Neighbor News
Two Westminster natives are drummers for world renown recording artists
Matt Billingslea, with Taylor Swift; J.D. Lenick with Luke Grimes
By Timothy Cox
for the Patch Network
WESTMINSTER, MD -- Carroll County residents, specifically Westminsterians, should be proud to know that two of their very own home-grown boys, are currently drummers for two world renown recording artists.
Find out what's happening in Westminsterfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Matthew Billingslea works for mega pop star Taylor Swift and J.D. Lenick works for country music and film star, Luke Grimes.
According to his FACEBOOK page, Billingslea, was formerly the drummer for the famed trio Lady Antebellum, prior to switching allegiance to Ms. Swift's band.
Find out what's happening in Westminsterfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
In speaking with Steve Bowersox, an historian and educator at Westminster High School, it was confirmed that Billingslea is a 1997 graduate of WHS and Lenick graduated in 2009, he said.
An official at Westminster United Methodist Church, Sheri Haines, also confirmed that Billingslea is the son of Michael Billingslea and the late Beverly Billingslea. All three are former members of WUMC, according to Ms. Haines. Both of Matt's parents were also former educators in the Westminster School district, according to unconfirmed accounts.
According to his FACEBOOK page, Matt Billingslea’s first instrument was the piano and he studied classical music. He switched to drums at age 10, and was influenced by '90s rock/alternative music and the progressive '70s rock band, RUSH. While still in Westminster, he played in the high school jazz band, several local rock bands and a few regional Big Bands.
Seeking further fortune and fame, he relocated to Nashville in 2005 - hooking up with the Athens-Augusta, Georgia band, Lady A. He's currently an adjunct professor at faith-based, Lipscomb University in Nashville.
Mt. Bowersox confirmed that J.D. Lenick is currently working the rhythmic beats for country star Luke Grimes. Lenick got his start playing locally in church and also played in Westminster school bands, according to his online bio. He and his wife initially moved to Minnesota, before making the trek to Nashville for bigger and better opportunities.
(About the author: Timothy Cox is also a professional drummer and currently performs with the legendary Westminster Municipal Band. He can be reached at teacawks2@gmail.com)
