Vince Santoro is Making a Scene

July 12, 2025

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Making a Scene Present an Interview with Vince Santoro

Vince Santoro is a veteran drummer, soulful vocalist, sharp songwriter, and passionate advocate for working musicians. Based in Nashville, he’s best known these days as the driving force behind the drum kit for Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals, as well as the Secretary/Treasurer of the Nashville Musicians Association, where he fights for fair treatment, pay, and respect for his fellow artists.

Santoro’s career stretches over five decades, beginning in suburban Washington D.C. where he first made waves with his energetic and expressive playing. From there, he hit the road and the studio with legendary acts like Roy Buchanan, Edgar Winter, and Kathi McDonald, eventually building a resume that includes performances and recordings with Rodney Crowell, Rosanne Cash, Emmylou Harris, Carlene Carter, Shania Twain, and even The Highwaymen. His ability to shift between styles and genres has kept him in demand for years, and his contributions extend beyond the drum kit to vocals, songwriting, and arranging.

In the mid-’90s, Vince lent his voice to the roots-rock group The Cicadas and later co-created Little Vinnie with keyboardist Billy Livsey—a quirky, heartfelt project that showed off his songwriting chops and his humor. But it’s his long-running role with Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals that has truly cemented his place as one of the great supporting players in American music. For over 20 years, he’s brought power and groove to the Rascals’ legendary sound, helping to keep their music alive for new generations of fans.

In 2025, Vince took a bold step forward with the release of his solo album Exposed. The record digs deep into personal territory, with tracks like “For Adeline,” a tribute to his late mother, and “Everything,” a timely commentary on truth and confusion in the modern world. Co-written in part with his wife Barbara and produced by longtime collaborator George Marinelli, the album showcases Vince not just as a performer, but as a storyteller with something to say. The sound blends Americana, roots-rock, and even spoken-word elements, creating a record that feels both reflective and refreshingly honest.

Offstage, Vince has become just as dedicated to his work as a union leader. As Secretary/Treasurer of the Nashville Musicians Association, he works behind the scenes to protect the rights and livelihoods of his fellow musicians. Whether he’s on the mic, behind the drums, or at the negotiating table, Vince Santoro brings heart, grit, and decades of experience to everything he does.

If you’re looking for a musician who’s seen it all, played with the best, and still shows up every day with passion and purpose—Vince Santoro is that guy.