My Favorite Drummers (Part One)

I have always been a fan of the drums. I had a snare drum as a kid and one of my friends from Milton High School, Tommy Mulkey, was an incredible drummer. As a child, one of my favorite Christmas songs was “The Little Drummer Boy”. I thought I would list some of my all-time favorite drummers for my blog.

Born on March 20, 1950, in Handsworth, Birmingham, England, Carl Palmer is a distinguished British drummer and percussionist whose illustrious career spans several decades. He first gained prominence as a founding member of the progressive rock supergroup Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP) in 1970, contributing significantly to the genre’s evolution. Before ELP, Palmer showcased his drumming prowess with The Crazy World of Arthur Brown and Atomic Rooster.

Beyond his contributions to these iconic bands, Palmer continued to make a mark in the music industry by joining the supergroup Asia in 1981, featuring notable members from other successful rock bands. His technical mastery and dynamic drumming style have left an indelible impact on progressive rock. Carl Palmer’s enduring legacy as a versatile and influential drummer extends through his collaborations with various artists, solidifying his status as a drumming legend.

Born on September 12, 1952, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, Neil Peart was a highly acclaimed drummer, lyricist, and author, best known for his legendary career with the progressive rock band Rush. Joining Rush in 1974, Peart quickly became renowned for his intricate drumming style, innovative drum solos, and insightful lyricism.

Born on September 30, 1917, in Brooklyn, New York, Buddy Rich was a legendary American jazz drummer and bandleader. Widely regarded as one of the greatest drummers in the history of jazz, Rich began his career in vaudeville at a young age, showcasing his prodigious talent on the drums.

By the age of 11, he was already leading his own band. Rich’s remarkable technique, speed, and musicality set him apart, and he went on to perform with some of the biggest names in jazz, including Artie Shaw and Tommy Dorsey. He later formed his own big band, the Buddy Rich Orchestra, and continued to tour and record prolifically. Rich’s influence on the world of drumming is immeasurable, and his legacy endures as a testament to his unparalleled skill and passion for music. Buddy died on April 2, 1987.

Born on February 5, 1929, in Holyoke, Massachusetts, Hal Blaine was an American drummer and session musician who became one of the most prolific and influential figures in the music industry. Renowned for his impeccable sense of timing and versatility,

Blaine played a crucial role in shaping the sound of countless hit records during the 1960s and 1970s. He was a key member of the Wrecking Crew, a group of elite studio musicians in Los Angeles, and contributed to an estimated 35,000 recordings, including 6,000 singles. He performed on iconic tracks by artists like Elvis Presley,

Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass, Frank Sinatra, The Beach Boys, The Monkees, Simon & Garfunkel, and The Ronettes. Hal Blaine’s drumming prowess and innovative techniques, such as his use of the “blow-up” drum fill, left an indelible mark on popular music. He received numerous accolades for his contributions, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. Hal died of natural causes on March 11, 2019, at age 90.

Born on May 31, 1948, in Redditch, Worcestershire, England, John Bonham was a legendary drummer best known as the powerhouse behind the iconic rock band Led Zeppelin. Renowned for his exceptional technique, powerful drumming style, and distinctive feel,

Bonham played a pivotal role in shaping the band’s sound during their heyday in the 1970s. Joining Led Zeppelin in 1968, Bonham’s dynamic and thunderous drumming became a signature element of the band’s music, contributing to their monumental success. His work on tracks like