Influential Blues Drummers
These drummers laid the groundwork for the development of blues drumming, and their influence can be heard in the playing of many contemporary drummers.
The Pioneers of Beating The Blues
1. Papa Jo Jones: Jones, born in 1911, was an influential jazz and blues drummer. He played with the Count Basie Orchestra and was known for his use of brushes and his swinging style.
2. Sonny Greer: Greer was the drummer for the Duke Ellington Orchestra and is considered one of the pioneers of jazz and blues drumming. He incorporated unique percussion instruments, like the Chinese gong, into his playing.
3. Big Sid Catlett: Catlett, active in the 1930s and 1940s, was a highly influential jazz and blues drummer. He played with artists such as Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, and Ella Fitzgerald and was known for his powerful and dynamic playing style.
4. Francis Clay, born in 1923, was a highly respected blues drummer known for his exceptional skills and contributions to the genre. He gained prominence as a member of the Muddy Waters Band during the 1950s and 1960s, where his powerful and tight drumming style became a defining element of the band’s sound. Clay’s ability to lay down a solid groove and impeccable sense of timing made him a sought-after drummer in the blues community. He had a knack for blending various drumming techniques, incorporating elements of jazz and R&B into his playing.
5. Fred Below was an influential blues drummer best known for his work with the legendary blues band, The Aces. Born on September 16, 1926, in Chicago, creating a distinct style that would tremendously impact the blues drumming style. Below was also a member of the Chess Records house band who played a key role in shaping the sound of the Chicago blues style, providing subtle yet powerful rhythms that underpinned the work of some of the greatest blues artists, including Little Walter, Bo Diddley, and Chuck Berry and many others.
6. Sam Lay: Lay, born in 1935, was a well-known blues drummer recognized for his distinctive style and influence on the genre. Known for performing with the Paul Butterfield Blues Band in the 1960s, he also worked with work with legendary blues artists such as Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, and Otis Rush. Sam Lay was known for his powerful and inventive drumming, characterized by his precise timing and dynamic rhythms. He was also a master of playing multiple rhythms simultaneously.
7. Earl Palmer was a legendary rock and roll and rhythm and blues drummer known for his work with iconic musicians such as Little Richard, Fats Domino, and The Beach Boys. Born in New Orleans on October 25, 1924, Palmer began his career as a tap dancer before migrating to the drums. His drumming style combined elements of swing, blues, and early rock, making him one of the pioneers in the evolution of rock and roll music. Palmer’s innovative and propulsive beats helped define the sound of popular music. His contributions to the music industry were recognized in 2000. Earl was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
8. S.P. Leary was a renowned blues drummer known for his exceptional talent and contribution to the genre. He gained prominence for his work with blues legends Muddy Waters, Howlin Wolf, and T-Bone Walker during the 1950s and 1960s, and 1970s. Leary’s drumming style was characterized by its precision, power, and impeccable timing. He had a knack for creating intricate rhythms that perfectly complemented the blues melodies, adding depth and intensity to the music. S.P. Leary’s exceptional drumming skills and contributions to the blues genre have solidified his legacy as one of the most influential drummers of his time.
9. Willie “Big Eyes” Smith was a highly talented and revered blues drummer and harmonica musician known for his impressive skills and contributions to the blues genre. Born on January 19, 1936, in Helena, Arkansas, Smith began his musical journey as a harmonica player known as Little Willie Smith when he performed with Bo Diddley on a song titled Diddy Wah Diddy. For over two decades, Willie’s passion for the drums made him a pivotal member of Muddy Waters’ band, playing a crucial role in shaping the electric blues sound. Smith’s drumming style was characterized by his impeccable timing, dynamic playing, and ability to create infectious grooves that perfectly complemented the blues guitar. He was widely respected for his versatility and creativity, which made him a sought-after collaborator for numerous blues artists. Willie “Big Eyes” Smith received multiple awards throughout his career, including several Grammy Awards, and his impact on the blues community continues to be celebrated.
10. Odie Payne was a renowned blues drummer who substantially shaped the Chicago blues drumming scene during the 1950s and 60s. Born in Chicago in 1926, Payne’s distinctive drumming style contributed to the success of several legendary blues musicians, including Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, and Sonny Boy Williamson II. Over his career, Payne’s powerful and rhythmic drumming techniques helped define the sound of Chicago blues, making him one of the genre’s most influential drummers.
11. Earl Phillips was a significant blues drummer active in the 1940s and 1950s. He was a key member of many of the seminal blues groups of the time, including the Muddy Waters Blues Band and the Howlin’ Wolf Band. He was known for his dynamic, hard-hitting style of drumming, as well as his unique choice of instrumentation. Phillips was an essential part of the Chicago blues scene, and his influence can still be heard in modern blues music.
12. Al Jackson Jr: As the drummer for Booker T. & the MG’s, Jackson helped to define the sound of Southern soul, which has its roots in the blues.
13. Jabo Starks: Starks was one of the drummers for James Brown, and his funky, bluesy style has made him a legend.
14. Clifton James: was a known blues drummer who played with Bo Diddley. He was in the band from the 1950s to 1960s and had a unique drumming style. His loud and energetic beats helped bring out the best in Bo Diddley’s sound. He was a major influence in the development of rock and roll music.
The contributions of influential blues drummers cannot be overstated. These drummers have played a pivotal role in shaping the sound and feel of the blues genre style. They have provided the backbone that drives the music forward through their rhythmic innovation, impeccable timing, and dynamic playing. Their ability to convey emotion and enhance the storytelling element of the blues has made them true legends in their own right. They are some of the true pioneers of blues drumming. And they continue to inspire and captivate both musicians and fans alike. Their impact on the genre undeniably solidifies their rightful place in the rich tapestry of blues history.