The 100 Finest Drummers Of All Time

What makes an amazing drummer is a topic that divides musicians and followers alike: there’ll at all times be arguments over whether or not technical talent ought to preside over really feel, or whether or not an aesthetic sense of restraint is extra fascinating than flashy showmanship. As such, it’s nigh-on inconceivable to assemble a definitive listing of the perfect drummers on the earth… however we have now tried.

Virtually inevitably, rock drummers dominate our 100 greatest drummers of all time, however some jazz musicians, together with, Artwork Blakey, Max Roach, Shelly Manne and Gene Krupa, have been included, whereas one other vital jazz drummer even made it into our High 10. (Their identification can be revealed later.)

Whilst you’re studying, hearken to our Finest Drummers playlist here.

In addition to iconic names from a number of the greatest bands on the earth, we’ve made method for a number of the most in-demand session drummers of all time, amongst them Steve Gadd and the late legends Jeff Porcaro and Hal Blaine. However there’ll, little doubt, be omissions. (“How might they ignore ‘Stumpy’ Pepys!?’”) If you happen to suppose there are, you may at all times recommend your greatest drummers of all time within the feedback part under.

For now, nevertheless, cue drum roll… Right here is our information to the 100 greatest drummers in music historical past.

100: Les Binks

Northern Eire-born drummer Les Binks is greatest recognized for his time with Judas Priest, after he joined them on their 1977 world tour, following a spell with Eric Burdon. He introduced a sophisticated, jazz-tinged fashion to the band and starred on their studio albums Stained Class (co-writing the track “Past The Realms Of Loss of life”) and Killing Machine, in addition to a reside album from Japan, Unleashed In The East. Binks was nonetheless going robust in his late 60s. In 2018, the drummer carried out traditional Judas Priest songs reside with a brand new band referred to as Les Binks’ Priesthood.
Take a look at: “Past The Realms Of Loss of life”

99: Roy Haynes

Roy Haynes’s nickname, Snap Crackle, was supposedly an onomatopoeic approximation of his snare drum sound. Haynes started as a tough bop drummer within the early 50s earlier than demonstrating that he might play any type of jazz, even avant-garde, with panache. His collaborations learn like a Who’s Who of recent jazz and embrace albums with Artwork Farmer, Sonny Stitt, Michel Petrucciani and Freddie Hubbard. He was nonetheless enjoying in his 90s.
Take a look at: “Snap Crackle”

98: Karen Carpenter

Although Karen Carpenter is called the sweet-voiced singer of Carpenters hits resembling “Please Mr Postman,” her first musical profession was enjoying jazz drums, the instrument she performed within the unique Richard Carpenter Trio. In a 1975 Playboy journal readers’ ballot, Carpenter was voted the perfect rock drummer of the 12 months – edging out Led Zeppelin’s John Bonham, The Who’s Keith Moon and The Beatles’ Ringo Starr. “I’m each humbled and embarrassed at this large recognition,” she stated throughout a TV interview. “I heard that John Bonham is kind of upset. I hope he isn’t mad at me, as I had nothing to do with the ballot.” She then performed the drums and sang a fantastic model of Zeppelin’s “Babe, I’m Going To Go away You.”
Take a look at: “All Of My Life”

97: Meg White

Meg White, who has gained 4 Grammys, obtained into skilled drumming nearly accidentally within the mid-90s when she stepped behind a drum equipment and began thumping out a primal beat behind her husband Jack White’s guitar enjoying. White shortly sensed that the mixture of his expertise and his spouse’s primitive fashion was a successful formulation. The White Stripes had been born, and Meg was acclaimed as certainly one of rock music’s most compelling stickswoman.
Take a look at: “Suzy Lee”

96: Tony Allen

Self-taught Nigerian native Tony Allen’s driving, polyrhythmic fashion fashioned the bedrock of ‘Afrobeat’: the breathtaking fusion of funk, calypso, conventional Nigerian rhythms and the bebop of American drummer Artwork Blakey he pioneered alongside visionary multi-instrumentalist Fela Kuti in Africa ’70. This forward-thinking West African outfit recorded a wealth of fabric, together with landmark titles resembling Gents and Zombie through the ’60s and ’70s, whereas in his latter days, Allen occupied the drum stool for Damon Albarn’s The Good, The Dangerous & The Queen and recorded a number of highly-regarded titles for Blue Observe.
Take a look at: “Zombie”

95: Kenny Clarke

Pittsburgh-born Kenny Clarke, who was nicknamed Klook, was a founding member of The Fashionable Jazz Quartet, and one of many musicians who might have claimed to have helped begin bebop within the mid-40s. His hallmark was introducing syncopated accents on the bass drum whereas beating out a propulsive cymbal beat to keep up a swing groove. Clarke helped lay down the template for contemporary jazz drumming.
Take a look at: “The Golden Eight”

94: Christian Vander

French drummer Christian Vander is famend for his intense, idiosyncratic fashion, developed within the 70s because the chief of the prog rock band Magma. He has cited John Coltrane’s drummer Elvin Jones as a formative affect. Vander was additionally recognized for his piano enjoying and his falsetto scat singing. Lately he has performed together with his personal trio and quartet.
Take a look at: “Zombies (Ghost Dance)”

93: Giovanni Hidalgo

Salsa-style drumming is typically neglected, however among the best rhythmic technicians is Puerto Rican drummer Giovanni Hidalgo. His velocity is exceptional, whether or not enjoying quite a few conga drums or sharp-toned timbales. In 1992, Hidalgo was employed as an adjunct professor at Berklee School Of Music, in Boston, instructing rhythm strategies in Puerto Rican, Cuban, Dominican, reggae, African and jazz types. Hidalgo, who has performed with Artwork Blakey, Paul Simon and Steve Gadd, gained a Grammy for his contribution to the album Planet Drum.
Take a look at: “Island Groove”

92: Brian Blade

Brian Blade, who is very revered by trendy jazz musicians, got here to prominence with albums for Kenny Garrett and Joshua Redman. His personal band, The Brian Blade Fellowship, has launched a few spectacular albums on Blue Observe Data, every with a definite nation music ambiance as a result of uncommon use of pedal metal guitar. Blade has additionally recorded for Joni Mitchell and Bob Dylan, and has labored with Wayne Shorter’s quartet.
Take a look at: “Purple River Revel”

91: Dave Clark

London-born Dave Clark began work as a stuntman – showing in additional than 100 movies – earlier than shopping for himself a drum equipment and studying to play. After enjoying in a couple of skiffle bands, he fashioned his personal unit, The Dave Clark 5. The band had a succession of hit singles between 1964 and 1970, offered greater than 100 million information and starred in successful movie. Although he wasn’t technically sensible, his energetic fashion influenced pop music. “If The Beatles ever appeared over their shoulders, it was not the Stones they noticed. They noticed The Dave Clark 5,” stated Andrew Loog Oldham, supervisor of The Rolling Stones.
Take a look at: “Glad All Over”

90: Dave Weckl

In addition to being an vital educator, Missouri-born drummer Dave Weckl, who was inducted into the Fashionable Drummer Corridor Of Fame in 2000, has appeared with quite a few prime stars, together with Madonna, George Benson and Paul Simon. A few of his best work was with Chick Corea Elektric Band, with whom he performed from 1985 to 1991. Weckl was additionally a key a part of the GRP All-Star Large Band. Lately he has launched information as The Dave Weckl Band.
Take a look at: “Pageant De Ritmo”

89: James Gadson

James Gadson first got here to note with The Watts 103rd St Rhythm Band within the 60s. He was later snapped up by Invoice Withers, earlier than turning into one of many West Coast’s most prolific session gamers. His excellent regular tempo and really feel for the music is clear on his work with Jackson 5, The Temptations and Marvin Gaye.
Take a look at: “Let’s Get It On”

88: Phil Rudd

Eric Singer of KISS praised Phil Rudd as “the guts and soul of AC/DC”. Rudd realized his commerce with Melbourne bands resembling Buster Brown And The Colored Balls, earlier than becoming a member of up with the Australian laborious rock giants in 1975. In his first spell, he performed with AC/DC till 1983, and once more from 1994 to 2015. His life was generally controversial off stage, however in reside reveals and in his studio work, his consistency and unshakeable backbeat was a serious function of classics resembling “It’s A Lengthy Means To The High (If You Need To Rock’n’Roll),” “TNT,” and “Soiled Deeds Executed Filth Low-cost.”
Take a look at: “Let There Be Rock”

