{"id":30044,"date":"2021-09-01T13:35:11","date_gmt":"2021-09-01T20:35:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/?p=30044"},"modified":"2023-04-19T14:26:32","modified_gmt":"2023-04-19T21:26:32","slug":"top-25-jazz-drummers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/top-25-jazz-drummers\/","title":{"rendered":"The Top 25 Jazz Drummers Of All Time"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>It\u2019s time to salute the biggest names in jazz! We polled the Drumeo team and our community of awesome members, and after <em>lots<\/em> of spirited debate, we came up with the top 25 jazz drummers of all time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The list includes some of the earliest masters of the instrument as well as some modern heroes. We think these folks are the best of the best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Here&#8217;s how we picked them:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>We focused mostly on drummers who play straight-ahead jazz, so you won\u2019t find as many fusion shredders or avant-garde cats on this list.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>We picked these artists based on their incredible playing, association with famous acts, and influence on future generations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You may not be familiar with every drummer on this list. That\u2019s ok! Part of what makes jazz awesome is that you can learn so much from musical giants of the past and then use it to become a better player. We hope this list will help you discover someone new who inspires you to want to learn and grow as a musician.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We know that everyone has passionate opinions, and that\u2019s great. We\u2019d love to hear yours, so tell us who we left off!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/the-top-100-drummers-of-all-time\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">(If you like these \u2018top drummer\u2019 lists, check out The Top 100 Drummers Of All Time)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\"><h2>The Top 25 Jazz Drummers<\/h2><nav><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#louie-bellson\">Louie Bellson<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#art-blakey\">Art Blakey<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#terri-lyne-carrington\">Terri Lyne Carrington<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#kenny-clarke\">Kenny Clarke<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#jimmy-cobb\">Jimmy Cobb<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#billy-cobham\">Billy Cobham<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#jack-de-johnette\">Jack DeJohnette<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#baby-dodds\">Baby Dodds<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#peter-erskine\">Peter Erskine<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#mark-guiliana\">Mark Guiliana<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#roy-haynes\">Roy Haynes<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#elvin-jones\">Elvin Jones<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#philly-joe-jones\">Philly Joe Jones<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#jo-jones\">Jo Jones<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#gene-krupa\">Gene Krupa<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#shelly-manne\">Shelly Manne<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#joe-morello\">Joe Morello<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#sonny-payne\">Sonny Payne<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#buddy-rich\">Buddy Rich<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#max-roach\">Max Roach<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#cindy-blackman-santana\">Cindy Blackman Santana<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#viola-smith\">Viola Smith<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#dave-tough\">Dave Tough<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#chick-webb\">Chick Webb<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#tony-williams\">Tony Williams<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><em>(In alphabetical order)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"louie-bellson\"><strong>Louie Bellson<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"text-center\">\n<div class=\"getty embed image\" style=\"background-color: #fff; display: inline-block; font-family: Roboto,sans-serif; color: #a7a7a7; font-size: 11px; width: 100%; max-width: 594px;\">\n<div style=\"padding: 0; margin: 0; text-align: left;\"><a style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.ca\/detail\/91134504\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"overflow: hidden; position: relative; height: 0; padding: 66.32997% 0 0 0; width: 100%;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" style=\"display: inline-block; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; margin: 0;\" src=\"\/\/embed.gettyimages.com\/embed\/91134504?et=MO9-9QUPSfdm62Sk0fP_dg&amp;tld=ca&amp;sig=k-CzoFSrY3Sa1kZn4G6F95yBeYd7HGRCrV3nG0odEAM=&amp;caption=true&amp;ver=1\" width=\"594\" height=\"394\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Duke Ellington once called Bellson \u201cthe world\u2019s greatest drummer.\u201d As one of the titans of the big band era, he had a brilliant career backing artists like Tommy Dorsey, Count Basie and Benny Goodman, and also achieved fame leading his own band where he<strong> <\/strong>pioneered the use of <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/y_lcbt1rnnk?t=25\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">two bass drums<\/a>.<strong> <\/strong>A true jazz hero!