Born September 19, 1977, in Los Angeles, drummer Ryan Dusick is best known as the original drummer for California-based pop/rock outfit Maroon 5. He joined up with teenaged friends Adam Levine, Jesse Carmichael, and Mickey Madden in 1994 -- considered by those guys as one of the best musicians in school -- and together they formed the Nirvana-, Beatles-, and Pearl Jam-inspired rock group Kara's Flowers. The quartet scored a record deal with Reprise, issued a mediocre album, and was released from their contract all in a matter of years. Following the termination of their deal, the band went on hiatus and everyone went his separate way. Eventually, though, the guys reconvened back in Los Angeles and set to work writing new songs that owned a fresh groove-based element dissimilar from their previous songs. After the addition of new guitarist James Valentine, the newly christened quintet Maroon 5 was officially born. With tracks mostly inspired by Levine's recently failed relationship, the band scored a new deal with Octone Records, and their debut album, the aptly titled Songs About Jane, was soon completed. Released in June 2002, the album sold steadily over the next couple of years and was certified platinum by 2004. Maroon 5 scored several hit singles, won two Grammy Awards, and toured constantly in support of the record. However, the constant performing proved to be detrimental to Dusick, who wound up hurting his arm so badly from the continuous shows that he was forced to stop playing in late 2004. As he temporarily sat out to undergo tests and attempt to heal, Maroon 5 continued their heavy touring regime with a replacement behind the drum kit. Months passed and what once seemed like a temporary situation eventually, and unfortunately, looked to be more permanent. Drummer Matt Flynn officially replaced Dusick in September 2006. ~ Corey Apar, Rovi