87: Tony Thompson

Tony Thompson made his identify laying down some memorable disco grooves for Stylish within the 70s, on sensible hits resembling “We Are Household” and “Le Freak.” The New York musician, whose mom was from Trinidad, was solely 48 when he died of most cancers in 2003. He leaves a legacy of nice drumming, together with enjoying on Robert Palmer’s “Addicted To Love” and Madonna’s “Like A Virgin.”
Take a look at: “Good Occasions”

86: Greg Errico

Drummer and report producer Greg Errico had a different profession, enjoying with musicians as various as jazz-fusion group Climate Report, David Bowie, Santana and Grateful Useless. He made his lasting status, although, because the drummer for Sly & The Household Stone, serving to the band create their excellent mix of soul, funk and psychedelic rock. He’s a drummer recognized for his flawless syncopation and dance-friendly grooves.
Take a look at: “Dance To The Music”

85: Harvey Mason

Harvey Mason is among the most highly-prized trendy session drummers. His skilful use of tumbling tom-tom fills, hi-hat cymbals, snare and bass drums earned him the respect of his friends, and he has gained the Fashionable Drummer journal’s studio ballot 4 instances. He has featured on recordings by Barbra Streisand, James Brown, Mary J Blige, Herbie Hancock, Frank Sinatra and John Legend, and performed with the London Symphony Orchestra. His versatility is such that he’s equally at dwelling showing on nation music albums with Chet Atkins and jazz albums with Blue Observe greats resembling Bobby Hutcherson or Donald Byrd.
Take a look at: “Chameleon”

84: Max Weinberg

After the large success of Bruce Springsteen’s Born In The USA album, the singer and guitarist paid tribute to drummer Max Weinberg. “Max was the perfect factor on the report,” The Boss stated. The snare drum on the title observe is an effective instance of the talent of the New Jersey musician’s inventiveness. Weinberg later turned the bandleader for The Tonight Present With Conan O’Brien. He’s additionally the daddy of Slipknot drummer Jay Weinberg.
Take a look at: “Thunder Highway”

83: Chico Hamilton

Chico Hamilton took half within the first recordings by The Gerry Mulligan Quartet, consultant of a profession of experimentation. The Chico Hamilton Quintet launched their first album in 1955 and it was an immediate success. Two years later, the band performed a pivotal function within the plot of the film The Candy Odor Of Success, during which one of many major characters is supposedly the quintet’s guitarist. In 1965, Hamilton composed and performed the music for Roman Polanski’s movie Repulsion. Hamilton continued to guide bands of various types and instrumentation into the twenty first Century; solely Artwork Blakey surpassed his report for locating and nurturing younger expertise. Hamilton’s personal enjoying was notable for his means to color his music with totally different tonal shades.
Take a look at: “Mr Jo Jones”

82: Alan Wren

One other important trendy drummer is Manchester-born Alan “Reni” Wren. His advanced, off-beat rhythms had been influential in creating the mix of indie and dance music which fashioned a lot of the Madchester sound of the early 90s, and his virtuoso drumming was a key issue within the reputation of The Stone Roses. After leaving the band in 1995, he fronted The Rub from 1998 to 2001. He returned to The Stone Roses for a reunion in 2012.
Take a look at: “I Am The Resurrection”

81: Joe Morello

Drummer Joe Morello helped Dave Brubeck’s band attain new heights as they experimented with odd and uneven metres. Morello turned well-versed in enjoying uncommon time signatures, and his drum solo on Brubeck’s signature observe, “Take 5,” is a masterclass in enjoying in 5/4 time. Morello, who suffered from partial imaginative and prescient since childhood, additionally excelled on “Blue Rondo À La Turk.” In later life, Morello turned an in-demand trainer whose college students included Danny Gottlieb, certainly one of Bruce Springsteen’s E Road Band members.
Take a look at: “Take 5”

80: Eric Carr

Eric Carr, who was born Paul Charles Caravello, was solely 41 when he died of most cancers in 1991. Carr joined KISS in 1980, after founding member Peter Criss left the group, and established his status as one of many first hard-hitting drummers to undertake a extremely reverberated and low-tuned snare drum sound. He made a big contribution to the band, recording eight albums with them, beginning with The Elders, in 1981, and ending with Scorching In The Shade, in 1989.
Take a look at: “Battle Machine”

79: Dennis Davis

Dennis Davis, who died in April 2016, was recognized for his versatility, which was no shock provided that he was tutored by bebop legends Max Roach and Elvin Jones. In addition to shining with jazz outfits resembling Clark Terry’s Large Band and Roy Ayers, he additionally made his mark within the rock world, together with his iconic work on David Bowie’s “Heroes” album. “Hearken to the drum breaks on ‘Blackout’… he had a conga drum as a part of his arrange and he made it sound like two musicians had been enjoying drums and congas,” stated producer Tony Visconti. In addition to working repeatedly with Bowie, who praised the drummer for his “refined tempo”, Davis additionally performed on a number of Stevie Surprise albums, together with Hotter Than July and the double-album soundtrack Stevie Surprise’s Journey Via The Secret Life Of Vegetation.
Take a look at: “Grasp Blaster (Jammin’)”

78: Glenn Kotche

Illinois-born drummer Glenn Kotche is very considered an brisk, imaginative percussionist, the rhythmic anchor for common rock band Wilco. In addition to his work with the Grammy-winning band from Chicago, Kotche had additionally appeared on recordings by Andrew Hen, Edith Frost, Neil Finn and Radiohead’s Phil Selway. His solo profession has been experimental. On Subsequent (2002), he explored improvised rhythms on ready drum equipment installations. “After I play with Wilco, it’s extra than simply laying down a beat,” he stated. “I’m considering when it comes to colors and textures.”
Take a look at: “Wishful Considering”

77: Joseph “Zigaboo” Modeliste

Zigaboo Modeliste’s fashion was steeped within the second-line custom of his native New Orleans. He’s greatest often called a founding member of The Meters and helped create a brand new fashion of funk drumming on information resembling “Cissy Strut” and “Simply Kissed My Child.” He had an enormous affect on rock band Little Feat and labored with artists as different as Prince, Dr John, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wooden (The Meters generally opened for The Rolling Stones). Modeliste has been referred to as “The Godfather Of Groove” and his grooves seem in a whole bunch of hip-hop samples.
Take a look at: “Cissy Strut”

76: John Densmore

As a teen, John Densmore turned enamoured with jazz and tried to play within the fashion of the good Elvin Jones. The Los Angeles-born musician, who studied below Indian sitar participant Ravi Shankar, moved in the direction of rock and is now greatest often called the drummer of The Doorways, showing on each recording made by the Jim Morrison-fronted band. In 2010, Fashionable Drummer journal hailed Densmore’s trip cymbal work as a number of the most distinctive in traditional rock. After The Doorways, he continued working with rock bands for a time however later targeting dance, appearing and on writing movie scores.
Take a look at: “LA Girl”

75: Russ Kunkel

Pittsburgh-born Russ Kunkel’s refined drumming has made him a go-to musician for main stars of acoustic-based music, together with Crosby, Stills & Nash, Joni Mitchell, Carole King, Jackson Browne and James Taylor. Kunkel’s lyrical enjoying and relaxed groove has been a key a part of albums resembling Taylor’s Candy Child James and Mitchell’s Blue. He has additionally performed with Bob Dylan, Bee Gees, Linda Ronstadt and Simon & Garfunkel. “I pay attention. I attempt to perceive the singer’s viewpoint and see if I can improve it, versus considering, I’m the drummer, so I play a beat and everybody follows,” stated Kunkel. “Typically I don’t even hear a spot for drums on a track. Possibly it simply wants some movement, however not essentially a complete equipment. Joni Mitchell’s ‘Carey’ was like that – only a easy conga half.”
Take a look at: “Working On Empty”

