Drummer Philip Paul, this year’s recipient of the Ohio Heritage Fellowship for Performing Arts, has played on some of the greatest, most important records ever made—including “Good Rockin’ Tonight” by Wynonie Harris, “Fever” by Little Willie John, “Hideaway” by Freddy King and “The Twist” by Hank Ballard. All those records were recorded for the legendary Cincinnati record company, King Records, where Paul served as the in-house drummer from 1952 through 1964.

Paul was born and raised in New York City and began his professional career while he was still a teenager. During his time at King, Paul drummed on more than 350 records. He played on a wide variety of blues, R&B and jazz records working with such artists as Bull Moose Jackson, Hank Ballard & the Midnighters, Smokey Smothers, Milt Buckner, Eddie Clearwater, Hank Marr, Lula Reed and others.

Despite the hits, Paul has always considered himself a jazz musician. “I always played jazz," says Paul. “When you are labeled a session drummer, you have to play everything. At King, we didn’t know what kind of music we’d play. You just had to be prepared. I guess I became known for rhythm and blues. But on the street, where I’m working and making a living, I’m playing jazz all the time.”

Paul worked for years as one-third of the Roy Meriwether Trio. He also toured with jazz artists including Jimmy Smith, Nat Adderly and Herbie Mann and toured the U.S. and Canada with George Weins’ Newport Jazz All-Stars.

Philip Paul made his first album as a leader in 2003, the aptly named It’s About Time. In 2002, he received a Lifetime CAMMY Award from the Cincinnati Enquirer for his contributions to the music and culture of Cincinnati. Paul will be accompanied in his appearance at the Cityfolk Festival by Greg Schaber (guitar) and Larry Nager (bass).