George GKO Layton

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Challenge: Cerebral Palsy

Website: facebook.com/GeorgeGko

George was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. He got his first cb700 drumset in 1975, after his foster father put him behind one. George says he doesn't let his Cerebral Palsy slow him down. His uncle used to say he was 'Handicapable' instead of handicapped. He also plays bass and guitar.

Memorable gigs are at Bobby V's with Can-Do Musos in 2022 and with his blues band T-Bird & The Cadillacs. He also plays at Church regularly and has played at the NAMM show several times.

One of his great influences is Jonathan "Sugerfoot" Moffett, the drummer for Michael Jackson. Other influences are Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa, Marvin "Smitty" Smith, Joe Hardy, BB King and his uncle JJ "badboy" Jones, who played with BB King in the 1940's. He also considers Stan and Jerry Keyawa owners of The Professional Drumshop in Los Angeles to be very influential in his growth as a drummer.

He’s so grateful to be celebrating 48 years of playing drums. Drums are his escape from the world.

With regard to Can-Do Musos, George thinks it's great to be able to talk with other musicians with challenges..