Ross Rutherford was strangely enough born in a tiny remote village in East Africa known as Ngorongoro. Born to the parents of Peace Corp workers, little Ross soon learned the customs and traditions of his tribe, the Totog. During a freak electrical storm in Ross’ early years, his parents were unfortunately killed while, of all things, flying a kite, something Ross loved to do during storms. The Chief of the Tribe, Ka Tyeleo, took him under his wing and raised him as his own.

Given the tribal name Fidi Mukulla (zebra who pees standing on hind legs), Ross took to the African drums like a cheetah to a wildebeest. Tribes came from miles around to hear little Fidi play his African drums. For years, Fidi was the talk of Africa, touring villages all across the land. National Geographic one day came to see what villagers called "that white guy with rhythm" and could not believe what they saw. They talked to Ross about America, and all that it offered. Ross went back with them, as his dream was a chance to play to a huge audience.

Ross got his chance in the late 80's while attending a concert of the band "Autograph". With their drummer ill, the band pleaded with the crowd for a "drummer in the house". Ross stepped up and played his heart out. Lasting all of 2 songs before being berated in front of the entire audience by the lead singer for playing the drums with his bare hands, and subsequently beaten up by the bouncers backstage, Ross knew he had found his calling.

While healing his wounds, and using tree branches as drumsticks, Ross honed his craft until he felt he was ready. While the Vinyl Kings first passed on Ross as their drummer, he won them over with kindness and perseverance… And threats, lots of threats.