Singing Drummers (Part Two)

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.

Roger Taylor, born Roger Meddows Taylor on July 26, 1949, in King’s Lynn, Norfolk, England, is a celebrated drummer, singer, and songwriter best known as a founding member of the rock band Queen. Taylor grew up in a musical family and demonstrated an early interest in music, starting with the ukulele before transitioning to the guitar and eventually the drums. He attended Truro Cathedral School and later Truro School in Cornwall, where he developed his drumming skills and performed in local bands.

Taylor pursued dentistry at the London Hospital Medical College before switching to biology at East London Polytechnic, earning a degree. In 1968, he joined the band Smile¹, where he met future Queen guitarist Brian May. With the addition of Freddie Mercury and John Deacon, Queen was formed in 1970. Taylor’s distinctive drumming and falsetto vocals became integral to Queen’s sound, contributing to hits like “Bohemian Rhapsody” and writing songs such as “Radio Ga Ga” and “A Kind of Magic.”

In addition to his work with Queen, Taylor enjoyed a solo career, releasing albums like Fun in Space (1981) and Outsider (2021). Queen’s global success earned Taylor multiple awards, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001 and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018. He remains an active musician and philanthropist, supporting causes such as AIDS awareness and animal rights.

Karen Carpenter, born on March 2, 1950, in New Haven, Connecticut, was a renowned drummer and singer best known as half of the pop duo The Carpenters alongside her brother, Richard Carpenter. Raised in a musical family, Karen initially showed little interest in music but began playing drums in high school, eventually mastering the instrument and developing a unique, jazz-influenced style. She attended Downey High School in California after the family relocated to Downey, where her musical talents flourished.

Though originally more focused on drumming, her warm, velvety contralto voice was discovered and became the centerpiece of the Carpenters’ success. The duo signed with A&M Records in 1969, achieving international acclaim with hits like “(They Long to Be) Close to You,” “We’ve Only Just Begun,” and “Rainy Days and Mondays.” Karen’s vocal delivery, marked by clarity and emotional depth, became iconic in the 1970s.

The Carpenters earned three Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist in 1970, and sold over 90 million records worldwide. Tragically, Karen struggled with anorexia nervosa, a condition not widely understood at the time. After years of battling the disorder, she died on February 4, 1983, at the age of 32 due to heart failure caused by complications from anorexia. Her legacy endures through her music, which remains beloved for its timeless quality and emotional resonance.

Peter Hoorelbeke, better known as Peter Rivera, was born on January 16, 1946, in Detroit, Michigan, and rose to fame as the lead singer and drummer of the rock band Rare Earth. Growing up in a working-class family, Rivera developed a passion for music early on, inspired by the rich Motown sound of Detroit. While attending a local high school, he started playing drums and singing in bands, eventually honing his distinctive voice and dynamic stage presence.

In 1968, he joined the band Rare Earth, which became the first successful white group signed to Motown’s Rare Earth Records label. Rivera’s powerful vocals and energetic drumming were central to the band’s hits, including “Get Ready,” “I Just Want to Celebrate,” and “(I Know) I’m Losing You.” Rare Earth achieved significant success in the 1970s, earning gold and platinum records and playing major venues and festivals.

Rivera eventually left the group in the mid-1970s and pursued a solo career while also collaborating with other artists. Though Rare Earth never won major awards, their influence in blending rock and soul remains significant. Rivera continues to perform and inspire with his music, carrying forward the legacy of the band’s distinctive sound.

Ringo Starr, born Richard Starkey on July 7, 1940, in Liverpool, England, is a legendary drummer, singer, songwriter, and actor best known as the drummer for The Beatles. Raised in a working-class family, Starr faced significant health challenges as a child, including severe peritonitis and tuberculosis, which led to lengthy hospital stays and disrupted his education. Despite these hardships, Starr developed an interest in music, initially playing a makeshift drum kit.