Do you know why they call a drummer’s seat a throne? Because drummers are kings and queens.
Here are some of the greatest drummers of all time
10. Gene Krupa
During the 1930s and ’40s, Gene Krupa was a legend in the big band and swing jazz movements. One of his most famous works was Sing, Sing, Sing – where Krupa performed the first commercially recorded extended drum solo.
Krupa is also know for stages a series of drum battles with Buddy Rich.
9. Mike Portnoy
Mike Portnoy is best known as the co-founder of progressive metal / rock band Dream Theater. His technical skills have resulted in 29 awards from the Modern Drummer magazine. Portnoy is the second youngest person (after Neil Peart) to be inducted into the Modern Drummer’s Hall of Fame.
8. Phil Collins
Drummer and lead vocalist of Genesis, and having forged a successful solo career, Phil Collins has been called one of the most successful songwriters and performers of all time.
Collins has won numerous music awards, including seven Grammy Awards, six Brit Awards, three American Music Awards, an Academy Award, two Golden Globe Awards and a Disney Legend.
7. Dave Grohl
Dave Grohl is one of the top drummers of all time, but he is also competent at performing many different instruments. He is a singer, songwriter, producer and film director. Among other things, Grohl is known for his work with Foo Fighters, Them Crooked Vultures and Nirvana.
6. Stewart Copeland
Stewart Copeland sings, plays the guitar, drums and keyboard. He was one of the Police’s major songwriters and after the band’s breakup, Copeland began composing soundtracks for movies, television, opera and ballet.
5. Ginger Baker
One of the greatest cross-genre drummers of all time, Ginger Baker was originally a British jazz drummer. Baker travelled to Africa and studied African rhythms which he incorporated in his work on Cream and Blind Faith.
Here is a 10-minute drum solo on Cream’s “Toad
4. Buddy Rich
A jazz drummer who played with, among others, Frank Sinatra, Tommy Dorsey and Oscar Peterson. Buddy Rich was known for his temper and occasional rages, but this was often overlooked because of his talent.
3. Keith Moon
This is the drummer my husband picked for number one. A member of The Who, Moon’s wild, energetic energy added to the band’s enigmatic stage presence.
In 2011, Moon was voted the second-greatest drummer in history by a Rolling Stone readers’ poll.
2. Neil Peart
Drummer and lyricist for Rush, Peart has received numerous awards for his musical performances. He is known for his stamina and technical ability. Bandmate Geddy Lee called him “the professor on the drum kit.”
1. John Bonham
Drum roll please…
Led Zeppelin’s John Bonham has been called the godfather of drumming. Decades after his death, Bonham is considered by many to be the greatest drummer in rock history due to his speed, power, fast right foot, passion and distinctive sound.
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Also published on Medium.