74: Bernard Purdie

Whenever you create a transfer that different drummers copy – as Bernard Purdie did with “The Purdie Shuffle” – then you realize you might be influential. The American drummer, who was nicknamed Fairly Purdie, created his transfer on Steely Dan’s “House At Final,” from their 1977 album, Aja. Purdie, certainly one of 15 kids, began enjoying drums by banging on his mom’s pots and pans as a toddler, and stated he knew he needed to be a drummer. “He at all times had some distinctive stylistic factor that you’d by no means think about upfront and that no one else would do,” stated Steely Dan’s Walter Becker. He toured and recorded with the greats of 60s soul, funk and jazz, together with James Brown, Aretha Franklin and Louis Armstrong. In all, Purdie may be heard on greater than 4,000 information.
Take a look at: “House At Final”

73: Fred Under

Former military recruit Fred Under realized jazz drumming in Chicago at The Roy C Knapp Faculty Of Percussion. However he turned a serious participant within the electrified Chicago blues motion of the 50s and 60s because the workers drummer at Chess Data, the place he recorded with Elmore James, Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters, Junior Wells, Buddy Man, Etta James and Bo Diddley. His fashion turned vastly imitated. Under stated that touring Africa with Junior Wells in 1967 for the State Division was the perfect expertise of his profession. “I used to be in drumming nation,” Under stated, “and I had my eyes, ears and fingers all able to be taught any type of factor I might decide up.”
Take a look at: “(I’m Your) Hoochie Coochie Man”

72: Sonny Payne

Sonny Payne had drumming in his blood – his father was Wild Invoice Davis’ drummer – and he performed with Erskine Hawkins’ huge band earlier than getting his break in 1954, when he joined Rely Basie’s band. He stayed with Basie for greater than ten years of fixed touring and recording. He was admired by Frank Sinatra, who requested that Payne sit in on drums every time he sang with Basie within the 60s. Payne, who died in 1979, introduced a profound sense of rhythmic swagger and panache to his enjoying.
Take a look at: “One O’Clock Bounce”

71: Roger Hawkins

Roger Hawkins was a key member of the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Part, who had been affectionately often called The Swampers. Hawkins was an excellent technician, with no ego, and he tailored his private fashion to the wants of various musicians. Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett and Percy Sledge (Hawkins performed on “When A Man Loves A Girl”) had been amongst those that benefitted. When Paul Simon needed one thing particular for “Kodachrome,” Hawkins discovered the suitable sound by beating on a tape field.
Take a look at: “Chain Of Fools”

70: Jimmy Cobb

Jimmy Cobb had stints with John Coltrane and was an in-demand jazz session musician, working for Cannonball Adderley, Wes Montgomery and Joe Henderson. Cobb additionally famously drummed for Miles Davis, showing on the trumpeter’s groundbreaking 1959 album, Type Of Blue. Cobb’s drumming was highly effective and delicate, and he knew how one can swing with fashion.
Take a look at: “Tribute To Brownie”

69: Bobby Elliott

The English drummer Robert Hartley Elliott was born in Burnley on December 8, 1941. Finest recognized for his work with The Hollies, he’s thought-about one of many best pop drummers of that period and significantly impressed Charlie Watts. Elliott, who was recognized for his flamboyant enjoying and use of intelligent snare rolls, stated the drummer that he hero-worshipped was jazz nice Gene Krupa.
Take a look at: “Simply One Look”

68: Tony Royster Jr

Although German-born Tony Royster, Jr, is basically recognized for a few of his work as a session musician for hip-hop stars – amongst them stadium-filling artists resembling Jay Z – he’s a gifted and versatile drummer. Royster has performed R&B, pop, rock, Latin and jazz, and backed musicians as various as Norah Jones and Eminem. He broke on to the music scene aged 12 with an attention-grabbing drum solo on the 1997 Fashionable Drummer Pageant and is understood for his speedy hand- and foot-work. He performed at President Barack Obama’s inaugural ball in 2009 and has additionally obtained the distinguished Louis Armstrong Jazz Award.
Take a look at: “Caravan”

67: Al Jackson, Jr

Because the drummer in Booker T And The MGs, the home band of the Memphis-based Stax/Volt report label, Al Jackson, Jr, was the person behind the spectacular regular beats that underlay a number of the greatest soul recordings of the 60s, together with Eddie Floyd’s “Knock On Wooden,” Otis Redding’s “Shake,” Sam & Dave’s “Soul Man,” and Wilson Pickett’s “Within the Midnight Hour.” Jackson died in 1975, when he was shot within the chest throughout a fracas together with his spouse of their Memphis dwelling.
Take a look at: “Inexperienced Onions”

66: Artwork Taylor

New Yorker Arthur S Taylor, Jr, was one of many best jazz drummers of the 50s. He labored with saxophonist Jackie McLean after which began recording with Coleman Hawkins in 1950, earlier than working steadily with pianist Bud Powell in 1952. By the top of the last decade he had change into one of many nice masters of accompaniment. After working for Status and Blue Observe Data, together with on classes with Donald Byrd, he moved to Europe and wrote a e-book about drumming, Notes And Tones.
Take a look at: “Large Steps”

65: Maureen Tucker

New York drummer Maureen Ann “Moe” Tucker, who was born on August 26, 1944, made her identify with the cutting-edge rock band The Velvet Underground. In addition to being a pioneering feminine rock drummer, she broke floor along with her standing place, minimalist equipment and choice for mallets over sticks. At some early gigs, she even used metallic rubbish cans after her drum equipment was stolen. Tucker additionally sang and performed guitar, saying as soon as of her solo profession: “After I do reveals, I favor to be enjoying guitar. I began attempting to play guitar method earlier than I began to play drums.” She influenced a technology of younger drummers, together with Caroline McKay, former member of Mercury Prize-nominated group Glasvegas.
Take a look at: “I’m Ready For The Man”

64: Honey Lantree

One other drummer who might additionally play guitar and sing was Honey Lantree, who made her identify within the 60s with The Honeycombs, enjoying alongside elder brother John (bass guitar). The pulsating 4/4 rhythm that Lantree, who died in December 2018, laid down on “Have I The Proper?” helped make the track one of many huge hits of the last decade.
Take a look at: “Have I the Proper?”

63: Gavin Harrison

For Gavin Harrison, drumming is all concerning the groove. The English musician, who first toured as a 19-year-old with progressive rock band Renaissance, has written three books on drumming: Rhythmic Illusions, Rhythmic Views and Rhythmic Designs. Harrison has performed with Iggy Pop, Dave Stewart, Tom Robinson and jazz and people bassist Danny Thompson, the previous musical associate of John Martyn. He’s, nevertheless, greatest recognized for taking part in with the British prog rock bands Porcupine Tree and King Crimson.
Take a look at: “Begin Of One thing Lovely”

62: Buddy Miles

Buddy Miles was a member of Jimi Hendrix’s Band Of Gypsys from 1969 till Hendrix’s demise in 1970 (he additionally performed on two tracks on Hendrix’s influential Electrical Ladyland album in 1968). He realized to play drums in his father’s jazz band, The Bebops (George Miles, Sr, had performed upright bass with Duke Ellington, Rely Basie, Charlie Parker and Dexter Gordon). Throughout his profession, Miles performed on greater than 70 albums, and performed with Stevie Surprise, David Bowie and Muddy Waters. The Nebraska-born drummer was a flamboyant character on stage, holding audiences spellbound together with his stars-and-stripes shirts, high-brushed Afro coiffure, massive body and large smile. In a troubled later life, he was despatched to San Quentin jail. With attribute fashion, he began a jailhouse band.
Take a look at: “Them Adjustments”

61: Levon Helm

As a six-year-old, Mark Lavon Helm noticed Invoice Monroe And His Bluegrass Boys and determined proper then that he needed to be a musician. The Arkansas-born (and renamed) Levon Helm achieved worldwide fame as drummer and singer for The Band. In addition to his soulful voice, Helm’s artistic drumming fashion was a robust level on a lot of their nice recordings, together with “The Weight” and “The Night time They Drove Outdated Dixie Down.” The Grammy-winning musician has additionally had a profitable appearing profession that included enjoying Loretta Lynn’s father in Coal Miner’s Daughter.
Take a look at: “Up On Cripple Creek”