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"art-blakey\"><strong>Art Blakey<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"text-center\">\n<div class=\"getty embed image\" style=\"background-color:#fff;display:inline-block;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif;color:#a7a7a7;font-size:11px;width:100%;max-width:594px;\">\n<div style=\"padding:0;margin:0;text-align:left;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.ca\/detail\/1219731686\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;\" rel=\"noopener\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"overflow:hidden;position:relative;height:0;padding:87.03704% 0 0 0;width:100%;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/\/embed.gettyimages.com\/embed\/1219731686?et=zppF68jZQINs3jGxIg3PtA&amp;tld=ca&amp;sig=rw4sdXXJjel5i5AFSMgpmqHmHfI5adnk0ek3HpGTlWU=&amp;caption=true&amp;ver=1\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"594\" height=\"517\" style=\"display:inline-block;position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;margin:0;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nobody could swing harder than Blakey, and his infamous shuffle on the late 1950s Blue Note hit \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/uKOoxgI_xfQ?t=142\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Moanin<\/a>\u201d became one of the most iconic drum beats of all time. Although he didn\u2019t achieve widespread recognition until later in his career, his band The Jazz Messengers was a breeding ground for young lions like Wayne Shorter, Freddie Hubbard and Wynton Marsalis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"terri-lyne-carrington\"><strong>Terri Lyne Carrington<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"text-center\">\n<div class=\"getty embed image\" style=\"background-color:#fff;display:inline-block;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif;color:#a7a7a7;font-size:11px;width:100%;max-width:594px;\">\n<div style=\"padding:0;margin:0;text-align:left;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.ca\/detail\/1219879379\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;\" rel=\"noopener\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"overflow:hidden;position:relative;height:0;padding:70.87542% 0 0 0;width:100%;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/\/embed.gettyimages.com\/embed\/1219879379?et=SQ1fHDWrRGBI73VcvqCHHQ&amp;tld=ca&amp;sig=WBmQ4W7oGr0xi_xdKHwAFXew0PSTy6EH5SuOOxBbCug=&amp;caption=true&amp;ver=1\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"594\" height=\"421\" style=\"display:inline-block;position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;margin:0;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a drummer and bandleader, her playing is <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/uOD7n2EgJrQ?t=2601\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">dynamite<\/a> and her incredible resume speaks for itself. From her work with Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock to her own Grammy-nominated band, Carrington has always brought incredible energy, boundless creativity and a deep groove to every musical situation. She is the first female musician to win a Grammy for Best Jazz Instrumental Album, and continues to pass on her knowledge as the founder and artistic director of the Department of Jazz &amp; Gender Justice at The Berklee College of Music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"kenny-clarke\"><strong>Kenny Clarke<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"text-center\">\n<div class=\"getty embed image\" style=\"background-color:#fff;display:inline-block;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif;color:#a7a7a7;font-size:11px;width:100%;max-width:594px;\">\n<div style=\"padding:0;margin:0;text-align:left;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.ca\/detail\/3238987\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;\" rel=\"noopener\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"overflow:hidden;position:relative;height:0;padding:79.29293% 0 0 0;width:100%;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/\/embed.gettyimages.com\/embed\/3238987?et=CkYFeykwSYd1iidpyHUpwg&amp;tld=ca&amp;sig=c__rkOssd_RdmPrVNsROT76GqxSwYwOriPyUo_ONwgE=&amp;caption=true&amp;ver=1\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"594\" height=\"471\" style=\"display:inline-block;position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;margin:0;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cKlook\u201d was one of the pioneers of bebop drumming in the 1930s and popularized the idea of <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/NjS39J5QHA4?t=26\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">keeping time on the ride cymbal<\/a> instead of the hi-hat (he did it as a way to handle super-fast tempos). He was also one of the first players to use the bass drum to improvise and \u201cdrop bombs\u201d on different beats, as most drummers had previously stuck to \u201cfour-on-the-floor\u201d (playing all four quarter notes). Beyond these musical innovations, his impressive discography includes classic albums like Miles Davis\u2019 <em>The Birth of the Cool<\/em> (and he has one of best nicknames in jazz).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"jimmy-cobb\"><strong>Jimmy Cobb<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"text-center\">\n<div class=\"getty embed image\" style=\"background-color:#fff;display:inline-block;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif;color:#a7a7a7;font-size:11px;width:100%;max-width:594px;\">\n<div style=\"padding:0;margin:0;text-align:left;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.ca\/detail\/564811847\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;\" rel=\"noopener\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"overflow:hidden;position:relative;height:0;padding:61.952858% 0 0 0;width:100%;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/\/embed.gettyimages.com\/embed\/564811847?et=WmkLFODzT95c-hx9bDHy1A&amp;tld=ca&amp;sig=si3x_mVVGWsX-wJIOf67qgJTwb8G5tBaEIbr4C3aV5o=&amp;caption=true&amp;ver=1\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"594\" height=\"368\" style=\"display:inline-block;position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;margin:0;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Jimmy Cobb is the jazz drummer you\u2019ve heard a million times, but probably never knew it. His <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/nGvfBNywa3g?t=191\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">understated and swinging style<\/a> made him a popular sideman for Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Cannonball Adderley in the post-bop era. As a member of Davis\u2019 famed quintet, he played on <em>Kind of Blue<\/em>,<em> <\/em>which is perhaps the most famous jazz album of all time. He also appeared on Miles classics like <em>Sketches of Spain, Porgy &amp; Bess <\/em>and<em> Someday My Prince Will Come.