BIOGRAPHY
David L. Heim, born on August 26, 1955 in Chicago, Illinois, was a drummer, zoo docent, photographer, model rocketry enthusiast, and Senior Manager of Information Technology for American Agricultural Insurance Company.
As a drummer in the Chicago area, Dave Heim played all styles of music, performing with concert bands, symphonic bands, theater pit bands, horn bands, rock, R&B, jazz, and big bands in everything from private parties, country club gigs, corporate events, and public performances — originals as well as music covers.
From 1976 to 1983, Heim worked for Ludwig Drum Company (the Musser division as well as the drum division on Damen Avenue in Chicago). Originally hired for his computer skills, Dave often found himself working the Ludwig/Musser assembly line, road-testing prototypes, and even creating new innovations such as the Musser M-62 Portable Chime Rack. You can read more about Dave Heim's experiences in his Drummer Cafe article, Keeping Time At Ludwig.
In the early 80s, Dave became a local endorser for Slingerland Drums and gave drum clinics throughout Chicago area music stores until Slingerland was purchased by Gibson and moved from the Chicago area.
As an educator, Dave gave private lessons in his home teaching studio as well as teaching drums through Quinlan & Fabish Music Store in Mt. Prospect, IL.
As a performer, Dave Heim was drumming for a classic rock band, Second Time Around, with Americana artist James Curley, and with the 11-piece horn rock band Scraps of Brass. He could also be seen performing several times a year with the musical comedy group, The Bottle Band, who experienced several minutes of fame here and there with local radio, a feature spot on Chicago PBS station WTTW's "Wild Chicago", featured on "An American Moment with James Earl Jones", a performance on "The Jenny Jones Show", two appearances as the featured musical guest on "The Late Show with David Letterman", and in 2011 competed on NBC's "America's Got Talent."
On September 17, 2004 joined the Drummer Cafe - Community Forum under the username DaveFromChicago, and since that time was an avid supporter, contributor and VIP Member of the Drummer Cafe.
Dave Heim passed away on Friday, November 16, 2012 in Chicago, IL; he was 57.
MEDIA
INTERVIEW
Recorded on June 2, 2011, Bart Elliott interviews longstanding Drummer Cafe VIP member, Dave Heim, at the Drummer Cafe studio in Nashville, TN.
Dave talks about how he got into playing drums and percussion, studying with Bobby Christian, working for the Musser and Ludwig Drum Company (1976-1983), being a Slingerland drum endorser, and performing with the St. Luke's Bottle Band.
IN MEMORIAM
David L. Heim. Age 57 of Des Plaines. Suddenly November 16, 2012. Beloved husband of Lisa nee Olsson. Loving father of Benjamin. Dear son of Lloyd and the late Jane. Cherished brother of James (Lisa), Kathleen (Peter) Hamot and Michael (Melody). Fond uncle of Heidi, James, Steven, Peter, Matthew and Michael. Dear son-in-law of Burt and Iris Olsson. Visitation Tuesday., Nov. 20, 4-9 p.m., at RYAN-PARKE FUNERAL HOME, 120 S. Northwest Hwy., (2 blks. S. of Touhy) Park Ridge. Lying-In-State Wednesday, 12 p.m., until time of service, 1 p.m., at St. Luke's Lutheran Church, 205 N. Prospect, Park Ridge. Interment Acacia Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions would be appreciated to "Bright Start College Savings Program" for the benefit of Benjamin Heim. Please indicate Benjamin Heim's name in reference area of check. Please forward directly to the Heim residence.
LISTEN: Dave Heim - Memorial Service - November 21, 2012
THOUGHTS
"Dave was an unfaltering source of positive energy, both within the [Drummer Cafe] forum and to everyone with whom he interacted. He set a wonderful example for all of us, and will be sorely missed.
"Truly, he was one of the good guys."
"Dave and I met through the Drummer Cafe and we corresponded back and forth on a semi-regular basis via email and eventually Facebook.
"Dave provided me with moral support for my various projects (and I was honored that he used my books with his private students). A testimonial from Dave is featured on the back cover of Drumset for Preschoolers and he wrote an eloquent review of Drum Aerobics on Amazon.com. Thank you, Dave, for all of your help!
"Dave was a beautiful human being (along with being a great drummer/teacher/writer). I regret that I never got to m eet him in person. We missed each other a couple years ago when I was in Chicago for a concert with Jed's a Millionaire, and recently, Dave was in Phoenix for a business meeting and we weren't able to make plans.
"Dave Heim was an important figure in the drumming community and will be sorely missed."
"... in the realm of online communities, Dave was one of the good guys. Always contributing insightful and educated responses to any discussion, and treating everyone else in the community with utmost respect.
"Dave didn't seem to post [on the Drummer Cafe forum] for the sake of it, but often had valuable input through his experiences as a prominent local player, and his fascinating history working inside the Ludwig Drum Company."
— Chris Whitten
"Dave Heim first joined the Drummer Cafe forum back in September 2004. From that very moment, Dave was a huge supporter and asset to our drum community.
"Dave's friendship meant a lot to me. Year after year he contributed financially through his VIP membership and Premium Resource subscription, helping me with the costs of operating the Drummer Cafe. Besides the wealth of knowledge and experience he shared on the Drummer Cafe forum, Dave also contributed with an article in which he reflected on his days at the Ludwig Drum Company in Chicago.
"Dave had a great sense of humor and wit, was passionate about the art of drumming, loved his family, and was a true gentlemen."
