Guitarist Drew Zingg passed away in San Francisco on April 7. He was 67; cause of death has not been released by the family.
Born in New York City, Zingg was a next-level guitarist who weaved the sounds of rock, soul, and blues into the harmonic sophistication of jazz. While he built a reputation as a phenomenal player on the New York club scene, he garnered wider attention through his work on the 1991 album The New York Rock and Soul Revue: Live at the Beacon. This album featured Donald Fagen, Boz Scaggs, and Michael McDonald with Zingg performing “Drowning in the Sea of Love,” “Chain Lightning,” and “Minute by Minute.”
He received wider accolades in ’93, when he became Steely Dan’s music director for their first reunion tour in 20 years. Their Los Angeles performance in the following year weaved iconic lines from the studio albums while adding impressive fretboard brilliance. Called “The Drew Zingg Show with special guests Steely Dan,” it culminated in Steely Dan’s 1995 release Alive in America. A deep dive can be found on Youtube with raw, mind-blowing Steely Dan shows. In particular, Live at the Shoreline Amphitheater, Mountain View, California, September 12, 1993.
In the 2000s, Zingg toured with Scaggs, supplying soulful guitar parts that blurred the lines between R&B, soul, blues, and funk. In ’04, he played on Boz Scaggs: Greatest Hits Live. He also performed on Broadway in the Grammy-winning shows Jersey Boys, Hairspray, Mamma Mia, and Smokey Joe’s Café.
In 2012, Zingg released a self-titled solo album that also featured Donald Fagen, Michael McDonald, Will Lee, and Vinnie Colaiuta.
A passionate guitarist, musical historian, and excellent arranger, Zingg is survived by his wife, Katerina Akassoglou, a son, and two brothers. Contributions can be made in his honor to the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, www.sweetrelief.org. – Oscar Jordan
This article originally appeared in VG’s August 2025 issue. All copyrights are by the author and Vintage Guitar magazine. Unauthorized replication or use is strictly prohibited.
Facts Only
Drew Zingg passed away on April 7 at the age of 67 in San Francisco
Born in New York City
Career as a guitarist
Contributions to The New York Rock and Soul Revue: Live at the Beacon album (1991)
Music director for Steely Dan's first reunion tour (1993)
Toured with Boz Scaggs in the 2000s
Performed on Broadway shows: Jersey Boys, Hairspray, Mamma Mia, and Smokey Joe’s Café
Released a self-titled solo album in 2012
Survived by wife Katerina Akassoglou, son, and two brothers
Executive Summary
Full Take
Drew Zingg's career was marked by a unique fusion of rock, soul, blues, and jazz genres. He gained recognition through his work on The New York Rock and Soul Revue: Live at the Beacon album and as Steely Dan's music director during their reunion tour. This period saw him weaving iconic lines from studio albums with impressive fretboard brilliance. In the 2000s, Zingg toured with Boz Scaggs, supplying soulful guitar parts that blurred the lines between R&B, soul, blues, and funk. His work on Broadway was also significant, earning a Grammy for his performances in shows such as Jersey Boys, Hairspray, Mamma Mia, and Smokey Joe’s Café. Despite his passing, Zingg's influence will continue through his recorded music and the memories of those who were fortunate enough to witness his incredible talent.
Questions for independent inquiry: What other artists did Drew Zingg collaborate with during his career? How did Drew Zingg's unique style contribute to the evolution of jazz, rock, soul, and blues genres? What impact did Drew Zingg have on the music scene beyond his notable performances and collaborations?
Sentinel — Human
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