Slim Jim Phantom

Born in Brooklyn, and raised in Massapequa, New York, Phantom grew up listening to his parent's jazz records and by the age of ten took up the drums. “To be honest I think the drums chose me, I can’t remember ever wanting to do anything else.” remembers Phantom. Immersing himself in the art of drumming and the world of music, Phantom took lessons with Mousie Alexander (who played with Benny Goodman) which included the study of jazz and working through books by Jim Chapin and Ted Reed.

By the late 1970s he was playing in bands with his school friend and bassist Lee Rocker and they soon joined forces with guitarist Brian Setzer. During downtime from the Stray Cats, Phantom played a part in several groups, notably one with him, Rocker and guitarist Earl Slick, which produced two albums, and The Swing Cats. Phantom also enjoyed a stint playing with Jerry Lee Lewis. Read Less