&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"billy-cobham\"><strong>Billy Cobham<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"text-center\">\n<div class=\"getty embed image\" style=\"background-color:#fff;display:inline-block;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif;color:#a7a7a7;font-size:11px;width:100%;max-width:594px;\">\n<div style=\"padding:0;margin:0;text-align:left;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.ca\/detail\/959966170\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;\" rel=\"noopener\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"overflow:hidden;position:relative;height:0;padding:63.299664% 0 0 0;width:100%;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/\/embed.gettyimages.com\/embed\/959966170?et=9J2-LUlFQdNKWNI17ENttQ&amp;tld=ca&amp;sig=yAJqPI6RhPtv0rgVinm7-spflLesSO7B7y7bVSUmo1c=&amp;caption=true&amp;ver=1\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"594\" height=\"376\" style=\"display:inline-block;position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;margin:0;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>His <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_RrDAXschHs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">fiery and creative playing<\/a> has inspired jazz and non-jazz musicians alike, as artists from Phil Collins to Prince have lauded his work with the Mahavishnu Orchestra. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/billy-cobham-drum-lessons\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cobham <\/a>also appeared on the legendary Miles Davis album <em>Bitches Brew, <\/em>and his solo albums have received great acclaim (check out the 2-CD set <em>Rudiments<\/em>. Wow!). He also helped popularize the use of a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=n_jzfx6Rs5Q\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">gigantic drum set<\/a> along with an \u201copen-handed\u201d playing technique, which wasn\u2019t common in jazz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"jack-de-johnette\"><strong>Jack DeJohnette<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"text-center\">\n<div class=\"getty embed image\" style=\"background-color:#fff;display:inline-block;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif;color:#a7a7a7;font-size:11px;width:100%;max-width:594px;\">\n<div style=\"padding:0;margin:0;text-align:left;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.ca\/detail\/1158079253\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;\" rel=\"noopener\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"overflow:hidden;position:relative;height:0;padding:66.66667% 0 0 0;width:100%;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/\/embed.gettyimages.com\/embed\/1158079253?et=6f2XyY8KSyRxOa85vWUCIw&amp;tld=ca&amp;sig=5YeYiHoYjravJi3e4DjArs4AnkStrmx2MtgQRwO3Wd8=&amp;caption=true&amp;ver=1\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"594\" height=\"396\" style=\"display:inline-block;position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;margin:0;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Jack is one of the most influential drummers <em>ever <\/em>and belongs on the Mount Rushmore of jazz (and also this list). His work with Miles Davis, Bill Evans and Keith Jarrett redefined the role of the drummer as a creative force rather than just a timekeeper. His unique melodic style and signature <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/MiJD9j255Bw?t=24\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">dry ride cymbal tone<\/a> has graced hundreds of records. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"baby-dodds\"><strong>Baby Dodds<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"text-center\">\n<div class=\"getty embed image\" style=\"background-color:#fff;display:inline-block;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif;color:#a7a7a7;font-size:11px;width:100%;max-width:594px;\">\n<div style=\"padding:0;margin:0;text-align:left;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.ca\/detail\/97966228\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;\" rel=\"noopener\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"overflow:hidden;position:relative;height:0;padding:94.44444% 0 0 0;width:100%;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/\/embed.gettyimages.com\/embed\/97966228?et=5HH4lCRLTolIcYMG-uU39A&amp;tld=ca&amp;sig=vGW8wrEy0xYr_0XrL46ER-dPkwhPZRzXifJyjOhz6V0=&amp;caption=true&amp;ver=1\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"594\" height=\"561\" style=\"display:inline-block;position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;margin:0;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1IMMeEWD-2A\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Baby Dodds<\/a> was born in the late 1800s and came to prominence playing with Louis Armstrong, King Oliver and Jelly Roll Morton on the New Orleans Dixieland scene. He influenced everyone from Max Roach to Art Blakey with his <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=plfshlhD_BY\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">distinctive style<\/a> that used the snare and bass drum to keep time. Dodds is credited by many as the inventor of the drum fill since he would play rhythms around the kit during breaks in the melody. Fun fact: he never used a hi-hat since he said \u201che could never get comfortable with them!