Devin J
Many legendary drummers have transformed music with their talents — be it Ringo Starr’s iconic groove in “Come Together” or the thunderous beats of John Bonham’s drumming in “When the Levee Breaks”. Here are 15 legendary drummers whose expertise has left a lasting impact on the industry and the stages.
Keith Moon (The Who)
Regarded as one of the greatest drummers in the history of rock music—Keith Moon’s theatrical stage presence and wild drumming sound brought an unpredictable energy to his live performances. He broke traditional rhythmic patterns and created a chaotic yet controlled style that became a signature of The Who’s sound. In 1990, Moon was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Mitch Mitchell (The Jimi Hendrix Experience)
According to Queen drummer—Roger Taylor, listening to Mitchell’s drumming sound is just fantastic. He was great at blending rock sound with jazz drumming techniques. Eventually, he made an impact on the music scene by helping redefine the sound of psychedelic rock. In 2016, Mitchel was named the eighth-greatest drummer of all time by Rolling Stone Magazine.
Ringo Starr (The Beatles)Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
He’s a technical drummer who influenced various drumming techniques used in modern music. The matched grip, tuning the drums lower, and using muffling devices on tonal rings are all Ringo Starr’s doing. His steady, creative rhythms became integral to The Beatles’ sound, influencing countless pop and rock drummers.
Stewart Copeland (The Police)
His reggae-influenced drumming style made him unique. When you think of how he plays the drums, what comes to mind is his inventive drumming patterns that combine punk and rock rhythms. This unique drumming style made him one of the most popular drummers to ever hold the stick.
Tony Williams (Miles Davis)
He took jazz drumming to a new level with his work in the Miles Davis Quintet, introducing a more aggressive and dynamic approach that influenced the direction of modern jazz. Music critic Robert Christgau described him as “probably the best drummer in the world” during his time.
Neil Peart (Rush)
When it comes to progressive rock drumming, he stands out with his technical proficiency and complex time signatures. Peart’s work on albums like “2112” and “Moving Pictures” inspired drummers in both rock and metal genres. Peart earned multiple awards for his performances and became a part of the Modern Drummer Readers Poll Hall of Fame in 1983.
Charlie Watts (The Rolling Stones)
Nicknamed The Wembley Whammer—Watts’ drumming style was heavily influenced by Jazz. He got popular for his unflashy drumming style and a deep sense of timing. Unlike many drummers who focused on flashy solos, Watts was known for his precise drumming style. The simple style made him a timeless figure in music who’s influenced generations of drummers.
Ginger Baker (Cream)
Baker stands out for fusing jazz into African rhythms with his drumming style. The beauty of this style lies in how well he plays with two bass drums to deliver the best rock music sound. His work with Cream, especially on tracks like “Sunshine of Your Love,” set new standards for rock drummers.
Dave Grohl (Nirvana, Foo Fighters)
The energy with which Dave plays the drum is admirable. He was involved in creating the grunge sound with hard-hitting drumming in Nirvana. His legacy continued in Foo Fighter, a rock band formed by him. Dave was placed in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as part of Nirvana in the year 2014.
John Bonham (Led Zeppelin)
The true master of groove and dynamics—Bonham adds a unique dimension to Led Zeppelin’s music. He’ll be remembered for his classic drum solos because of how well he puts energy into his drumming. His performance on “When the Levee Breaks” became iconic and as good as the original by Kansas Joe McCoy and Memphis Minnie.
Elvin Jones (John Coltrane)
Revolutionized jazz drumming with his polyrhythmic approach and a deep sense of swing, pushing the boundaries of rhythm and time in jazz, particularly in his work with the John Coltrane Quartet. According to jazz critic Ted Gioia, Elvis was one of the most influential drummers in the history of jazz music.
Phil Collins (Genesis)
One of those who brought drumming to the forefront in both progressive rock and pop music! His work on “In the Air Tonight,” with its iconic drum fill, became one of the most famous moments in drumming history. He earned respect in the drumming industry for his unique drumming sound and sweet drum fills.
Travis Barker (Blink-182)
He’s highly influenced by rock drumming due to how technically gifted he is. Over the years, he influenced many drummers with his versatility and work across multiple genres. Due to his versatility and visually captivating drumming, he has collaborated with many hip-hop artists on several projects.
Questlove (The Roots)
Noted for his deep pocket and versatility, Questlove has been instrumental in bridging the gap between hip-hop and live instrumentation. It has influenced modern drumming in hip-hop and beyond. The pocket playing style and ability to create complex rhythm is Questlove’s major strength.
Billy Cobham (Mahavishnu Orchestra)
His playing style involved harnessing his dexterity into thundering, high-octane hybrids of jazz, including rock & roll aggression. He was one of those who pioneered the fusion of jazz and rock with his work in the Mahavishnu Orchestra. His speed, power, and use of odd time signatures pushed the limits of drumming in fusion music.
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