John Densmore, the iconic drummer for The Doors, recently brought his talents and philosophy to the Homeboy Art Academy, offering a workshop and performing alongside participants in downtown Los Angeles. His visit, which included a drum circle and an impromptu concert, offered a moment of connection and inspiration for many involved in the program.
The connection between Densmore and Homeboy Industries’ founder, Father Greg Boyle, began a couple of years ago, stemming from a column about Boyle and his culinary preferences. That led to a dinner in July at the Smoke House in Burbank, where Densmore, Boyle, former reporter Greg Krikorian, and the author conversed. The engagement deepened when Boyle later emailed about Densmore spontaneously jamming at the Homeboy Art Academy in August while participants played “Stand By Me.” Densmore, still keeping perfect time at 81, then suggested returning to stage a music workshop or drum circle.
Densmore made good on that promise on a recent Wednesday, insisting on first touring the Homeboy Art Academy. Founded by artist Fabian Debora, the academy is located near Metro’s Chinatown station. Debora explained he grew up in the projects where Father Greg Boyle first began his work in the 1980s, finding his own healing and transformation through art. He then sought to fulfill a missing need in the community, leading to the creation of the academy, which he now co-runs with Dre Comers, providing art instruction to tens of thousands. Most participants are young adults, many of whom were born decades after The Doors released their final album.
During his visit, Densmore met with students and instructors from the Young Musicians Foundation’s Music Heals program, which is largely funded by legendary songwriter Mike Stoller, co-writer of hits like “Jailhouse Rock” and “Stand by Me.” The latter song is featured on a new “Music Heals” album, designed by art academy participants and released the day before Densmore’s workshop. Instructors Joe Calderon and Martin Flores are key figures in the program.
Addressing about 30 students and instructors, Densmore shared his perspective on music, describing it as a way to enter a state of timelessness. He called it “kind of like a meditation,” where “a little bit of infinity creeps in.” He emphasized that this healing and feeding space is accessible to everyone, regardless of whether they aspire to be professional musicians or just play for themselves.
Concert time followed, with Densmore on drums, joined by Calderon on guitar, Flores on percussion, and Mackenzie Azela on bass. Homeboy rehabilitation program participants Fabian Debora Jr. (on bass and vocals) and Ralph Quintero (on vocals) also performed. The band smoothly delivered a set that included a blues number called “Got My Mojo Working,” Ben E. King’s “Stand by Me,” and Cream’s “Sunshine of Your Love,” delighting the smiling musicians and tapping, clapping spectators.
For the Homeboy participants, the experience was particularly meaningful. Fabian Debora Jr., 27, who knew The Doors through his elders, expressed how cool it was to play with a band member. Ralph Quintero, 50, currently studying psychology to become a drug counselor, shared his disbelief at having performed with Densmore.
Following the concert, everyone in the room grabbed shakers or small drums for a guided drum circle. Densmore instructed and conducted, leading the ensemble to conjure what he called the heartbeat of Mother Earth, with the music rising and falling before an orchestrated hush. During a brief Q&A, Densmore was asked about Jim Morrison, to which he responded, “I miss his artistry. I don’t miss his self-destruction.” He noted his own age of 81 compared to Morrison’s passing at 27, encouraging the students to “keep on breathing.”
Father Greg Boyle’s mission at Homeboy Industries, to show love and prepare individuals for new lives while reminding all that “we belong to each other,” recently garnered him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which former gang members say is “about time.” The spirit of this mission was evident in Densmore’s visit.
As Densmore was packing up, a young man named Jeremiah approached him, asking him to record a short video for his girlfriend’s family, who had recently lost their grandfather, a lifelong Doors fan. Jeremiah shared that The Doors’ music was their family’s “go-to music, every car trip,” listing favorites like “Riders on the Storm,” “Break on Through,” “Touch Me,” and “L.A. Woman.” The impact of Densmore’s visit resonated deeply, as Martin Flores, program director at Music Heals, later thanked Densmore, telling him he had “provided our students with not only an incredible artistic experience, but also a deep sense of connection, inspiration and hope as they navigate their journeys.” Densmore, reflecting on the day, felt he “might have gotten more out of it than I gave.”