Sammy Merendino is one of New York City’s top session drummers and a pioneer in electronic drumming and programming since the early 1980s. He’s recorded and performed with a wide range of artists, including Michael Jackson, Billy Joel, Cyndi Lauper, Foreigner, Lou Reed, Aretha Franklin, Ziggy Marley, Hall & Oates, Carly Simon, and Pat Metheny, among many others.

A longtime fixture on the NYC scene, Sammy’s credits include iconic recordings like Cameo’s Single Life and Word Up!, as well as Pat Metheny’s Grammy-winning We Live Here. He’s also played on over 1,000 commercials and television themes including Monday Night Football, Nightline, and World News Tonight.

On Broadway, Sammy was the original drummer for Kinky Boots, Pretty Woman, and Diana: The Musical, contributing both live performance and electronic programming.

Originally from Akron, Ohio, Sammy moved to New York in 1980 and quickly became a sought-after session player. He toured extensively with Cyndi Lauper, appearing on major tours and TV shows including Letterman, Ellen, and GMA.

Sammy owns and operates Harlem Parlour Recording, a fully equipped studio housed in his Harlem brownstone. The space blends vintage and modern gear, including analog tape, Pro Tools, API/Neve preamps, and a collection of vintage drums plus modern electronic kits—perfect for both live and remote recording.

Endorsements include: Sonor Drums, Zildjian Cymbals, Vic Firth, Evans, Efnote, Roland,Audimute and more