A big part of being a drummer is knowing your history and all of the great drummers that have come before you. What they did, how they played and the impact they have had on the world of music. Some drummers come and go but others have changed the game, transcended the art form and left a legacy that will always be remembered.
Here are The Drum Ninjas Top 20 Greatest Drummers Of All Time:
Buddy Rich, renowned for his technical prowess and powerful style, is often considered one of the greatest drummers in jazz history. His career spanned several decades, during which he played with major orchestras and led his own bands.
Rich was known for his impressive speed, control, and ability to play complex rhythms. His energetic performances and charismatic stage presence made him a standout figure in the world of drumming.
Tito Puente, also known as “El Rey” (The King), was a pioneering figure in Latin music, particularly in genres like mambo and Latin jazz. He was not only a drummer but also a timbalero, bandleader, and composer.
Puente’s energetic and rhythmically complex playing style, combined with his ability to blend traditional Latin rhythms with jazz influences, made him a highly influential figure in the world of percussion. His performances were known for their vibrancy and his ability to engage and energize audiences.
Louie Bellson, known for his technical mastery and musical versatility, made significant contributions to the world of jazz drumming. He was recognized for his work with big bands, and his ability to blend traditional jazz rhythms with more modern elements.
Bellson was also notable for his use of double bass drumming, making him one of the pioneers in this technique. His performances were characterized by both power and finesse, and he was respected for his innovative approach to drumming.
Elvin Jones, celebrated for his innovative approach to jazz drumming, was a key figure in the evolution of modern jazz. His work, particularly with the John Coltrane Quartet, showcased his ability to push the boundaries of rhythm and timekeeping.
Jones’ playing was characterized by its polyrhythmic complexity and emotional intensity, which contributed significantly to the sound of modern jazz. His influence on drumming style and technique remains profound.
Hal Blaine, one of the most recorded drummers in history, was a central figure in the Los Angeles studio scene. He was part of the renowned group of session musicians known as “The Wrecking Crew.”
Blaine’s drumming can be heard on numerous hit records from the 1960s and 1970s, contributing to the success of many iconic artists. His style was versatile, adapting to various genres, and he was known for his solid, dependable playing and innovative drum sounds.
Ginger Baker, acclaimed for his work with the rock band Cream, was known for his fusion of jazz and African rhythms into rock drumming.
His style was innovative and influential, marked by his use of double bass drums and his expansive drum solos. Baker’s approach to drumming contributed significantly to the sound of the 1960s rock scene.
Bernard Purdie, known for his precise and soulful drumming, is highly regarded in the music industry. He is famous for creating the “Purdie Shuffle,” a groove that became a staple in R&B and soul music.
Purdie’s extensive session work includes collaborations with a variety of artists, showcasing his versatility across different musical genres. His influence extends well beyond R&B, impacting drummers across various styles.
Ringo Starr, the drummer for The Beatles, is celebrated for his musicality and the unique feel he brought to the band’s songs. His style was not about technical complexity but about serving the song with creativity and taste.
Starr’s drumming was integral to The Beatles’ sound, contributing significantly to their global success. His approach influenced generations of drummers in the realm of pop and rock music.
Billy Cobham is renowned for his influential work in jazz fusion, particularly with the Mahavishnu Orchestra.
His powerful and technically proficient drumming style, marked by rapid-fire execution and complex time signatures, helped define the fusion genre. Cobham’s approach to drumming, blending elements of jazz, rock, and funk, has inspired countless musicians.
Tony Williams, a jazz drummer, gained fame in the 1960s for his work with the Miles Davis Quintet. His dynamic and innovative style, characterized by complex rhythms and powerful solos, had a profound influence on jazz drumming.
Williams’ approach combined traditional jazz techniques with elements of rock and avant-garde, helping to shape the direction of modern jazz.
Steve Gadd is widely revered for his remarkable versatility and innovative techniques in drumming. He has worked with a diverse range of artists across various genres, from jazz to pop and rock.
Gadd’s drumming is known for its intricate rhythms, dynamic expression, and technical precision, making him a sought-after session and touring drummer. His contributions have significantly influenced modern drumming.
Keith Moon, the drummer for The Who, was known for his wild and energetic drumming style that was crucial to the band’s sound.
His approach, characterized by explosive power and a lack of conventional timekeeping, made him stand out in the rock music scene. Moon’s performances were notable for their intensity and showmanship, contributing significantly to the development of rock drumming.
John Bonham, the drummer for Led Zeppelin, is celebrated for his powerful and influential drumming style. His technique, characterized by heavy bass drum work, fast, intricate footwork, and aggressive grooves, played a vital role in shaping the sound of hard rock and heavy metal.
Bonham’s ability to combine technical skill with a unique feel made him a drumming icon.
Neil Peart, the drummer and lyricist for Rush, was renowned for his technical proficiency and musicality. His drumming was characterized by complex rhythms, precise timing, and innovative use of electronic percussion instruments.
Peart’s style, a blend of rock and jazz influences, made him one of the most influential drummers in progressive rock.
Jeff Porcaro, best known as the drummer for Toto, was highly respected for his work as a session musician. He played on numerous recordings across various genres, showcasing his versatile and refined drumming style. Porcaro’s groove was both subtle and effective, making him a favorite among artists and producers.
His legacy includes the creation of the famous “Rosanna shuffle,” a testament to his skill and influence in the drumming world.
John “JR” Robinson is recognized as one of the most recorded drummers in music history. His work spans various genres, contributing to the soundtracks of numerous hit songs and albums.
Robinson’s drumming is known for its impeccable timing, groove, and adaptability, qualities that have made him a sought-after session musician. His contribution to the music industry is marked by both his technical skill and his musical sensitivity.
Vinnie Colaiuta is acclaimed for his exceptional technical skill and versatility in drumming. He has worked across a wide range of musical genres, showcasing his ability to adapt and excel in each. Colaiuta’s drumming is noted for its complexity, precision, and creativity, making him a standout figure in the world of drumming.
Dennis Chambers is celebrated for his extraordinary drumming skills, especially in the genres of funk and jazz fusion. Known for his incredible speed, precision, and dynamic playing, Chambers has performed with numerous high-profile artists and bands.
His ability to effortlessly blend complex rhythms with deep grooves has made him a highly influential figure in the drumming community.
Dennis Chambers is celebrated for his extraordinary drumming skills, especially in the genres of funk and jazz fusion. Known for his incredible speed, precision, and dynamic playing, Chambers has performed with numerous high-profile artists and bands.
His ability to effortlessly blend complex rhythms with deep grooves has made him a highly influential figure in the drumming community.
There are so many great players on the scene today that it’s impossible to pick from the bunch. Benny Greb, Stanton Moore, Jojo Mayer, Virgil Donati, George Kollias, Chris Dave. The question is, where will they be ten years from now and will they have made the same kind of impact as the legends before them? Only time will tell.
As drumming is not a sport and there is no way to actually measure how one drummer is better than another the list has been compiled in chronological order. It is also based on the way the drummers played, the impact they have had and the music that they have created.
Now Kill It! DN
Founder of TheDrumNinja
I’m crazy about drums, it’s been my passion since I was 12 years old. I played in numerous bands going through different styles like Rock, Progressive, Pop & Jazz-Rock. After being featured in major music publications (Drumeo, Guitar Guitar, AudioIssues, MusicThinkTank) I started this website to share my knowledge and create a resource for drummers of all levels.
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