Dennis St. John

St. John, Dennis
November 9, 1941 - June 5, 2012
Dennis St. John of Santa Monica, CA, died on June 5, 2012, from complications due to esophageal cancer. Born on November 9, 1941, in Beatrice, NE, to Jeanne and Colonel Ralph St. John, Dennis graduated Magna Cum Laude from Emory University. A gifted percussionist, Dennis began his career in music after forming a band in college. He relocated to Los Angeles and played on over fifty gold and platinum albums with top artists of the sixties and seventies. Dennis is best known as Neil Diamond's drummer and musical director from 1971-1981. He considered the recording of "Hot August Night" in 1972 at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles the highlight of his career. Dennis is survived by his cousin, Susan Byars, of Lexington, KY, and first cousins-once removed, David Dillow of St. Louis, MO; Jeff Dillow of Mission Hills, KS; Ann Crowley of Hays, KS; Steve Byars of Lexington, KY; and Matt Byars of Baltimore, MD. His parents, his maternal aunt and uncle, Grace and John Rhodes, and cousin Sara Rhodes Dillow preceded him in death.
Private memorial services will be held in Santa Monica, CA, and Beatrice, NE. Dennis' charm and charisma made him an instant friend to everyone he met. His family of friends brought him great joy and comfort throughout his life.