Greg Beene

Location: Chicago, IL

Challenge: Leg Amputee

Website: youtube.com/user/oneleggreg2

Greg Leonard Beene was born to George and Meridith Beene on February 28th, 1977. Weighing less than 3 lbs, he proved then to be one that would beat the odds. Greg, being the second oldest of four boys, thrived for attention through mischievous behavior. As he grew, he channeled that energy into more positive acts of recognition.

Greg learned early that he received his athletic ability from his father, a two-time NCAA national wrestling champion. He excelled in sports such as football, baseball, track and wrestling. His dad taught him how to relate sports to life. “Never get used to losing” and “never quit” would echo in Greg’s ears for years to come. Greg’s mother, a devout Christian, brought him up in church. Here, he learned how to have a strong relationship with God and how to rely on his faith. Church was also the place where Greg met his first girlfriend, music. He began drum lessons at 9 years old and was playing regularly in many church and school bands at age 15.

After high school, Greg was left with many decisions about his future. He chose to forego an NAACP Art Scholarship and completed one year of college before deciding to refine his barbering skills. He enrolled in barber college where he obtained his barber license. With his career now established, Greg moved out of his parents’ home and stayed busy with many hobbies. He was introduced to recreational cycling by his godfather in 1996. His interest in bicycles soon progressed into motorcycle riding; a pleasure in which his grandmother had once enjoyed.

On the early evening of August 12, 2003, Greg’s life took a tumultuous turn. He lost control of his motorcycle showing a co-worker how to ride. His severe injuries included a shattered hip and right leg, broken ribs, internal bleeding and 3rd degree burns. Greg nearly lost his life having 8 blood transfusions and remained in a coma for 4 weeks. When he woke from his coma he realized that the accident had cost him his right leg. He was told he would be limited to a wheel chair with no hopes of ever walking, even with a prosthetic. At the young age of 26, after 4 months in the hospital, Greg was transferred to a nursing home and then to the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago.

At this point Greg was determined to push ahead in life full throttle. With only a month of physical rehab, he had strengthened his upper body enough to get around using crutches. His hope to one day walk with a prosthetic intensified. When Greg returned home, he began swimming and bike riding. He became a member of the Joliet Bike Club just 7 months after his accident. Greg participated in the Bike the Drive, Chase the Moon, Midnight Ride and The Chicago Land Boulevard cycling events. The more he rode, the more determined he became. Greg went back to school and graduated with a cosmetology and a barber instructor license. By this time he was also walking with a prosthetic and playing the drums.

Greg had a lot of uncertainties about playing the drums. He had missed out on a great opportunity to play on a album for Kim Stratton, she is known for singing the National Anthem for President Obama in 2008. But being encouraged by his brother and musical friends, Greg took on the challenge of playing the drums with one leg. Rick Allen, of course was his biggest inspiration. But Greg wanted to play an acoustic drum kit instead of a electronic drum kit. He tried the two hi hat setup for a while (one closed, and the other one opened). Greg played that way because he has no right leg to play the bass drum so he uses his left leg to play the bass drum. It was very hard for Greg to train his left leg to play bass like his right leg did. Still to this day the left isn’t as good as the right leg was, but he practices foot technique all the time. But soon Greg would be back on doing what he loves to do, gigging.

Now Greg had to change his focus when playing the drums. It was simple, just play and stay in the pocket. He also focused on the way his drums and cymbals sounded. Greg and two of his friends helped to modify his kit. Now when Greg plays, his fellow band mates forget that he is playing with one leg. That is one of Greg’s favorite compliments, to hear from his peers.

Now Greg is one of the most sought after drummers in the area where he resides. He is covering all types of genres of music. But he thanks God, family, and friends for their support and unwavering love. And he also thanks companies like DW for innovations that has helped make his life easier!

40 Below - Use Somebody

Greg L Beene AKA One Leg Greg