[1] Born in Morristown, New Jersey, Gimbel started playing drums as a young child, beginning lessons in third grade.

After high school, Gimbel attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston where he majored in jazz composition and arranging.

Gimbel became a touring musician with Aerosmith from 1989 until 1995, performing keyboards, saxophone, percussion, and backing vocals.

In March 2021, Foreigner's bassist Jeff Pilson announced Gimbel's retirement from the band.

He has three older brothers and sisters and is, among many others, related to the television producer and Emmy Award winner, Roger Gimbel (1925–2011).