Why Three Dog Night’S Drummer Floyd Sneed Left The Band For A Jazz Group

April 1, 2025

Floyd Sneed sat alone in his dimly lit hotel room, the rhythmic thud of his heart matching the distant sound of a bass guitar from the band downstairs. He was the drummer for Three Dog Night, a band that had skyrocketed to fame in the early 1970s with hits that echoed through arenas and record players across America. But beneath the glittering surface of success, Floyd felt a deep yearning that was almost impossible to ignore. The jazz melodies that had once inspired him as a young boy were calling to him again, stirring a passion that he had long set aside.

Day after day, the band would play their energetic rock and pop songs, and while Floyd loved the excitement, he felt a tug at his soul. Jazz had always been his first love—a genre that allowed for improvisation and creativity. He remembered the late nights spent listening to legends like Miles Davis and John Coltrane, their smooth sounds wrapping around him like a warm blanket. The structured rhythms of rock felt stifling at times, like a beautiful cage that didn’t quite fit. After much contemplation, he made the difficult decision: he would leave Three Dog Night and pursue the jazz path that had always felt like home.

When Floyd shared his decision with the band, the room was filled with a mixture of surprise and sadness. His bandmates respected his choice but couldn’t help feeling the weight of the loss. They had been through thick and thin together, touring across the country and making music that connected with millions. But Floyd was resolute. He needed to follow his heart. “Music is life,” he told them firmly, eyes shining with determination. “If I don’t explore this part of me, I might never know what I’m missing.”

With a heavy heart, Floyd packed his bags and stepped into the unknown. He joined a small jazz group and began playing in clubs where the vibe was electric and the audience was daring. Each performance felt like magic, as he confidently expressed his creativity through every beat. Slowly but surely, he found his groove again, discovering the joy that came with exploring new rhythms and sounds. The camaraderie of the jazz scene felt fresh and alive, filling his spirit with hope and energy.

As the months rolled on, Floyd faced challenges—rebuilding his name in a different genre was no easy feat. There were times he questioned his decision, missing the familiar faces of his old bandmates and the roar of the crowd that Three Dog Night often commanded. But every night he stepped onto the stage with his new band, he knew he had made the right choice. Audiences swayed and smiled as he played, and he realized that music, no matter the genre, had the power to connect hearts.

Floyd’s journey reminded him that taking risks is part of what makes life extraordinary. By leaving behind the success he had known, he opened the door to uncharted territories filled with creativity and fulfillment. Each note he played was a testament to his resilience—the courage to chase after what truly made him happy. In the end, Floyd Sneed became not just a drummer but a storyteller through music, showing everyone that following your passion can lead to a brighter, more authentic life.