60: Tony Meehan

Tony Meehan, who died in 2005, was a founding member and the unique drummer of The Shadows, who had been a well-liked instrumental group in their very own proper, in addition to backing band for Cliff Richard. Meehan’s distinctive drumming fashioned the spine of The Shadows’ fashion and influenced a technology of youthful musicians. Their 1960 hit “Apache” was No.1 within the UK charts for six weeks and helped established the group as some of the vital bands of the early 60s. Meehan’s highly effective and disciplined drumming may be heard on a number of different Shadows hits, together with “Kon Tiki.” In 1961, he left the band and went to work at Decca Data of their A&R division. His substitute was the superb Brian Bennett.
Take a look at: “Apache”

59: DJ Fontana

DJ Fontana was a rock’n’roll pioneer and Elvis Presley’s first – and longtime – drummer. He met Presley on Louisiana Hayride, a well-liked and influential radio and TV country-music programme. “Presley wasn’t enjoying rock’n’roll till DJ put the backbeat into it,” stated Levon Helm in 2004. Fontana admired big-band drummers resembling Buddy Wealthy and Gene Krupa, however he himself went on to affect different drummers that got here after him, together with Ringo Starr. Fontana was famend for his energy, velocity and steadiness. He performed on early Presley Solar Data hits resembling “Hound Canine” and likewise appeared on the “comeback” Christmas TV particular of 1968. In 2000, he performed on Paul McCartney’s cowl of an early Presley hit, “That’s All Proper.”
Take a look at: “Jailhouse Rock”

58: Papa Jo Jones

Papa Jo Jones was famend as an modern drummer within the swing period and was a core member of Rely Basie’s band from 1935-48. Jones was forward of his time in utilizing a gentle four-beat rhythm on cymbal, and through the 50s he carried out with Lester Younger and was a part of the Jazz At The Philharmonic touring jam classes. Later, he led his personal small teams. He made common appearances in movies of the time, together with Jammin’ The Blues (1944) and Born To Swing (1973).
Take a look at: “Jumpin’ At The Woodside”

57: Elvin Jones

Elvin Jones was a famend member of The John Coltrane Quartet. His highly effective, advanced enjoying helped modified the function of the drummer in jazz teams and influenced a technology of rockers, together with The Doorways, Grateful Useless and Santana.
Take a look at: “Mr Jones”

56: Carlton Barrett

Carlton Barrett, who was murdered in 1987, on the age of 36, stays an influential determine on the earth of drumming, for his work with reggae star Bob Marley from 1970 to 1981. Barrett, who constructed his first set of drums from empty paint tins, helped popularise Jamaican beats, resembling steppers and one-drop. His laidback grooves had been a vital a part of Marley’s sound.
Take a look at: “Jammin’”

55: Shelly Manne

Shelly Manne was 64 when he died of a coronary heart assault at his ranch. At that time, he had been on the forefront of jazz for greater than 40 years and performed on greater than 1,000 information. Manne performed with the Stan Kenton and Woody Herman bands and went on to play at his personal influential Hollywood nightclub (Shelly’s Manne Gap) and with a number of small combos. As a composer, he wrote the rating for the Daktari TV collection and the movies Younger Billy Younger and Trial Of The Catonsville 9. Manne additionally suggested Frank Sinatra on drumming approach for his function within the film The Man With The Golden Arm.
Take a look at: “Flip”

54: Buddy Harmon

After establishing his status as the home drummer for The Grand Outdated Opry, Buddy Harmon helped outline the Nashville sound, turning into some of the influential nation music musicians of the Twentieth Century. His rhythmic signature may be heard on 1000’s of recordings by stars resembling Elvis Presley (“Little Sister”), Johnny Money (“Ring Of Fireplace”) and Simon & Garfunkel (“The Boxer”). He performed on an estimated 18,000 recordings, a lot of them main hits, resembling Tammy Wynette’s “Stand By Your Man.” Harmon, who admired jazz drummer Gene Krupa, confirmed versatility and creativeness, and his highly effective 4/4 drumming helped make Roy Orbison’s “Oh, Fairly Girl” memorable, as did his deft brushwork on Patsy Cline’s “Loopy.” He was a gifted bass participant, too, and performed that instrument on Ringo Starr’s 1970 nation album, Beaucoups Of Blues.
Take a look at: “Rockin’ Round The Christmas Tree”

53: Earl Palmer

In 2000, Earl Palmer turned one of many first session musicians to be inducted into the Rock And Roll Corridor Of Fame. The New Orleans-born musician’s highly effective and artistic drumming helped partially outline the sound of early rock’n’roll; between 1949 and 1956 he performed on hit information by Fat Domino (“The Fats Man”), Lloyd Value (“Lawdy Miss Clawdy”), Smiley Lewis (“I Hear You Knocking”) and Little Richard (“Tutti Frutti,” “Lengthy Tall Sally”). After transferring to Los Angeles, Palmer labored on films. His distinctive backbeat may be heard on iconic information resembling Eddie Cochran’s “Summertime Blues” and Ritchie Valens’ “La Bamba.”
Take a look at: “Tutti Frutti”

52: Jim Keltner

Jim Keltner is among the most in-demand session drummers of the trendy period. The Oklahoma-born musician began out as a jazz drummer however went on to play on 1000’s of information of every kind, together with John Lennon’s Think about and each Touring Wilburys albums. He’s performed on information by Tom Petty, Harry Nilsson, Bee Gees, Pink Floyd, Randy Newman, Carly Simon, Joni Mitchell, Pretenders and Oasis, and was hailed by Ry Cooder as a grasp of decoding refined music. “He reacts to all the pieces that’s occurring within the music,” stated Leon Russell. Keltner additionally performed on Bob Dylan’s album Pat Garrett & Billy The Child, which incorporates the track “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door.” “That session was a monumental one for me as a result of it was such a touching track, it was the primary time I truly cried once I was enjoying,” stated Keltner.
Take a look at: “Jealous Man”

51: Louie Bellson

Duke Ellington as soon as described Louie Bellson (who was generally credited on albums as “Louis Bellson”) as “the world’s biggest drummer”. In a profession that started when he was 18, Bellson moved from huge bands to small teams and again once more, and served as musical director for his first spouse, the singer Pearl Bailey. His drumming was one of many driving forces within the orchestras of Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Harry James, Duke Ellington and (briefly) Rely Basie. He was a showman who displayed finesse in his enjoying fashion.
Take a look at: “Sunshine Swing”

50: Jeff Porcaro

Jeff Porcaro, who was solely 38 when he died, on August 5, 1992, was a founder member of Toto and an in-demand session musician. Drumming was within the blood of the son of the acclaimed Hollywood percussionist. He left faculty at 17 to tour with Sonny And Cher, and went on to play on information by dozens of main stars, together with Diana Ross, Etta James, Elton John, Robert Palmer and Bruce Springsteen. His work with Toto reveals why he was thought-about among the best Twentieth-century American “groove” gamers – capable of create pleasure whereas enjoying a easy beat. He was at all times modest and when requested about drumming approach used to inform followers to hearken to Jim Keltner.
Take a look at: “Rosanna”

49: Gene Krupa

When he was a part of Benny Goodman’s orchestra within the 30s, Gene Krupa modified the standing of the jazz drummer, elevating him from being a timekeeper to a soloist. His flamboyant performances in live shows, as he flailed away at his snare drum, tom‐toms and cymbals, made him a star. His showmanship reached its peak with “Sing, Sing, Sing,” a tune by Louis Prima, which the Goodman band started enjoying early in 1936. Krupa later led his personal profitable band with Anita O’Day as a vocalist and Roy Eldridge on trumpet. He was 64 when he died in New York in 1973.
Take a look at: “Sing, Sing, Sing”

48: Steve Smith

Steve Smith, who was born on August 21, 1954, in Whitman, Massachusetts, is greatest often called a member of the rock band Journey. Smith studied music in Boston at Berklee School Of Music from 1972-76 and started life as an expert musician within the Lin Biviano Large Band. He performed with jazz-fusion bands till he joined Journey in 1978, leaving eight years later to pursue his unique ardour, jazz, and develop his profession as a session participant. Over the previous 40 years, Smith has performed with such various artists as Michael Brecker, Ahmad Jamal, Bryan Adams, Mariah Carey and Savage Backyard. Smith is understood for his explosive solos and complex timekeeping. In 2016, Steve re-joined Journey, touring with the band for the primary time in 32 years.
Take a look at: “Any Means You Need It”

