Famous Percussionists

Ringo Starr, born as Richard Starkey on July 7, 1940 in Liverpool, England, is one of the world's most renowned drummers, achieving global fame as a member of the legendary band, The Beatles. Raised in a working-class family, Starr overcame numerous health issues during his childhood, which led to long periods away from school. It was during these hospital stays that he discovered his passion for music, particularly drumming. Starr began his musical career with Rory Storm and the Hurricanes, which paved the way for his introduction into the Beatles. In 1962, Starr replaced Pete Best as the dru

A powerhouse in the world of jazz and big band music, Buddy Rich was hailed as one of the most influential and skilled drummers of all time. Born Bernard Rich in Brooklyn, New York, in 1917, his musical journey began at an early age with vaudeville performances, blossoming into a career that spanned over seven decades. Dubbed "Traps the Drum Wonder" as a child for his exceptional talent, he evolved beyond the persona to become a respected figure in the music industry. Rich's career trajectory was nothing short of impressive. At the tender age of 15, he started playing with notable jazz musicia

Dave Grohl, born David Eric Grohl on January 14, 1969, in Warren, Ohio, is a multi-talented musician credited with making significant contributions to the rock music genre. Before establishing himself as a prominent figure in the music industry, Grohl dropped out of high school at 17 to play drums for the punk band Scream, which marked the beginning of his illustrious career. However, he is best known for his role as the drummer of the iconic grunge band Nirvana and later as the frontman of the Foo Fighters. Grohl joined Nirvana in 1990, and his powerful drumming style was instrumental in shap

Michael John Kells Fleetwood (born 24 June 1947) is a British musician and actor, best known as the drummer, co-founder, and de facto leader of the rock band Fleetwood Mac. Fleetwood, whose surname was merged with that of the group's bassist John "Mac" McVie to form the name of the band, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. Born in Redruth, Cornwall, Fleetwood lived in Egypt and Norway for much of his childhood years as his father travelled with the Royal Air Force. Choosing to follow his musical interests, Fleetwood travelled to London at the age of 15, eventually combini

Charlie Watts, best known as the unassuming powerhouse behind the Rolling Stones, is widely regarded as one of rock and roll's greatest drummers. Born on June 2, 1941, in Kingsbury, London, his initial passion in life was art. He studied at Harrow School of Art before becoming a graphic designer. However, his love for jazz and rhythm and blues drew him into the world of music. In the early 1960s, Watts joined the Rolling Stones, a band that would go on to become one of the most influential rock bands in history. Unlike the usual stereotype of rock drummers, Watts brought a unique subtlety to h

Keith Moon, best known as the dynamic and unpredictable drummer for the British rock band, The Who, was a figure of legend even during his lifetime. Born on August 23, 1946, in Wembley, London, he displayed an early interest in music which catapulted him into the world of rock and roll. His raw energy, wild antics, and innovative drumming techniques defined the sound of The Who and transformed the role of drums in rock music. Moon joined The Who in 1964 and his unique drumming style, often compared to the lead instrument rather than a rhythm section, quickly became a defining characteristic of

Phil Collins, born on January 30, 1951 in Chiswick, London, built a career spanning multiple decades and diverse roles, as a drummer, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and actor. His musical journey began at a young age when he received a toy drum kit, sparking an enduring passion for music that would guide his life. Collins gained prominence as the drummer and later lead vocalist of the rock band Genesis. The band's innovative sound and experimental approach to music resonated with audiences worldwide, catapulting them to international fame. However, Collins' talents extended beyond

Neil Ellwood Peart (September 12, 1952 – January 7, 2020) was a Canadian musician and writer best known as the drummer and primary lyricist of the rock band Rush. Peart received numerous awards for his musical performances, including an induction into the Modern Drummer Readers Poll Hall of Fame in 1983, making him the youngest person ever so honoured. His drumming was renowned for its technical proficiency, and his live performances for their exacting nature and stamina. During his last years, Peart lived in Santa Monica, California, with his wife, photographer Carrie Nuttall, and daughter Ol

Peter Edward "Ginger" Baker (born 19 August 1939) is an English drummer and a founder of the rock band Cream. His work in the 1960s earned him the reputation of "rock's first superstar drummer", while his individual style melds a jazz background with African rhythms. He is credited as a pioneer of drumming in genres like jazz fusion, heavy metal and world music.Baker began playing drums aged 15, and later took lessons from Phil Seamen. In the 1960s, he joined Blues Incorporated, where he met bassist Jack Bruce. The two clashed often, but would be rhythm section partners again in the Graham Bon

Mark Lavon "Levon" Helm (May 26, 1940 – April 19, 2012) was an American musician and actor who achieved fame as the drummer and one of the vocalists for the Band. Helm was known for his deeply soulful, country-accented voice, multi-instrumental ability, and creative drumming style, highlighted on many of the Band's recordings, such as "The Weight", "Up on Cripple Creek", and "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down". Helm also had a successful career as a film actor, appearing as Loretta Lynn's father in Coal Miner's Daughter, as Chuck Yeager's friend and colleague Captain Jack Ridley in The Right

John Paul Densmore was born December 1, 1944. He is an American musician, songwriter, author, and actor. Densmore is best known as the drummer for the rock band the Doors, earning a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He appeared on every recording made by the band. After Jim Morrison died in 1971, Densmore vetoed offers from the other two Doors members to license song rights for commercial use. He also objected to using the Doors name and logo in the 21st century. This resulted in Densmore's lengthy court battle.