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"peter-erskine\"><strong>Peter Erskine<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"text-center\">\n<div class=\"getty embed image\" style=\"background-color:#fff;display:inline-block;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif;color:#a7a7a7;font-size:11px;width:100%;max-width:594px;\">\n<div style=\"padding:0;margin:0;text-align:left;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.ca\/detail\/1249174890\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;\" rel=\"noopener\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"overflow:hidden;position:relative;height:0;padding:66.66667% 0 0 0;width:100%;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/\/embed.gettyimages.com\/embed\/1249174890?et=Xn1RpfvMQU9i4rc_3Ap8yA&amp;tld=ca&amp;sig=DTIFV46BICx7tvhFvYl6zJRYJ_nMUUBW8nOrPgJCGWo=&amp;caption=true&amp;ver=1\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"594\" height=\"396\" style=\"display:inline-block;position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;margin:0;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/peter-erskine\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Peter Erskine<\/a>&#8216;s work with jazz\/fusion pioneers <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=A62QDiUuX7U\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Weather Report<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=dLE_IBg9abk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Steps Ahead<\/a> vaulted him to prominence in the 1970s. He&#8217;s appeared on over 700 albums and won multiple Grammy awards since then. His credits include everyone from Diana Krall to The Yellowjackets and Steely Dan, and his fluid and imaginative playing style has inspired drummers worldwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"mark-guiliana\"><strong>Mark Guiliana<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"text-center\">\n<div class=\"getty embed image\" style=\"background-color:#fff;display:inline-block;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif;color:#a7a7a7;font-size:11px;width:100%;max-width:594px;\">\n<div style=\"padding:0;margin:0;text-align:left;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.ca\/detail\/846756104\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;\" rel=\"noopener\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"overflow:hidden;position:relative;height:0;padding:66.66667% 0 0 0;width:100%;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/\/embed.gettyimages.com\/embed\/846756104?et=quqKKc5PRuhLh8CfcVlaQg&amp;tld=ca&amp;sig=9gEYAFYQK4CjB4n0jcN1VhJ_xljeHV5PjbgHgi-Yt9Y=&amp;caption=true&amp;ver=1\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"594\" height=\"396\" style=\"display:inline-block;position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;margin:0;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He\u2019s the youngest person on this list, but his <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/qqhj0KsdeeU\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">boundary-shattering creativity<\/a> and brilliant playing confirms that he deserves to be here. From his duo with pianist Brad Meldhau (<a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/jPHNAeUDb8k?t=28\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Mehliana<\/em><\/a>), to his genre-bending performance on David Bowie\u2019s final album <em>Blackstar<\/em>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/mark-guiliana-drum-lessons\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Guiliana <\/a>has burst forward as a leader of the new generation of artists building on traditions of the past to push jazz forward.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"roy-haynes\"><strong>Roy Haynes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"text-center\">\n<div class=\"getty embed image\" style=\"background-color:#fff;display:inline-block;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif;color:#a7a7a7;font-size:11px;width:100%;max-width:594px;\">\n<div style=\"padding:0;margin:0;text-align:left;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.ca\/detail\/561262535\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;\" rel=\"noopener\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"overflow:hidden;position:relative;height:0;padding:66.66667% 0 0 0;width:100%;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/\/embed.gettyimages.com\/embed\/561262535?et=u4LecuBpTLx_7TNFN5W6RQ&amp;tld=ca&amp;sig=URBK2ttcYvxdmTXpUxIXQA4llcmje--lif09DQTh2AQ=&amp;caption=true&amp;ver=1\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"594\" height=\"396\" style=\"display:inline-block;position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;margin:0;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Roy Haynes is one of those special drummers you can identify on an album after just a few seconds of hearing it. Over his nearly 80-year career, Haynes\u2019 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=gsTfwG9sDE8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">original improvisational style<\/a> has vaulted him to the top of the jazz universe. He\u2019s worked with artists like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=27lwYRhjBtE&amp;t=34s\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Chick Corea<\/a>, McCoy Tyner and Eric Dolphy, and recorded on hundreds of influential albums along with leading his own Grammy-winning band. At 96 years young, he\u2019s still out there playing and inspiring future generations. That\u2019s a long and impressive run for one of the instrument\u2019s true masters!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"elvin-jones\"><strong>Elvin Jones<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"text-center\">\n<div class=\"getty embed image\" style=\"background-color:#fff;display:inline-block;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif;color:#a7a7a7;font-size:11px;width:100%;max-width:594px;\">\n<div style=\"padding:0;margin:0;text-align:left;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.ca\/detail\/1187591577\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;\" rel=\"noopener\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"overflow:hidden;position:relative;height:0;padding:65.82491% 0 0 0;width:100%;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/\/embed.gettyimages.com\/embed\/1187591577?et=Xo9VwypmREtsmM_QyGWBRw&amp;tld=ca&amp;sig=6c9KyxjmFdYV8bUfeC1aqrV-6gQ3j__lzfSqrl_0j7Y=&amp;caption=true&amp;ver=1\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"594\" height=\"391\" style=\"display:inline-block;position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;margin:0;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What can we possibly say about Elvin that hasn\u2019t already been said? His work with John Coltrane produced some of the most famous and important jazz albums of all time, including <em>A Love Supreme, <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=sCUWc9ves8g\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>My Favorite Things<\/em><\/a><em> <\/em>and <em>Ascension.