Vince Barranco is from Jackson, Mississippi and cut his teeth playing drums in local clubs and studios of the early 70’s. He studied music at Hinds Community College and Jackson State University and was heavily influenced by the music and drummers of this region: between Memphis, Muscle Shoals and New Orleans.
He lived in New York City from 1976 through 1982 to form Barranco Brothers Band with brother Johnny. Their recordings and shows featured guest appearances by Elliot Randall, Will Lee, Ian Hunter, Lou Marini, James & Alex Taylor, and many others. While in NY, Vince was also contracted for many jingles, as well as recordings and concerts with other artists such as Lester Chambers, Ian McDonald, Carolyn Mas and Peter Tork.
Now, having lived in Nashville, TN for over 25 years, he has recorded and/or toured with Mark Gray, Baillie & The Boys, Orleans, Restless Heart, Eddie Rabbitt, Marie Osmond, Baker & Myers, Skip Battin & Gene Parsons of The Byrds, Teddy Gentry, Bonnie Bramlett, David Ball, David Lee Murphy, Bobby Jones Gospel, Billy Dean, Jo-El Sonnier, Wayne Carson, Larry Knechtel, Garth Brooks and many others for whom he credits “… great joy and lessons learned!”
Vince served as Drummer and Musical Director for “Mississippi – The Birthplace of America’s Music Celebrates Its GRAMMY® Legacy” from 2007-2011, and in 2010 was honored with The Peavey Award from Hartley Peavey and Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour for his services in this capacity. He said, “This assignment has truly honored me in the privilege of sharing not only the stage but an esteemed award with such amazing artists as Mavis Staples, Charley Pride, Dorothy Moore, BB King, Paul Overstreet, Benjamin Wright, Cassandra Wilson, Brandy, Marty Stuart, Pinetop Perkins, and many others. To say the least, I am very humbled and proud of my Mississippi heritage, as so eloquently sung by Mac McAnally in his song Back Where I Come From, at the 2010 concert. I give thanks and all glory to God for the special gift of music.”
Vince served on the advisory board for Jules Follett’s renowned SticksNSkins photo book on the world of drumming published in 2009. He has also helped lead an annual summer camp at Delta Music Institute of Delta State University in Cleveland, MS since 2007. Patterned after Grammy Camp, this is a week of concentration in Recording, Songwriting and Performance for pre-college teens. Vince continues to work in Nashville as a recording and performing musician and enjoys piano and singing in addition to his beloved drums.
