Although born in Chicago, Schwartz grew up in Phoenix. He began drum lessons in 1965, and when his family moved to Los Angeles a few years later, he had decided to become a professional drummer and by the mid-1970s was drumming regularly with a few bands and doing some recording work. In between Yankovic projects, Schwartz continues to play with other L.A.-area artists and bands and has recorded albums with Rip Masters, Jim Silvers, Ray Campi, Raymond And Scum, ApologetiX and Idle Hands Schwartz and his wife Leslie live in the Los Angeles area with their dog Pepper.