Jeffrey Vincent Thompson was born on May 27, 1961, in Watertown, CT, the third of 6 children, to Ed Thompson, a chemist, and Joline Petruzzi, a school teacher. His mother was of Italian descent and his father had Irish and German ancestry. He grew up in a physically abusive household, helping form a tough demeanor that would shape the rest of his life. He graduated from prestigious Amherst College in 1984 with an English degree and immediately embarked on a music career. In his earlier years, Jeff played drums for legendary singers Petula Clark, Marilyn McCoo, Billy Davis Jr., and Jimmy Webb. He also appeared on stage as the drummer for comics Joan Rivers, Don Rickles, Bob Newhart, Rich Little and Joe Piscopo, and was often asked to participate in their skits.
