Auburn's Biff Adam drummed for Merle Haggard; daughter continues legacy

With the loss of a loved one, surviving family and friends try to make sure their legacy lives on. One Colfax woman is ensuring to do so for her famous musician father. Debi Stalder hopes the legacy of her father, Biff Adam, will continue to inspire young musicians. Stalder and her sister, Connie Ishman, announced the death of their father on Facebook on March 7 as a result of congestive heart failure. Biff was born Clair Adam in Reading, Pennsylvania, in April 1936. After the death of his parents, chocolatier Milton Hershey took custody of Adam from the state of Pennsylvania, according to Stalder. Adam attended the Milton Hershey School, an all-boys school at the time, in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Adam was also a prominent musician in Los Angeles and a Navy veteran. In 1970, he became the drummer in Merle Haggard's band, the Strangers. According to his Facebook page, Adam lived in Auburn. "He had a wonderful life," Stalder said. Adam was known for various drum licks and getting different sounds on a drum. However, according to Stalder, this is not the only legacy her father leaves behind. Adam also taught young musicians how to play by ear and became a mentor to students who became famous in their own right. Stalder would like to continue her father's influence on the younger generation of musicians. "I plan to give local schools, Placer High and Colfax high schools, some drum sets and some of his drum sticks, if the trust will allow it," Stalder said. According to Stalder, several of Adam's drum sets and other memorabilia will be put into prominent museums. Stalder would also like to celebrate the life of her father with a country music event. Because of COVID-19 concerns, Stalder said the event has been postponed and could take place in late summer or early fall. The event will be a celebration for many to enjoy and feature bands and singers performing music Adam was part of, line dancing, a potluck dinner and Adam's memorabilia on display. Stalder will announce details about the celebration of life event later. Adam's Facebook page remains open for people to share their stories, thoughts and memories.