47: Hal Blaine

Massachusetts was additionally the state the place Hal Blaine was born, on February 5, 1929. Grammy-winning Blaine can lay declare to being some of the prolific drummers in rock’n’roll historical past and a member of the famed Wrecking Crew studio musicians. He guested on 35,000 tracks, together with 150 singles that made the Billboard High 10. He drummed on many Elvis Presley movie soundtracks through the 60s, and was additionally a key element of Phil Spector’s “Wall Of Sound” manufacturing, which yielded classics resembling “Be My Child” and “Da Doo Ron Ron.” He additionally performed on some traditional Seaside Boys hits, together with “Good Vibrations,” and on numerous classes with Glen Campbell (watch him talk about his friendship with Glen in this uDiscover interview). Blaine was an modern musician – “My set at all times had 12 drums, which nobody had ever heard of, and it actually was a serious change,” he stated, and it enabled him to realize an even bigger spectrum of sound. In contrast to most drummers of the time, Blaine stated he tuned his drums all the way down to regular, mid-range, quite than holding them at a excessive vary. He handed away on March 11, 2019, on the age of 90, forsaking a legacy that can be inconceivable to beat.
Take a look at: “Good Vibrations”

46: Max Roach

When Max Roach died in August 2007, on the age of 83, he was saluted as some of the artistic and influential percussionists within the historical past of jazz. Roach, who began out on the piano, modified devices when his father purchased him a drum equipment at 12. He made his recording debut at 19, in a band led by Coleman Hawkins, and his groundbreaking work with Charlie Parker within the 40s confirmed off his wonderful sense of kind, allied to an impeccable approach and mastery of tempo. Roach was additionally the drummer in Dizzy Gillespie’s first huge band and went on to make his personal profession as bandleader, forming a quintet with the younger trumpeter Clifford Brown which is considered one of many best small bands of the Twentieth Century. He was energetic within the civil-rights motion of the 60s and later held a instructing submit on the College Of Massachusetts.
Take a look at: “I’ll Keep in mind April”

45: Topper Headon

Nicholas Headon, who was often called Topper due to his resemblance to the cartoon character Mickey Monkey from Topper, was born in Bromley, Kent, on 30 Could 1955. He made his identify because the drummer of the punk rock band The Conflict, becoming a member of them in 1977 and staying for 5 years, till drug issues compelled him out. The power in his enjoying helped songs resembling “I Fought The Regulation” turned vastly common, and his fashion, which emphasised a easy bass-snare up-down beat, accompanied by hi-hat thrives, was extremely distinctive. After leaving The Conflict, he performed with Large Audio Dynamite and, in 1985, launched a canopy model of the Gene Krupa instrumental “Drumming Man” as a single.
Take a look at: “Practice In Useless”

44: Steve Gadd

Steve Gadd has laid down some iconic drum tracks, together with “Aja,” “Fifty Methods To Go away Your Lover,” and “Nite Sprite,” and has influenced a technology of drummers. Born in Rochester, New York, on April 9, 1945, Gadd began drumming on the age of seven and sat in with Dizzy Gillespie by the point he was 11. He’s so common in Japan that they nonetheless promote transcriptions of his drum solos. He has performed repeatedly with Chick Corea, who stated, “Each drummer desires to play like Gadd as a result of he performs excellent. He has introduced orchestral and compositional considering to the drum equipment whereas on the identical time having an amazing creativeness and an amazing means to swing.”
Take a look at: “Chick’s Friends”

43: Artwork Blakey

Drummer and bandleader Artwork Blakey, who was 71 when he died, on October 16, 1990, was some of the influential figures in jazz for greater than 4 a long time. He was recognized for his epic solos, layering on textures whereas controlling the dynamics and displaying a real means to improvise. “Artwork was an unique,” stated Max Roach. “He’s the one drummer whose time I acknowledge instantly. And his signature fashion was wonderful; we used to name him ‘Thunder.’ Artwork was the maybe the perfect at sustaining independence with all 4 limbs. He was doing it earlier than anyone was.”

As a bandleader, Blakey employed and nurtured an enormous forged of nice jazz musicians, together with the trumpeters Kenny Dorham, Lee Morgan, Freddie Hubbard and Wynton Marsalis; the saxophonists Jackie McLean, Hank Mobley and Wayne Shorter; and the pianists Horace Silver and Bobby Timmons. Marsalis stated Blakey was influential in the way in which he built-in the drums into small-group preparations “of constructing the ensemble, the place the drums had been extra orchestrated”.
Take a look at: “The Drum Thunder Suite”

42: Invoice Bruford

Invoice Bruford, who was born on Could 17, 1949, in Sevenoaks, Kent, gained a status as a skillful and delicate drummer as a part of the rock band Sure within the late 60s. He later performed in King Crimson and toured with Genesis. Bruford retired from performing in 2009 however went on to run report labels and acquire a PhD in music from the College Of Surrey. He as soon as stated that it was jazz drummers who had formed his improvement, together with the “elegant fashion of Max Roach”. He paid particular tribute to Artwork Blakey’s means to “make a drum equipment sound so private”.
Take a look at: “I’ve Seen All Good Individuals”

41: Travis Barker

Californian Travis Barker, who was born on November 14, 1975, is a producer and songwriter greatest often called the drummer for rock band blink-182. He has additionally performed with Transplants, Field Automotive Racer, DJ-AM and TRV$DJam, and was described by Rolling Stone journal as “punk’s first famous person drummer”. Praised for his energy and flexibility as a drummer, Barker additionally based a clothes firm. In October 2018, he was cleared to carry out once more after blood clots in each arms had prompted him to briefly cease enjoying the drums.
Take a look at: “Let’s Go”

40: Nicko McBrain

Londoner Michael “Nicko” McBrain, who was born on June 5, 1952, determined he needed to be a drummer as a boy after watching Joe Morello carry out on tv with the Dave Brubeck Quartet. McBrain’s drumming has been a significant ingredient of Iron Maiden’s sound since 1983’s Piece Of Thoughts album, writing the drum elements for the band’s songs. “Nicko at all times had the chops and the approach, however in Maiden he actually exploded, to the purpose the place a variety of stuff we did after he joined was then based on his enjoying, all these busy patterns he does, displaying large approach,” stated guitarist Adrian Smith. One in every of his quirks is that he generally performs barefoot. In 1991, McBrain made an educational drum video referred to as “Rhythms Of The Beast.”
Take a look at: “The place Eagles Dare”

39: Alan White

To not be confused with the Oasis drummer of the identical identify, Alan White was born on June 14, 1949 and was one of many mainstays of the progressive rock band Sure, after becoming a member of them in 1972. He had earlier performed with Plastic Ono Band after John Lennon invited him to hitch; White performed on the track “Think about”. His different profession has seen him play with George Harrison, Ginger Baker and Joe Cocker, and he was inducted into the Rock And Roll Corridor of Fame in 2017. White was a superb timekeeper as drummer and good at giving path to a track’s association. “Louie Bellson’s bass drum at all times turned me on; the management and approach. I don’t suppose any of the others mastered it in addition to he did,” stated White. “I focus on bass drum work rather a lot. I went to 2 bass drums only for some time and I spotted that I can practically do as a lot with one because the impact you may get with two.” White can be an achieved pianist.
Take a look at: “The Gates Of Delirium”

38: Simon Phillips

Londoner Simon Phillips, who was born on February 6, 1957, turned Toto’s drummer in 1992 after the demise of Jeff Porcaro (who sits at No.50 on our listing). Phillips is a technically gifted drummer who was launched to music by his musician father, Sid Phillips. He has toured and recorded with a number of the main rock musicians of the trendy period, together with Mick Jagger, The Who, Jeff Beck, Roxy Music and The Pretenders. He moved to America in 1992 to play with Toto and later recorded his personal albums, together with Protocol in 1988. He has additionally labored as arranger, producer and engineer.
Take a look at: “Manganese”

37: Billy Cobham

Billy Cobham, who was born on Could 16, 1944, is a Panamanian jazz musician who began enjoying with pianist Horace Silver after which got here to prominence within the 60s with trumpeter Miles Davis after which the New York jazz-fusion outfit The Mahavishnu Orchestra. He was one of many first drummers to mix jazz, funk and rock. Lately, he started instructing drums on-line on the Billy Cobham Faculty Of Drums.
Take a look at: “Feio”