<\/em> His fiery, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=msbg4iaW5nE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">triplet-inspired<\/a> style completely redefined the instrument during his heyday in the \u201860s and became a blueprint for future generations of jazz drummers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"philly-joe-jones\"><strong>Philly Joe Jones<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"text-center\">\n<div class=\"getty embed image\" style=\"background-color:#fff;display:inline-block;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif;color:#a7a7a7;font-size:11px;width:100%;max-width:594px;\">\n<div style=\"padding:0;margin:0;text-align:left;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.ca\/detail\/103228179\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;\" rel=\"noopener\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"overflow:hidden;position:relative;height:0;padding:65.48821% 0 0 0;width:100%;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/\/embed.gettyimages.com\/embed\/103228179?et=hL3JqXI2TRR512hDLQRdww&amp;tld=ca&amp;sig=40T8_IAVX1_KhRSF1YQiVBIJN9dyaoag5bHxDmUZFks=&amp;caption=true&amp;ver=1\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"594\" height=\"389\" style=\"display:inline-block;position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;margin:0;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>His 6-year run with Miles Davis in the \u201850s cemented his place as one of the most important voices of the \u201chard bop\u201d era, and he also appeared on hugely influential recordings such as John Coltrane\u2019s <em>Blue Trane.<\/em> His super-swinging groove and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=fIPIc3bkYoc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">fresh solo ideas<\/a> gave these recordings a more contemporary feel, serving as a bridge between the bebop style of drummers like Max Roach and the later post-bop period of Elvin Jones. All aspiring jazz drummers should check out Philly Joe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"jo-jones\"><strong>Jo Jones<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"text-center\">\n<div class=\"getty embed image\" style=\"background-color:#fff;display:inline-block;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif;color:#a7a7a7;font-size:11px;width:100%;max-width:463px;\">\n<div style=\"padding:0;margin:0;text-align:left;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.ca\/detail\/85340101\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;\" rel=\"noopener\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"overflow:hidden;position:relative;height:0;padding:128.29375% 0 0 0;width:100%;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/\/embed.gettyimages.com\/embed\/85340101?et=y-vidF7mR-dW9PP1zI4qew&amp;tld=ca&amp;sig=cO75vgMZKgJswwGoWInZdM2NyTSZKgIVt7B1849a8EI=&amp;caption=true&amp;ver=1\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"463\" height=\"594\" style=\"display:inline-block;position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;margin:0;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They called him \u201cPapa Jo,\u201d and his long run with The Count Basie Orchestra made him a significant figure in the history of jazz. He was one of the first drummers to start keeping time on the hi-hat and <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/fxtik6ektQY?t=7\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">served as a major influence<\/a> for Buddy Rich, Max Roach, Gene Krupa and many others. His light and crisp \u201cBasie Swing\u201d sound also included \u201cfeathering\u201d (or gently playing) the bass drum on every beat. A true innovator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"gene-krupa\"><strong>Gene Krupa<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"text-center\">\n<div class=\"getty embed image\" style=\"background-color:#fff;display:inline-block;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif;color:#a7a7a7;font-size:11px;width:100%;max-width:513px;\">\n<div style=\"padding:0;margin:0;text-align:left;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.ca\/detail\/73998273\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;\" rel=\"noopener\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"overflow:hidden;position:relative;height:0;padding:115.789474% 0 0 0;width:100%;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/\/embed.gettyimages.com\/embed\/73998273?et=KuVvQBneTs9SFuhBPVoNtg&amp;tld=ca&amp;sig=gt3pKpOzQQTU6yBybBFxv7KG6aKfknoxAVJHfS6keBE=&amp;caption=true&amp;ver=1\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"513\" height=\"594\" style=\"display:inline-block;position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;margin:0;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>His <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Nu1teeixmpw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">drum battles<\/a> with Buddy Rich were legendary, and Krupa became one of the biggest household names of the 1920s even amongst non-musicians (we bet your grandparents used to talk about seeing him on TV). His work with bandleader Benny Goodman included the tune <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=j9J5Zt2Obko\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>&#8220;Sing, Sing, Sing,&#8221;<\/em><\/a><em> <\/em>which is one of the most famous drum solos of all time (Krupa was really the godfather of the extended drum solo). He\u2019s also considered one of the original innovators of the instrument itself, working with Slingerland and Zildjian to define how the modern drum set was put together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"shelly-manne\"><strong>Shelly Manne<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"text-center\">\n<div class=\"getty embed image\" style=\"background-color:#fff;display:inline-block;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif;color:#a7a7a7;font-size:11px;width:100%;max-width:594px;\">\n<div style=\"padding:0;margin:0;text-align:left;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.ca\/detail\/529062847\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;\" rel=\"noopener\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"overflow:hidden;position:relative;height:0;padding:81.31313% 0 0 