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Born in New York City, drummer Lenny White entered the jazz major leagues in 1968 in saxophonist Jackie McLean’s band. In 1969 Miles Davis enlisted him to participate in the groundbreaking Bitches Brew project, and the next year he was in the drum seat for Freddie Hubbard’s classic Red Clay album. White joined the group Azteca in 1972 but let that job slide when he joined the second edition of Return to Forever the same year.

His funkified drum style energized the quartet, helping to define the RTF sound of that period. The All Music Guide says, “As a member of Return to Forever, White gained a strong reputation as one of the top fusion drummers, but he was always versatile enough to play in many settings.”

After leaving RTF in 1976, White delved into other fusion and funk projects. His debut solo outing was 1976’s Venusian Summer followed by Big City for the Nemperor imprint (Atlantic Records). He was signed by Elektra in 1978, which resulted in a string of albums, including Best of Friends in 1978. White worked in various groups, including Twennynine (which he founded) and the Jamaica Boys, as well as in such all-star bands as Echoes of an Era and Griffith Park.

This year Istanbul Agop will issue a Lenny White cymbal, the 22-inch Lenny White Signature Ride, developed by the drummer and master cymbal makers in Istanbul, Turkey.

An interview with Lenny White:

What was one of the best memories of your time in Return to Forever?
Central Park N.Y.C., summer 1975. That was a benchmark for the band. The outdoor venue was at overflow capacity, so they broke down the barriers. It was a true testament to how popular the band had become.

What did you learn while in Return for Forever that you carried into your solo career?
I learned a great deal about “life” and how to communicate in R.T.F. I found out how to take what it is that I do and make it presentable to an audience, no matter how large or small. And I learned the true dynamic of a group.

What is your musical anticipation of this upcoming RTF tour after you have traveled on so many other musical paths? How will you approach the music?
Musically speaking, I’m looking forward to playing instrumental music on a grand scale for a new generation that doesn’t get the opportunity to experience a “Man Band.” I’m going to bring my new musical experiences to give a different perspective to the R.T.F. repertoire.

What excites you the most about this first tour for RTF in over 25 years?
Having the opportunity to revisit this music in a new space in time is really exciting. And playing with Chick, Stanley and Al again is enough to get me pumped.

What do you expect the audiences will be like—original RTF followers or a combination of veteran fans and new disciples?
I agree, I think the audience will be a combination of die hard R.T.F. fans and new fans, who have seen videos on YouTube and are curious to see and experience something live and in person. Word of mouth will bring people, and also the opportunity to witness history will make it an event.

Why do you think there is so big a buzz about Return to Forever getting back together?
fans of Return to Forever, this is a dream come true. The band broke up, never realizing its true potential, and now they have been given a reprieve. There have been many stories of how the music of R.T.F. has changed lives; now that opportunity is being offered again.