36: Josh Freese

Josh Freese, born on Christmas Day in 1972, is among the trendy period’s hottest session drummers, in addition to being a everlasting member of The Vandals and Devo. He was the drummer for Weapons N’ Roses from 1997 to 2000 and has additionally performed saxophone on some recordings. After 2016 he started enjoying with Sting. “My drum arrange by no means will get that loopy or out of the peculiar,” stated Freese. “Within the studio my drums are normally one thing actually fundamental: a four-, five- or six-piece equipment with numerous snare and cymbal selections.”
Take a look at: “Blood On Your Knuckles”

35: Vinnie Paul

Vinnie Paul, co-founder and drummer of the metallic band Pantera, died of a coronary heart situation on June 22, 2018 on the age of 54. The Texas-born musician began Pantera in 1981 together with his brother, and the heavy metallic band earned 4 Grammy nominations earlier than disbanding in 2003 amid rumours of a rift. He was recognized for utilizing triggered samples blended with live-miked drums throughout reveals on a equipment that had a customized dragon end modelled on the design of his hat.
Take a look at: “13 Steps To Nowhere”

34: Chad Smith

Chad Smith is the drummer with Purple Scorching Chili Peppers. Smith, who was born on October 25, 1961, joined the band in 1988. He stated he realized his commerce enjoying numerous golf equipment in Detroit. “Six nights every week, three units an evening. That was my education as an alternative of going to school,” he stated. He has additionally labored repeatedly with laborious rock band Chickenfoot. Smith, who is understood for the infectious beats in his enjoying, has additionally been an in-demand session musician, enjoying with The Dixie Chicks, Johnny Money and The Avett Brothers.
Take a look at: “Give It Away”

33: Cozy Powell

The person born Colin Trevor Flooks, however recognized professionally as Cozy Powell, was solely 50 when he died in a tragic automobile crash in April 1998. In a glittering profession, he performed with rock heavyweights Jeff Beck, Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow, Whitesnake, Black Sabbath, Queen’s Brian Could and Peter Inexperienced’s Splinter Group. Within the mid-70s, he additionally scored three hits with tracks that includes his trademark thumping fashion. “Dance With the Satan,” “The Man In Black,” and “Na Na Na” all featured his tour de power drum solos.
Take a look at: “Dance With The Satan”

32: Vinnie Colaiuta

Vincent Colaiuta, who was born in Brownsville, Pennsylvania, on February 5, 1956, attended Berklee School Of Music. His first huge break got here when he auditioned for Frank Zappa, becoming a member of his band in 1978 and turning into a key participant on Zappa’s albums of that period. As a session musician he has labored with Joni Mitchell, Barbra Streisand, Chaka Khan and Jeff Beck. His is taken into account a flexible drummer and has labored within the jazz area with stars resembling Chick Corea and Herbie Hancock. In 1994, Colaiuta launched a self-titled solo album.
Take a look at: “Joe’s Storage”

31: Amir “?uestlove” Thompson

Ahmir Khalib Thompson, who was born on January 20, 1971, in Philadelphia, is understood professionally as Questlove (which he types as ?uestlove). In addition to his Grammy-winning drum work on information with The Roots, he’s additionally recognized for his appearances with the band on The Tonight Present Starring Jimmy Fallon, the place they’re the common in-house group. Lately he has been a producer on the hit Broadway musical Hamilton.
Take a look at: “Thought @ Work”

30: Aynsley Dunbar

Aynsley Dunbar, who was born on January 10, 1946, in Liverpool, England, is a drummer who’s assured working throughout a bunch of genres, together with jazz, blues, fusion, rock and progressive rock. The information he has performed on embrace 30 which have gone gold or platinum. His early work was with John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers and he has performed with an unimaginable vary of musicians, together with Jeff Beck, blues musician Champion Jack Dupree, jazz musician Herbie Mann, John Lennon and Rod Stewart. In 2017, he was inducted into the Rock And Roll Corridor of Fame.
Take a look at: “Roadhouse Blues”

29: Janet Weiss

Janet Weiss, who was born on September 24, 1965, in Los Angeles, is greatest often called a member of Sleater-Kinney. She has additionally performed with Quasi and cult indie band The Shins. Weiss is a strong, ingenious drummer who has helped break down a number of the conventional obstacles towards feminine drummers. “Society historically doesn’t encourage girls to be loud, primitive, aggressive. These properties are essential within the drummer’s world – they can not, and shouldn’t, be averted,” she stated.
Take a look at: “Mole Metropolis”

28: Carmine Appice

New Yorker Carmine Appice was born on December 15, 1946 and began out with psychedelic band Vanilla Fudge within the late 60s. He later joined Jeff Beck and Tim Bogert within the band Beck, Bogert & Appice. Appice, who stated he was closely influenced by Gene Krupa, labored with Rod Stewart and co-wrote the track “Da Ya Assume I’m Attractive?” He later fashioned King Kobra for 2 Capitol albums within the 80s, a decade during which he performed on the Pink Floyd report Momentary Lapse Of Purpose. Appice additionally wrote the acclaimed e-book The Real looking Rock Drum Technique, which offered practically half 1,000,000 copies.
Take a look at: “Younger Turks”

27: Clyde Stubblefield

Clyde Stubblefield, who was 73 when he died, on February 18, 2017, had an enormous affect on two eras of music – because the drummer in James Brown’s band and within the formative information of hip-hop. He joined Brown when he was simply 17 and performed on key tracks resembling “Chilly Sweat” and “Intercourse Machine.” He additionally performed within the live performance that Brown gave after the assassination of Martin Luther King. He was recognized for his rolling breakbeats, and his instrumental single “Funky Drummer” was influential within the early 80s, when producers started to create hip-hop by looping copied fragments of music from different information. His solo options in “Combat The Energy” by Public Enemy and is believed to have been sampled on greater than 1,400 totally different information. In 2014 he needed to have a thumb amputated however he tailored a drumstick by becoming it with a thick deal with from a maraca.
Take a look at: “Funky Drummer”

26: Matt Cameron

Matt Cameron was born on November 28, 1962 in San Diego. After an early profession with Soundgarden (a band he later re-joined), he was invited on tour by Pearl Jam and have become a everlasting fixture of their band. He’s a technically gifted participant, recognized for his quick solos throughout reside reveals. In 2017, the 12 months during which he minimize his debut solo LP, Cavedweller, he was inducted into the Rock And Roll Corridor Of Fame.
Take a look at: “Time Can’t Wait”

25: Michael Shrieve

San Francisco-born Michael Shrieve was chosen by Rolling Stone journal’s readers as one of many High 10 Drummers of All Time in 2017. Shrieve, born on July 6, 1949, was the unique drummer for Santana and performed on the primary eight albums by the seminal group. This subtle drummer has performed alongside artists in such various genres as rock, jazz, digital, dance and world music, and was saluted for his groundbreaking use of digital percussion when it was a brand new medium within the 70s. For the previous 10 years he has been engaged on a private undertaking referred to as Drums Of Compassion, on which he’s composer, producer and drummer. Carlos Santana described him as “a visionary”.
Take a look at: “Aye Aye Aye”

24: Invoice Ward

Invoice Ward, who was born in Birmingham, England, on Could 5, 1948, stated that he was self-taught, studying about drumming from sitting on the stage subsequent to Jim Capaldi of Deep Feeling. He stated he additionally liked jazz and primarily based his tuning on the mannequin of Gene Krupa. He’s greatest often called the unique drummer of heavy metallic band Black Sabbath and was famous for his modern use of flooring toms. “With out the jazz affect, the Black Sabbath drumming could be very totally different. The feels and jazz feels and rock feels had been precisely, to me, what we wanted,” stated Ward. Lately, after enjoying with a brand new band referred to as Day Of Errors, he was compelled to take a break from music due to coronary heart issues.
Take a look at: “Fairies Put on Boots”