0;width:100%;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/\/embed.gettyimages.com\/embed\/529062847?et=L63hmQRvTUJa4aJ2jvPOPQ&amp;tld=ca&amp;sig=TJlhw_sJKc4DXfmUggod0gYjaJFhl9ofQ8J5-iwOSlQ=&amp;caption=true&amp;ver=1\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"594\" height=\"483\" style=\"display:inline-block;position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;margin:0;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Shelly Manne was one of the originators of the West Coast or <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/G_Trb5OnXqw?t=493\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u201ccool jazz\u201d<\/a> sound in the \u201840s and \u201850s, playing with groundbreaking bandleader Stan Kenton\u2019s orchestra. Manne was versatile, also working with bebop stars Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker as well as backing Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and Mel Torm\u00e9. He also recorded on a ton of Hollywood film soundtracks like <em>The Pink Panther, West Side Story <\/em>and<em> My Fair Lady <\/em>(the first album of a Broadway score).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"joe-morello\"><strong>Joe Morello<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"text-center\">\n<div class=\"getty embed image\" style=\"background-color:#fff;display:inline-block;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif;color:#a7a7a7;font-size:11px;width:100%;max-width:594px;\">\n<div style=\"padding:0;margin:0;text-align:left;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.ca\/detail\/110764212\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;\" rel=\"noopener\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"overflow:hidden;position:relative;height:0;padding:75.92593% 0 0 0;width:100%;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/\/embed.gettyimages.com\/embed\/110764212?et=7e6P3BGSTAVcK9cxE1xnQQ&amp;tld=ca&amp;sig=Pn0s3hFRjqIFIu7lMgUdzAkwu-EeOhRP1WDYoriB7D0=&amp;caption=true&amp;ver=1\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"594\" height=\"451\" style=\"display:inline-block;position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;margin:0;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most people have heard Dave Brubeck\u2019s <em>&#8220;Take 5&#8221;,<\/em> and that\u2019s Joe Morello at his finest (here\u2019s a solo he <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=9tTyTc6FjjU\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">plays with his hands<\/a>). Nobody could play odd time signatures with such a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ylMnEcQvQ78\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">silky smooth flair<\/a>, and the Brubeck band became the most popular mainstream group in jazz after Morello joined in the late 1950s. His lengthy career included over 100 albums with artists like Brubeck, Gary Burton, and pianist Marian McPartland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"sonny-payne\"><strong>Sonny Payne<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"text-center\">\n<div class=\"getty embed image\" style=\"background-color:#fff;display:inline-block;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif;color:#a7a7a7;font-size:11px;width:100%;max-width:594px;\">\n<div style=\"padding:0;margin:0;text-align:left;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.ca\/detail\/1137583622\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;\" rel=\"noopener\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"overflow:hidden;position:relative;height:0;padding:79.12458% 0 0 0;width:100%;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/\/embed.gettyimages.com\/embed\/1137583622?et=IPi7l6WOT8x1KE_wWzroEQ&amp;tld=ca&amp;sig=nG0tnv4fVw7L5U4yNW2RoPAZ52QWSIvam5DXx-qFQ90=&amp;caption=true&amp;ver=1\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"594\" height=\"470\" style=\"display:inline-block;position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;margin:0;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Best known for his long stint with Count Basie in the \u201850s and \u201860s, Payne brought <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=H5PJoo38vuY\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">serious showmanship, dynamics and musicality<\/a> to the drum chair of this hugely popular big band. Basie called him the \u201cspark plug\u201d of the group, and he earned the respect and attention of peers like Louis Bellson and Elvin Jones who remarked that \u201che just made that band come alive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"buddy-rich\"><strong>Buddy Rich<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"text-center\">\n<div class=\"getty embed image\" style=\"background-color:#fff;display:inline-block;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif;color:#a7a7a7;font-size:11px;width:100%;max-width:514px;\">\n<div style=\"padding:0;margin:0;text-align:left;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.ca\/detail\/1049266348\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;\" rel=\"noopener\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"overflow:hidden;position:relative;height:0;padding:115.5642% 0 0 0;width:100%;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/\/embed.gettyimages.com\/embed\/1049266348?et=sjfnmIRuSp1wCmHmYNf6Rw&amp;tld=ca&amp;sig=nAbDJ4NunsK4mU0FUMG5zT-J_yAR9cs6og8flMT5cGI=&amp;caption=true&amp;ver=1\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"514\" height=\"594\" style=\"display:inline-block;position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;margin:0;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Buddy was burnin\u2019, and everyone was burnin\u2019 for Buddy as he became a household name across America in the \u201850s after his appearances on the <em>The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson<\/em>. He redefined the role of the drummer to fit his <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=94DeieWZgTM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">virtuosity and showmanship<\/a>, inspiring kids everywhere to ask their parents for a drum set. Beyond his jaw-dropping solos in his own band, Buddy also had an accomplished career as a sideman (here\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=YGo0sJJJ46I\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">some tasteful and swinging playing<\/a> with Charlie Parker).