A native of Rochester, New York, Joe English was a member of band Jam Factory, a group based in Syracuse, that evolved into the Tall Dogs Orchestra of Macon, Georgia.
Searching for an opportunity to expand his talent, he answered an ad for a drummer in early 1975. The address led him to the basement of an old building where, much to his surprise, he found himself face to face with Paul McCartney. The audition was for McCartney’s Wings, and English got the job. His first album with Wings was Venus and Mars and, one album later, he would even take the lead vocals for the song, “Must Do Something About It” from Wings at the Speed of Sound. He accompanied Wings on tour and was the drummer on the Wings Over the World tour.
In September 1977, during the recording sessions for Wings’ London Town, English became homesick and returned to Macon, Georgia, where he began playing with Chuck Leavell’s band Sea Level. This ended his time with McCartney and Wings.
Following his Christian salvation experience, he formed the Joe English Band, performing as lead singer and drummer. The band toured the world, playing with other major Christian bands of the era, including Petra, DeGarmo & Key, Mylon LeFevre and Servant. The Joe English Band recorded a release without Joe’s vocals called AKA Forerunner. The band included John Lawry, who left to play for Petra in 1984. In 1986, Joe English played in former Petra vocalist Greg X. Volz’s band, Pieces of Eight. In the late 1980s, English joined Randy Stonehill, Phil Keaggy, Rick Cua and others as part of the Compassion All Star Band. In 1988, the band recorded live One by One, their only album together.
English played the snare with his right hand and the hi-hat and ride cymbals with his left, a technique commonly termed “open handed”. He has been unable to play drums professionally since the late 1990s, due to chronic ankle health issues.
As of 2008, English lives in Spindale, North Carolina being a member of the Word of Faith Fellowship community. He is no longer involved in the music industry. However, he maintains his interest in music as a member of the choir at WOFF. In May 2016 he left Word of Faith Fellowship.
Selected Discography
What You Need
Myrrh Records 1985
Joe English Band Live
Word Records 1984
Press On
Myrrh Records 1983
Held Accountable
Refuge Records 1982
Lights In The World
Refuge Records 1980