For these past few days since Drake's passing I have been awash with memories of the early days of the Raiders. We were all so young and full of excitement at our good fortune. Drake was such an innovative talent. When I hired him he was a mere sixteen years old with a 1,000 watt smile. I called him "The Kid". He was miles ahead of guitar players twice his age. Drake had an uncanny sense of rhythm which enhanced not only his playing but his movement on stage. A natural born dancer who, as far as I remember, invented playing guitar behind his head while dancing on top of an amp but NEVER missing a note! It broke my heart when he along with Fang and Smitty left the Raiders in '67 to strike out on their own, but I understood. They wanted to be the captains of their own creative ship. Drake was one of the first people to call me and offer encouragement when I had my own bout with cancer twenty years ago. I'm so thankful I was able to speak with Drake and his devoted wife Sandra by phone at the hospital shortly before he left us. My wife Sydney and I send our heartfelt condolences to his loving wife Sandra and to all of Drake's family.
Drake, tell Smitty hi for me....
Love,
Paul
Drake Levin Memorial Guestbook
Letterman and Paul Schafer salute Drake Levin
