Heavy Heart

Back in '05, I received a phone call from my dear friend Leslie, who (at that time) was working for Craviotto Drum Co., as head of artist relations and such. She's a very sweet person and happened to be a fan of my drumming, as well as the group I was playing with back then. It's always nice hearing from her and on that particular day she seemed very excited and said to me, "Hey man, someone here wants to talk to you..." A few seconds later, I hear this crackly voice on the other end and then these words... "Hi George, it's Johnny Craviotto here. Man, Leslie played me some of your stuff and I really love your drumming. I would like to build you a drum. Is that cool?" Thus began a friendship that lasted to this very day and today I have just learned of his passing and I am oh so sad he's gone. Johnny was an incredible soul and easily one of the finest craftsman I've ever known. Rest in peace, my old friend and Godspeed.