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"max-roach\"><strong>Max Roach<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"text-center\">\n<div class=\"getty embed image\" style=\"background-color:#fff;display:inline-block;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif;color:#a7a7a7;font-size:11px;width:100%;max-width:594px;\">\n<div style=\"padding:0;margin:0;text-align:left;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.ca\/detail\/74314374\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;\" rel=\"noopener\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"overflow:hidden;position:relative;height:0;padding:66.498314% 0 0 0;width:100%;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/\/embed.gettyimages.com\/embed\/74314374?et=J1vj_oXSSx9-98PqpZfbfQ&amp;tld=ca&amp;sig=mCE6uqUuSQwhqz2VrYxbxuFMxWVdAbn086nPUASUkCk=&amp;caption=true&amp;ver=1\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"594\" height=\"395\" style=\"display:inline-block;position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;margin:0;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Max was one of the founding fathers of bebop, and his work with Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie includes many of the most important recordings in jazz history (such as Miles Davis\u2019 <em>Birth of the Cool)<\/em>. He was also a pioneer of solo drum compositions, and took jazz drumming to a new level with his <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/D59jcJUriVM?t=1262\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">nimble<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=FHbqzX1zokk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">creative playing<\/a> (this video is just him on a hi-hat)! Many consider Roach to be the most versatile and innovative jazz drummer of all time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cindy-blackman-santana\"><strong>Cindy Blackman Santana<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"text-center\">\n<div class=\"getty embed image\" style=\"background-color:#fff;display:inline-block;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif;color:#a7a7a7;font-size:11px;width:100%;max-width:594px;\">\n<div style=\"padding:0;margin:0;text-align:left;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.ca\/detail\/171666002\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;\" rel=\"noopener\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"overflow:hidden;position:relative;height:0;padding:66.66667% 0 0 0;width:100%;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/\/embed.gettyimages.com\/embed\/171666002?et=JFn6icCwR95qqNyqrXbLlA&amp;tld=ca&amp;sig=X_SeUzbwZ_jtTiOeTHg0ZqhoxboPZt8Q8a_ogi5TKcQ=&amp;caption=true&amp;ver=1\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"594\" height=\"396\" style=\"display:inline-block;position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;margin:0;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Though she\u2019s also known as a badass rock star through her work with Lenny Kravitz, Cindy Blackman Santana has had a long and distinguished career in jazz. She\u2019s worked with everyone from John McLaughlin to Joe Henderson, pushing the boundaries of convention with her crisp and grooving playing style <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/y1-0PZgGSNY?t=936\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">(this solo<\/a> is nuts)!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"viola-smith\"><strong>Viola Smith<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"text-center\">\n<div class=\"getty embed image\" style=\"background-color:#fff;display:inline-block;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif;color:#a7a7a7;font-size:11px;width:100%;max-width:476px;\">\n<div style=\"padding:0;margin:0;text-align:left;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.ca\/detail\/1282510361\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;\" rel=\"noopener\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"overflow:hidden;position:relative;height:0;padding:124.78992% 0 0 0;width:100%;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/\/embed.gettyimages.com\/embed\/1282510361?et=REEIWToSRgFexZfXzM_2sg&amp;tld=ca&amp;sig=JnrrIhw_I35q3AfQodF7tXGwW7aEsa2bP6-FDDgT_6I=&amp;caption=true&amp;ver=1\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"476\" height=\"594\" style=\"display:inline-block;position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;margin:0;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Smith was a groundbreaking pioneer for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=o5c_XZaArH4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">female drummers<\/a>, appearing on the Ed Sullivan show five times during her heyday in the \u201840s and \u201950s. She was called \u201cthe female Gene Krupa,\u201d and her exciting solos and unconventional drum kit made her a national sensation (she used 13 toms, with a couple at shoulder height). She lived to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2020\/11\/06\/arts\/music\/viola-smith-dead.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ripe age of 107<\/a>, inspiring drummers everywhere to grab a pair of sticks and play drums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"dave-tough\"><strong>Dave Tough<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"text-center\">\n<div class=\"getty embed image\" style=\"background-color:#fff;display:inline-block;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif;color:#a7a7a7;font-size:11px;width:100%;max-width:492px;\">\n<div style=\"padding:0;margin:0;text-align:left;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.ca\/detail\/94986076\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;\" rel=\"noopener\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"overflow:hidden;position:relative;height:0;padding:120.73171% 0 0 0;width:100%;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/\/embed.gettyimages.com\/embed\/94986076?et=gzPjI-i6ThlOImfeqB3koA&amp;tld=ca&amp;sig=PmlxyUCG0xiT9AV_Z--4VfIs4-JM8dqif2QD9WLsd4c=&amp;caption=true&amp;ver=1\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"492\" height=\"594\" style=\"display:inline-block;position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;margin:0;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Though