John Burrows and the Music That Shaped Him. From early jazz influences to a family legacy that spans three generations.
For John Burrows, music wasn’t just a hobby – it was a calling discovered almost by accident. Growing up in Chatham, he remembers hearing drums from an apartment across the street. “I knew the people who had moved in there,” recalls Burrows. “They were probably in their 20s. One day, he invited me in, and I heard him practising on a rubber practice pad. That’s when it all started.” That moment led to a pair of drumsticks, no shortage of callouses, and the beginning of a lifelong journey in music.
Burrows’ early instruction was rigorous. “He taught me all the rudiments—the basics that most drummers today don’t really focus on,” explains Burrows. “That’s where my technical foundation started.” Over the decades, he has passed that foundation on, teaching hundreds of students through private lessons and drum lines, sharing not just skills but the joy of playing.
By age 12, Burrows was already performing professionally. A friend’s father sold him a drum set on the condition that he join his adult band. Burrows pooled his earnings from paper routes and lawn work to buy the kit, stepping onto stages at local halls and clubs. “The first New Year’s I played, I made a hundred bucks,” he laughs. “It just blew me away – I could make money doing something I loved.” High school brought more opportunities, from local dances to venues in Detroit, Sarnia, and Windsor, giving Burrows an early taste of life as a working musician in the Chatham and Windsor-Essex region.
Life, however, demanded balance. After high school, Burrows joined the Windsor Police, a career that would span 30 years. “I needed a job,” he says simply. Yet, even as he navigated the discipline of law enforcement, music never left him. He continued performing with bands—including Brand X—and later earned a law degree, practising both criminal defence and prosecution. “Policing and music co-existed,” Burrows reflects. “Music was therapeutic. It was a distraction from work, but also a passion I could nurture.”
Family has been a constant thread. His son, Jeff Burrows, found fame as the drummer for The Tea Party. “Of course, you swell with pride,” John says. “I rooted him on from day one, and to see him perform on massive stages… it’s just remarkable.” Music now runs in three generations, with his grandson, Nicholas, drumming in New York City with his band Tempt, continuing the Burrows legacy.
Burrows’ passion extends beyond performance. His “Drum Rehab” initiative refurbishes drum kits for aspiring musicians, giving instruments a second life. “I never made a nickel,” he admits, “but it’s about helping people. If I can restore a drum set so someone else can enjoy it, that’s enough.” From gifts to local families to charitable donations, music has been his way of connecting with and supporting the community.
Reflecting on the local music scene, Burrows notes the independence it demanded. “You had to pursue it yourself,” he says. “Form a band, find players, figure out the sound you wanted. Back then, rock ‘n roll was just growing out of jazz. You learned by listening, practising, and figuring it out on your own.” That self-taught mentality shaped not just his drumming but his approach to life, blending technical skill with creativity and persistence.
Today, Burrows’ influence resonates through his students, the performances of his children and grandchildren, and the countless drums he has restored. “I love drums,” he says simply. “I love taking them apart, fixing what’s broken. I hope my family sees that tenacity pays off – that with dedication, you can achieve what you want. Music, service, and a little persistence – that’s what I hope they take from me.”
In Windsor-Essex, John Burrows is more than a drummer. He is a teacher, a craftsman, a mentor, and a connector of generations. Through the highs of performance, the discipline of law enforcement, and the quiet work of restoring instruments, he has lived a life defined by rhythm, creativity, and generosity—a true testament to the power of following your passion.