23: Roger Taylor

Celebrated Queen drummer Roger Taylor is performed by X-Males actor Ben Hardy in the Bohemian Rhapsody biopic. Taylor – to not be confused with the Duran Duran drummer of the identical identify – was born on July 26, 1949 in King’s Lynn, Norfolk. In addition to being a gifted, powerhouse drummer, he’s a singer and instrumentalist, and wrote Queen’s landmark hits “Radio Ga Ga” and “A Type Of Magic.” He has additionally made 5 solo albums, beginning with 1981’s Enjoyable In House. “Drumming got here naturally to me – I at all times discovered it sublimely simple,” stated Taylor.
Take a look at: “Radio Ga Ga”

22: Sheila E

Sheila Escovedo was impressed by her percussionist father, Pete Escovedo, and godfather Tito Puente, and stated in her memoir, The Beat Of My Personal Drum, that she was taught from childhood how one can hold good time on a drum set. Born in Oakland, California, on 12 December 1957, she is called “The Queen Of Percussion”. She began out with The George Duke Band and, in addition to her solo albums, has performed with Ringo Starr, Marvin Gaye, Lionel Ritchie, Diana Ross and Herbie Hancock. She additionally labored carefully with Prince.
Take a look at: “The Glamorous Life”

21: Lars Ulrich

Denmark’s Lars Ulrich, who was born on Boxing Day in 1963, turned a drummer after giving up a promising profession as an expert tennis participant. He’s greatest often called the drummer and co-founder of the heavy metallic band Metallica, a band he joined after answering an advert in {a magazine}. He was acclaimed as a pioneer of quick thrash drum beats, a sound that featured on a lot of Metallica’s early songs, resembling “Metallic Militia,” and his thunderous, advanced drum patterns set the template for laborious rock within the 80s. He has been knighted by the Danish authorities.
Take a look at: “Battery”

20: Tommy Aldridge

Tommy Aldridge, who was born on August 15, 1950, in Pearl, Mississippi, taught himself to play the drums after listening to albums by Cream, The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix. After working with Pat Travers, he made his identify with bands resembling Whitesnake and Skinny Lizzy within the 70s. Aldridge is taken into account to have set the usual for double-bass rock drumming and has continued enjoying with Whitesnake into the twenty first Century. He’s a perfectionist who stated, “I’m not an enormous fan of my very own stuff. As soon as I’ve recorded one thing after which I am going again and hearken to it, I’m not often happy with it. That’s in all probability the way in which it’s with most musicians. Give me 15 takes and I’ll need 30.”
Take a look at: “Burn”

19: Mike Portnoy

Mike Portnoy, who was born on April 20, 1967, and raised in Lengthy Seaside, New York, grew up immersed in music. “My father was a rock’n’roll disc jockey, so I used to be at all times surrounded by music consistently. I had this large report assortment once I was actual younger and liked The Beatles, after which, afterward, KISS. It was inevitable that I’d change into a musician.” He taught himself to play the drums and was later awarded a scholarship to attend Berklee School Of Music. He stated his greatest affect was Rush drummer Neil Peart. The co-founder of the progressive rock band Dream Theater, Portnoy was significantly happy to change into the second youngest musician, after Peart, to be inducted into the Fashionable Drummer Corridor Of Fame in 2004.
Take a look at: “The Mirror”

18: Alex Van Halen

Alex Van Halen, who was born in Amsterdam on Could 8, 1953, was the son of Jan and Eugenia, each of whom had been educated as classical pianists. After transferring to America, he began a band with brother Eddie. After assembly David Lee Roth, they fashioned Mammoth. In 1974, the band’s identify was modified to Van Halen they usually launched their debut album in 1978. The 2 brothers are the one members of Van Halen who’ve been within the band for its total length. Alex is a grasp of the snare drum and at reside reveals is understood for his aggressive solos and stage pyrotechnics. He has cited jazz drummer Buddy Wealthy as an enormous affect on his enjoying.
Take a look at: “Respect The Wind”

17: Ian Paice

Ian Paice, who was born on June 29, 1948, in Nottingham, England, realized to play the drums by imitating the types of jazz legends resembling Gene Krupa and Buddy Wealthy, which he heard on the radio. He obtained his first drum equipment at 15 and determined that, being left handed, he wanted to plot strategies that might match the right-handed drum kits. After enjoying with numerous dance bands, he obtained his huge break in 1968 when he helped kind Deep Purple, and his sensible enjoying has shone on songs resembling “Stormbringer” and on the reside album Made In Japan. From 1979 to 1982, Paice labored with Whitesnake earlier than becoming a member of The Gary Moore Band. He later returned to Deep Purple.
Take a look at: “The Mule”

16: Benny Benjamin

Benny Benjamin, certainly one of Motown’s nice drummers, was simply 43 when he died of a stroke in April 1969. A key member of the collective of session musicians often called The Funk Brothers, he was recognized for his deft brushwork and explosive drum fills. Benjamin, who had a background in big-band jazz, was a vital a part of Motown hits by The Temptations, The Miracles, 4 Tops, The Supremes, Gladys Knight And The Pips, Martha And The Vandellas, Stevie Surprise and Marvin Gaye. “He had a particular knack for executing numerous rhythms all on the identical time. He had a pulse, a steadiness, that saved the tempo higher than a metronome,” stated Motown founder Berry Gordy.
Take a look at: “Uptight (Every thing’s Alright)”

15: Carl Palmer

Carl Palmer has been described as “the consummate drummer’s drummer”. An excellent technician, he was born in Birmingham, England, on March 20, 1950. He got here from a musical household: his grandfather performed the drums, his grandmother was a symphony violinist and his father had a dance band. He stated his major affect was Gene Krupa. Throughout a protracted profession he has performed with Atomic Rooster, The Loopy World Of Arthur Brown, Asia and Emerson, Lake And Palmer. Within the twenty first Century he began his personal Carl Palmer Band.
Take a look at: “Toccata”

14: Mitch Mitchell

Roger Taylor has described the Jimi Hendrix Expertise’s Mitch Mitchell as his early function mannequin. “Listening to Mitch Mitchell, particularly the early stuff with Jimi Hendrix, is simply incredible,” stated the Queen drummer. Mitchell, who at first modelled his fashion on Max Roach, melded jazz and rock types into what was to change into often called “fusion.” His free and explosive approach made the drums a power in their very own proper. Mitchell unsuccessfully auditioned for Paul McCartney’s band Wings in 1974, however he went on to carry out with numerous artists, together with Jack Bruce and Jeff Beck, in addition to endeavor numerous session work. In his final years, he was a part of the Gypsy Solar Expertise band, together with former Hendrix bassist Billy Cox and guitarist Gary Serkin. He died of pure causes, aged 61, on November 12, 2008.
Take a look at: “Are You Skilled?”

13: Phil Collins

Phil Collins’ work because the drummer of Genesis has earned him the standing as certainly one of rock’s biggest drummers. Collins, who was born on January 30, 1951, within the London suburb of Chiswick, can be a well-liked singer, songwriter and report producer. He had a string of US High 40 hits within the 80s, together with “In opposition to All Odds (Take A Look At Me Now),” and would generally play drums on information by musician buddies, together with on some by people musician John Martyn. He stated he was given his first drum when he was three. “I at all times keep in mind drumming as being simple, however I did nothing else,” he stated. “When different youngsters had been out enjoying I used to be on the drums. I simply needed to make a profession out of being a drummer.”
Take a look at: “Behind The Traces”

12: Ringo Starr

Ringo Starr, who was born Richard Starkey in Liverpool, on July 7, 1940, has had some of the profitable careers in music, gaining worldwide fame because the drummer for The Beatles. He sometimes sang on their albums, too, together with on the track “Yellow Submarine,” and was a key a part of their success. When he was inducted into the Rock And Roll Corridor Of Fame, Dave Grohl stated: “Outline ‘greatest drummer on the earth’. Is it somebody that’s technically proficient? Or is it somebody that sits within the track with their very own really feel? Ringo was the king of really feel.” After The Beatles broke up, Starr embarked upon a profitable solo profession, together with his acclaimed third album, Ringo.
Take a look at: “Ticket To Journey”