he may not be a household name, Dave Tough was one of the most important drummers of the Dixieland era, playing with Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman and most famously, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=tHLaOZRjFrQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Woody Herman\u2019s big band<\/a>. He had a remarkably understated playing style and reportedly hated taking drum solos, preferring a more traditional and supportive role. Despite suffering from epilepsy and dying very young (41), he left an important legacy in the history of jazz. Dizzy Gillespie once said, \u201cDave never got in the way; he didn&#8217;t overplay. What we need today are a few more Dave Toughs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"chick-webb\"><strong>Chick Webb<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"text-center\">\n<div class=\"getty embed image\" style=\"background-color:#fff;display:inline-block;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif;color:#a7a7a7;font-size:11px;width:100%;max-width:463px;\">\n<div style=\"padding:0;margin:0;text-align:left;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.ca\/detail\/74300255\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;\" rel=\"noopener\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"overflow:hidden;position:relative;height:0;padding:128.29375% 0 0 0;width:100%;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/\/embed.gettyimages.com\/embed\/74300255?et=KidGkD2NRY1_90ysX_0j6w&amp;tld=ca&amp;sig=UyD1UohWGidwVJyYxzWA4Ry4vMIxte43Dh8UhzX4-bc=&amp;caption=true&amp;ver=1\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"463\" height=\"594\" style=\"display:inline-block;position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;margin:0;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Though he stood barely 4 feet tall, Webb was one of the most significant drummers of the Big Band era, with Buddy Rich calling him \u201cthe daddy of them all.\u201d Webb overcame tremendous adversity, using a 28-inch bass drum to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Nc1oJsRjTgQ&amp;t=5s\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">power his band<\/a>, which also featured a young singer named Ella Fitzgerald. His fiery playing paved the way for drummers like Rich, Gene Krupa and Louis Bellson, all of whom cited him as a major influence on their playing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"tony-williams\"><strong>Tony Williams<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"text-center\">\n<div class=\"getty embed image\" style=\"background-color:#fff;display:inline-block;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif;color:#a7a7a7;font-size:11px;width:100%;max-width:594px;\">\n<div style=\"padding:0;margin:0;text-align:left;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.ca\/detail\/463012247\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;\" rel=\"noopener\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"overflow:hidden;position:relative;height:0;padding:65.31986% 0 0 0;width:100%;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/\/embed.gettyimages.com\/embed\/463012247?et=rgA-3EkySyxtdaO9yP7M0Q&amp;tld=ca&amp;sig=QWp_JVHYT_TIDM4QcrACbPzpzDp__70MbVRu2_fYZRI=&amp;caption=true&amp;ver=1\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"594\" height=\"388\" style=\"display:inline-block;position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;margin:0;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s hard to overstate the massive impact Tony Williams\u2019 playing has had on generations of drummers. He joined <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=RsCjeHWXiGY\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Miles Davis\u2019<\/a> quintet at age 17, recording legendary albums like <em>E.S.P<\/em>., <em>Nerfertiti<\/em> and <em>Miles Smiles<\/em>, later getting into rock and fusion with his own band <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/R_4vi09Tfgg?t=409\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Tony Williams Lifetime<\/a> (check out the double album <em>Emergency<\/em> with John McLaughlin and Larry Young). Tony was the among the best of his generation, and it\u2019s easy to wonder what incredible music he might be playing had he not died so young. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=uFCJs_WvsG4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tony was a true master<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That&#8217;s it! We hope this list inspires you to watch some videos, get lost in the stories and dig into the rich history of jazz drumming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>(P.S. Did your favorite drummer not appear on this list? Maybe they&#8217;re on the list of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/the-top-100-drummers-of-all-time\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Top 100 Drummers Of All Time<\/a>!)<\/p>\n\n\n<p><iframe class=\"email-form-include-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/weeklyemail\" frameborder=\"none\"><\/p>\n<p><\/iframe><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>These famous jazz drummers have pushed the style, inspired thousands, and even become household names.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":174,"featured_media":30277,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4019],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-30044","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drummers"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30044","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/174"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30044"}],"version-history":[{"count":23,"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30044\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":45063,"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30044\/revisions\/45063"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/30277"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30044"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=30044"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=30044"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}