogues" and his upcoming new release for 2024 "A Dream I Had";  Jeff Bridges - "Be Here Soon"; Venice - "What Summer Brings". 

FAVORITE ALBUMS YOU DIDN'T PLAY ON: 
Jeff Buckley, GRACE; The Beatles, ABBEY ROAD; Keith Richards, TALK IS CHEAP; Any Joni Mitchell record; Everything by Coldplay Bill Withers LIVE AT CARNEGIE HALL; John Mayer Trio LIVE; Anything by Fink; Toto IV.   

CAREER HIGHLIGHT:
Playing with Glenn Frey/Joe Walsh Band at Aspen Labor Day Festival, 2010; Playing on Jeff Bridges' "Be Here Soon" debut release; Creating and releasing his original instrumental albums, "Travels", "Dialogues" and upcoming new album for 2024, "A Dream I Had". 

THE GON BOPS SKINNY

FAVORITE GON BOPS INSTRUMENT: 
Alex Acuna Special Edition Cajon

GON BOPS SET-UP: 
Mariano Series Quinto, Conga, Tumba and bongos;  various cajons including Flamenco, Alex Acuna Special Edition and Cuban Cajon; Bucket Shekere; Mariano Djembe; 8" and 10" Pandeiros; all their toys. 

Website
richmangicaro.com