11: Charlie Watts

Charlie Watts introduced the sensibilities of a jazz drummer to rock music, and as The Rolling Stones’ drummer he is among the most revered musicians on the earth. Watts, who was born on June 2, 1941, in London, grew up loving Miles Davis and John Coltrane, and began out as a graphic artist. He mixed his love of artwork and jazz by writing a e-book about Charlie Parker. After working with Alexis Korner’s Blues Included, he was persuaded to hitch the fledgling Rolling Stones and performed his first gig with the band at Ealing Blues Membership. He has remained a key member of the Stones for over 5 a long time, taking occasional breaks to work together with his personal jazz orchestra.
Take a look at: “Honky Tonk Girls”

10: Terry Bozzio

Terry Bozzio, who was born on December 27, 1950, in San Francisco, stated that after seeing Ringo Starr and The Beatles carry out on The Ed Sullivan Present he begged his father for drum classes. He stated that most of the strategies he used all through his profession, together with his snare hand approach, had been realized from his first trainer, Chuck Brown. Bozzio began his profession in storage bands and have become well-known for his work with the band Lacking Individuals and as a drummer for Frank Zappa, with whom he appeared on 26 albums. In 2014, Bozzio toured America enjoying solo dates with what he referred to as “the world’s largest tuned drum and percussion set.”
Take a look at: “Child Snakes”

9: Dave Grohl

Dave Grohl is extensively credited with giving alt.rock its driving beat. Born on January 14, 1969 in Warren, Ohio, Grohl dropped out of highschool to play with the group Scream earlier than auditioning for Nirvana. After singer Kurt Cobain’s demise, Grohl fashioned Foo Fighters. His drumming has been praised for his fills, utilizing sudden accents, breaks and syncopation within the snare. “The drums should propel all the pieces,” he stated. Grohl as soon as paid tribute to Melvins drummer Dale Crover, saying, “I nonetheless say to at the present time that he’s the perfect drummer on the earth. There isn’t any one who does what he does, and there’s nobody who might. I get goosebumps once I hear his enjoying. He’s turned drumming on its facet, and if I’d by no means heard Melvins, I in all probability wouldn’t be enjoying the drums, as a result of he made me understand that there’s much more to drumming than most individuals hear.”
Take a look at: “Tune For The Useless”

8: Dave Lombardo

Dave Lombardo, who was born in Havana, Cuba, on February 16, 1965, is greatest often called a founding member of thrash metallic band Slayer. A powerhouse drummer, his modern enjoying led DRUMMERWORLD journal to explain him as “The Godfather Of Double Bass.” “Early Slayer albums resembling Present No Mercy had been all written for drums that wanted to be heavy. The drums wanted to be heavy and performed laborious and quick on these information,” stated Lombardo. After leaving Slayer in 2013, he carried out with quite a lot of bands, together with Grip Inc, Testomony, Suicidal Tendencies and Misfits.
Take a look at: “Haunting the Chapel”

7: Stewart Copeland

Stewart Copeland has been an achieved producer and composer of soundtracks for films and tv, however he’ll at all times be remembered because the drummer for The Police, who achieved worldwide fame and chart-topping albums by the mid-80s (watch him talk to uDiscover about his time with the band). Copeland, who was born in Alexandria, Virginia, on July 16, 1952, started drum classes on the age of 12 and obtained his begin within the music enterprise as a street supervisor for Curved Air, assuming drumming duties for the band in 1975. In 1977, Copeland based The Police with Strontium 90 bandmate Sting. After the band separated, Copeland went on to win a Golden Globe for his rating for the Francis Ford Coppola movie Rumble Fish. His work with The Police was famed for its reggae-tinged rhythms and seemingly easy cymbal work. “Arabic music is in my DNA, knowledgeable by Buddy Wealthy, Mitch Mitchell, Joe Morello,” stated Copeland. “I like the sound of Joe Morello and ‘Take 5’… that sound of the drums, full, relaxed. Simply letting the drums sing.”
Take a look at: “Message In A Bottle”

6: Danny Carey

Danny Carey, who was born on Could 10, 1961, in Lawrence, Kansas, gained fame because the drummer for Grammy-winning progressive metallic band Software. He stated he grew up on “jazz and loopy prog stuff”. In addition to his work with Software, he has additionally performed on albums by ZAUM, Inexperienced Jellÿ, Pigface, Skinny Pet, Adrian Belew of King Crimson, Carole King, Collide, The Wild Blue Yonder, Lusk and Melvins. Carey, who says he liked the jazz drumming of Steve Gadd, is a texturally and harmonically achieved drummer. “Most drummers are fairly content material, I assume, to be a metronome, regardless that I do know a variety of music doesn’t name for rather more. It’s fortunate for me that I can specific myself nevertheless I would like, and it’s a wholesome place for me to be in,” he stated.
Take a look at: “The Grudge”

5: Buddy Wealthy

Buddy Wealthy, who was 69 when he died in April 1987, was a self-taught drummer who performed with Artie Shaw and Tommy Dorsey earlier than beginning his personal band. He had an unlimited, forceful, crisp power in his enjoying and his highly effective beat propelled any band he sat in with. “The entire music world owes one thing to Buddy Wealthy,” stated Frank Sinatra. Wealthy performed with most of the nice jazz stars of the Twentieth Century and toured extensively with Jazz At The Philharmonic within the 40s and 50s, earlier than forming his personal band within the 60s. “After I was arising within the 60s, Buddy was considered the best dwelling drummer of the time,” Steve Smith stated. “He has this perpetual place as the best drum-set virtuoso who ever lived, and that also stands up at this time. There’s one thing about Buddy’s visceral power and pure approach, his swing, his really feel, his musicianship, his excessive depth and the way in which he might drive a band, the way in which he would play the music and lift the extent of musicians round him.”
Take a look at: “9.20 Particular”

4: Ginger Baker

Londoner Ginger Baker, who helped invent the rock energy trio and reluctantly turned the style’s first star drummer, throughout a multi-faceted and at all times eventful profession, was born on August 19, 1936. After some studio recordings with The Graham Bond Organisation, Baker joined Jack Bruce and Eric Clapton in Cream, in what would change into often called rock’s first supergroup. He later performed with Blind Religion. In more moderen years, his band Ginger Baker’s Jazz Confusion, that includes James Brown’s and Van Morrison’s saxophonist Pee Wee Ellis, has toured the UK and Europe. Baker, who stated you needed to be made to be a drummer, claimed that the key of his drum work with Cream – and his skillful use of the hi-hats, tom-toms and cymbals – was the jazz-like improvisation he delivered to their sound.
Take a look at: “Toad”

3: Neil Peart

Canadian drummer and songwriter Neil Peart was born on September 12, 1952 and, like so most of the drummers on this listing, was impressed after watching The Gene Krupa Story. Following a spell working in his father’s enterprise, Dalziel Tools, and enjoying music part-time in native Ontario bands, he joined Rush in 1974, two weeks earlier than the group’s first tour of America. The drummer was a significant factor of their success. Rush have offered greater than 40 million albums worldwide and his sculptured drum solos have been a celebrated function of their reside reveals. “To me, drum soloing is like doing a marathon and fixing equations on the identical time,” he stated.
Take a look at: “Tom Sawyer”

2: Keith Moon

Londoner Keith Moon was solely 31 when he died, of an overdose, in September 1978. The Who drummer, who additionally labored with Jimmy Web page and John Lennon, had a status for wild behaviour, however was some of the distinctive and influential drummers within the historical past of rock. Roger Daltrey stated that Moon “simply instinctively put drum fills in locations that different individuals would by no means have considered placing them”. In contrast to most drummers, nevertheless, Moon didn’t like enjoying solos in live performance. Requested as soon as whether or not he was one of many world’s greatest drummers, he quipped: “I’m the best Keith Moon-type drummer on the earth.”
Take a look at: “My Technology”

1: John Bonham

John Bonham, who died aged simply 32, in September 1980, following an evening of ferocious consuming, was one other drummer in awe of the jazz masters. The English musician taught himself how one can play by seeking to greats resembling Gene Krupa, Max Roach, and Buddy Wealthy as inspirations. He was an impressive drummer for Led Zeppelin, acclaimed for his velocity, energy, distinctive sound and contact, and his quick bass drumming. “John Bonham performed the drums like somebody who didn’t know what was going to occur subsequent – like he was teetering on the sting of a cliff,” stated Dave Grohl. “Nobody has come near that since, and I don’t suppose anyone ever will. I feel he’ll endlessly be the best drummer of all time.”
Take a look at: “When The Levee Breaks”

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