Singing Drummers (Part One)

Singing lead and playing drums simultaneously is one of the great feats in popular music. Here I’ll post about some of the artists that make it work. The drummer is typically relegated to the rear, but here we’ll find some that should be right out front.

The Monkees were a pop-rock band formed in 1966 for the television show of the same name, designed to emulate the Beatles’ success. Initially cast as actors, the band—Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, Michael Nesmith, and Peter Tork—eventually became a legitimate musical group. Micky Dolenz served as both the drummer and lead singer.

Although he had no drumming experience prior to joining, he quickly learned and became integral to the band’s sound. Dolenz’s distinctive vocals powered hits like “I’m a Believer” and “Last Train to Clarksville,” making him the face of the group’s pop success. As the series progressed, the Monkees gained more creative control, with Dolenz playing a key role in both their recorded work and live performances .

Grand Funk Railroad, an American rock band formed in 1969 in Flint, Michigan, became known for its hard-driving sound and energetic live performances. The band was initially a power trio consisting of Mark Farner (guitar, vocals), Don Brewer (drums, vocals), and Mel Schacher (bass). Don Brewer was not only the drummer but also one of the lead vocalists,

contributing to the band’s signature style with his powerful voice. Brewer sang lead on some of the band’s biggest hits, including “We’re an American Band,” which he also wrote. His drumming was central to the band’s heavy, groove-based rock sound that helped Grand Funk Railroad gain massive popularity in the early 1970s, selling out arenas and earning a dedicated fanbase.

Jellyfish was a power-pop band formed in San Francisco in 1989, known for their lush harmonies, complex arrangements, and 1960s and ’70s pop influences. Andy Sturmer, the band’s co-founder, served as both the drummer and lead singer, a rare combination in rock music. Sturmer played a unique role, standing while playing drums and delivering vocals simultaneously. His voice was central to Jellyfish’s distinctive sound, leading hits like

“The King Is Half-Undressed” and “That Is Why.” Jellyfish only released two albums—Bellybutton (1990) and Spilt Milk (1993)—but Sturmer’s musicianship and inventive songwriting left a lasting impact on power pop and alternative rock. Despite their short career, the band’s legacy grew over time due to their innovative style.

Sheila E. (Sheila Escovedo) is an American percussionist, singer, and songwriter, widely known for her dynamic drumming and collaborations with Prince. Born into a musical family in 1957—her father, Pete Escovedo, is a well-known Latin jazz percussionist—Sheila E. began playing drums and percussion at an early age.

She rose to fame in the 1980s, particularly after working with Prince, who co-wrote and produced her hit single “The Glamorous Life” (1984). Her mix of Latin rhythms, pop, and funk, along with her electrifying performances, set her apart as one of the most prominent female drummers in the industry. Sheila E. has continued her successful solo career while also working with artists like Beyoncé, Ringo Starr, and George Duke.

The Eagles, formed in 1971, became one of the most successful American rock bands of all time, known for their blend of country, rock, and harmony-driven hits. Don Henley, co-founder and key member, served as both drummer and lead vocalist, which was uncommon for a frontman in rock music. Henley’s rich, emotive voice powered some of the band’s biggest songs,

including “Hotel California” and “Desperado.” His drumming, while understated, provided a steady backbone to the band’s laid-back yet intricate sound. After the Eagles disbanded in 1980, Henley launched a successful solo career, releasing hits like “The Boys of Summer” and “Dirty Laundry,” further establishing his reputation as a powerful singer-songwriter. Henley reunited with the Eagles in the 1990s, solidifying his legacy in both group and solo work.