Gayelynn McKinney

Applied Instructor
Jazz Percussion
[email protected]

Gayelynn McKinney began playing the drums at the age of two. Although she received much of her musical training in the Detroit Jazz scene, she also obtained her Bachelor of Music degree from Oakland University. McKinney has recorded projects with the group Straight Ahead, (of which she is a co-founder) Ralph Armstrong and Marcus Belgrave just to name a few. She has recently recorded solo projects called “It's About Time,” “McKinFolk The New Beginning,”and “Zoot Suit Funk.” McKinney's many awards include: 2014 Kresge Artist Fellows recipient, with the Group Straight Ahead and McKinFolk, a Grammy Nomination, Detroit Black Music Award recipient and in 2021 & 2022 Gayelynn won the Detroit Music awards for “Outstanding Jazz Composer” “Outstanding Instrumentalist and “Outstanding Modern Jazz Artist or Group.”

McKinney has had the opportunity to travel extensively and play at many famous jazz festivals including Montreux-Jazz Fest, Lionel Hampton Jazz Fest, New Orleans Jazz Fest, Essence Festival, Olympics, and the Kennedy Center. She has also performed as a side musician with such notables as Benny Golson, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Diane Shure, Jason Marsalis, Freda Payne, Vanessa Rubin Roy Ayers, Geri Allen, Marcus Belgrave, Chaka Khan, Roy Hargrove, Randy Brecker, Rick Margitza, Larry Coryell, Ralphe Armstrong, Steve Turre, Kevin Mahogany, James Carter, Tim Ries, (The Rolling Stones Music director) and “Speech” of “Arrested Development.” McKinney is also the last drummer to tour with Aretha Franklin. While performing with Aretha Franklin, McKinney had the distinct honor to play for presidential hopeful, Hilary Clinton. She also performed at theTribeca Film Fest featuring a tribute to Clive Davis.