Cleveland author Rick Porrello ’s life has had three main aspects. One of them is the main topic of “Just Play Like You Do in the Basement: Coming of Age as the Drummer for the Greatest Entertainer in the World,” a memoir about Porrello’s stint in Sammy Davis Jr.’s band, beginning when Porrello was just 18.

Growing up in Cleveland Heights, Porrello was familiar with the music business, as his father was an executive in the musicians union, coming in contact with local mobsters as well as noted performers. Porrello’s brother Ray, nine years his elder, was a talented drummer and by age 16 was playing professionally, encouraged by famed jazz drummer Louie Bellson, a family friend. Ray earned a place in Davis’ band.

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