Sammy 'Barefoot' Warren IV

Sammy “Barefoot” Warren IV is an accomplished percussionist who has dedicated his life to mastering a diverse range of percussive instruments from around the world. With over two decades of experience as a professional musician, Sammy has performed with a wide ranging style of artists (including grammy award winning artists and producers) both in the studio and on the stage.

Born and raised in a musical family, Sammy showed an early interest in percussion at a young age. As he grew older, he became increasingly fascinated with the rhythms and sounds of other cultures and began studying a wide variety of instruments, including drum set, marching and concert percussion, djembe, cajón, and more.

Over the years, Sammy has become known for his technical skill, versatility, and ability to adapt to a wide range of musical styles. He has toured extensively throughout the United States and Central America, even competing in the International Blues Challenge, winning four regional challenges and placing in the top 40 three times. The barefoot drummer has performed with artists such as Cassie Jean & the Fireflies, Dovydas, Bryan Spainhower & Third World Ave,Luz, Ghost Mountain Revival, and many others headlining events and festivals. Recorded in 2021 and released in April 2022, the Cassie Jean & the Fireflies album, “Heart Over Head” reached the Alt. Country charts “Top 100 Albums of the Year” and the single “Tomorrow” hit the charts’s number 1 spot.

In addition to his work as a performer, Sammy is also a passionate educator and has taught workshops and masterclasses on percussion around the southeastern US in public schools and privately. He is committed to sharing his knowledge and love of percussion with others and helping to inspire the next generation of musicians. His students have gone on to great success in forming their own bands, passing auditions, winning awards and competitions, and even teaching students of their own. While serving as percussion instructor and visual coordinator at OCHS in Georgia, his students have won top ratings at their most recent competitions.

Inspired by music from an eclectic range of genres and eras, Warren loves listening to funk, reggae, jazz, blues, salsa, reggae, country folk, rock, pop, and classical. Some drummers that have strongly influenced his playing are Buddy Rich, John Bonham, Tony Williams, Steve, Gadd, Tito Puente, Billy Cobham, Babatunde Olatunji, Giovanni Hidalgo, Lionel Hampton, Terry Gibbs, and the list goes on.

Sammy’s dedication to his craft and his deep passion for music have earned him a well-deserved reputation as one of the most talented and sought-after percussionists in the area. Whether he is performing on stage or sharing his knowledge with students, Sammy’s love of rhythm and his commitment to excellence are always evident.