Tommy Lee, born Thomas Lee Bass on October 3, 1962, is an American musician and songwriter known for exceptional drumming talent. He became famous as a founding member of Mötley Crüe, a heavy metal band that dominated the music scene in the 1980s. Born in Athens, Greece, but raised in California, Lee showed his passion early. His parents gave him a drum set as a Christmas gift when he was four years old. Lee started his career with Mötley Crüe in 1981.

Frank Zappa, an American musician, was born December 21, 1940. He developed an eclectic music style and provocative commentary. Zappa composed for various genres, including rock, jazz, and orchestral music. He became one of the most innovative musicians of the 20th century. As a self-taught composer, Zappa showed his creative genius early on. He rose to prominence in the 1960s as the leader of The Mothers of Invention. His work featured nonconformity, improvisation, sound experiments, and satire.

Vincent Samson Appice, born September 13, 1957, is an American rock drummer. He worked with bands like Dio, Black Sabbath, and Heaven & Hell. He is of Italian descent and the younger brother of drummer Carmine Appice.

William Thomas Berry was born July 31, 1958. He is a retired American musician and the drummer for the alternative rock band R.E.M. Berry is known for his solid, economical drumming style. He played guitar, bass guitar, and piano on R.E.M. albums and for songwriting. After seventeen years with the band, Berry left music to become a farmer. He has since maintained a low profile, making sporadic reunions with R.E.M. and appearing on other artists' recordings.

Nicholas Berkeley Mason, (born 27 January 1944) is an English drummer, best known as a founder member of the progressive rock band Pink Floyd. Mason is the only Pink Floyd member to have been featured on all of their studio albums, and the only constant member of the band since its formation in 1965. It is estimated that as of 2010, the group have sold over 250 million records worldwide. Mason co-wrote Pink Floyd compositions such as "Echoes", "Time", "Careful With That Axe, Eugene" and "One of These Days".

Michael Charles Avory (born 15 February 1944) is an English musician, best known as the longtime drummer and percussionist for the English rock band the Kinks. He joined them shortly after their formation in 1964 and remained with them until 1984, when he left amid creative friction with guitarist Dave Davies. He is the longest-serving member of the band, apart from the Davies brothers.

Kenny Aronoff (born March 7, 1953 in Albany, New York) is an American drummer who has been the sideman for many bands both live and in the studio. He is most recognized as being the longtime drummer for John Mellencamp, with whom he worked from 1980 to 1996. He is also known for his recorded drums and percussion with many recording artists.

Carmine Appice was born December 15, 1946. He is an American drummer and percussionist associated with rock music. Appice received classical music training and was influenced by jazz drummers Buddy Rich and Gene Krupa. He is known for associations with bands like Vanilla Fudge, Cactus, Beck, Bogert & Appice, Rod Stewart, King Kobra, and Blue Murder. These groups also featured John Sykes of Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy, plus Tony Franklin of The Firm. Appice was inducted into the Classic Drummer Hall of Fame in 2013 and the Modern Drummer H.

Fred Astaire was born Frederick Austerlitz in 1899 and emerged from Omaha, Nebraska. He became one of the most influential dancers, singers, and actors of the 20th century. His career spanned over seven decades, featuring innovative dance routines on Broadway and film. Astaire began dancing with his sister Adele. They made their vaudeville debut when Fred was five years old. They enjoyed a successful Broadway career in the 1920s, headlining shows like For Goodness Sake and.

Richard John Cyril Allen, born November 1, 1963, is an English drummer. He played for the hard rock band Def Leppard starting in 1978. In 1985, he overcame the amputation of his left arm and continued playing with the band. The band reached its most commercially successful phase while Allen was a member. Fans call him "The Thunder God".

Lars Ulrich was born in Denmark in 1963. He is the founding member and drummer of the heavy metal band Metallica. Lars is the son of professional tennis player Torben Ulrich, and he played competitive tennis in his youth. His life changed after attending a Deep Purple concert at age nine. This experience sparked a passion for music that led to the creation of one of the greatest metal bands. Moving to Los Angeles in the early 1980s, Ulrich placed

Eddie Vedder, born Edward Louis Severson III on December 23, 1964, is an acclaimed American musician and singer-songwriter. He became the lead vocalist and guitarist for the alternative rock band Pearl Jam. Vedder grew up in Evanston, Illinois, where parental divorce and identity confusion shaped some of his lyrics. In the early 1980s, Vedder moved to San Diego, California, working various jobs while improving his music skills. His career started in 1990 when he was recruited.

Joseph Michael Kramer, born June 21, 1950, is the American drummer for the hard rock band Aerosmith.

Sheila E. collaborated frequently with the rock icon Prince. She started performing as a teenager with her father and uncle in the Latin funk band Azteca. She then worked as a session player for Marvin Gaye and George Duke. Her solo debut, The Glamorous Life (1984), featured a Top 10 single. That song was penned by Prince and captured his high-drama funk style.

Cozy Powell (born Colin Trevor Flooks, December 29, 1947 – April 5, 1998) was an English rock drummer. He worked with major artists and bands including The Jeff Beck Group, Rainbow, Gary Moore, Robert Plant, Brian May, Whitesnake, Emerson, Lake & Powell, and Black Sabbath. Powell appeared on at least 66 albums.

Stephen Kendall Gadd is an American drummer, percussionist, and session musician. He was inducted into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame in 1984. Gadd performed on Paul Simon's "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover" and "Late in the Evening." He also played on Steely Dan's "Aja." Gadd worked with many artists, including Simon & Garfunkel, Steely Dan, James Taylor, Harry Chapin, Eric Clapton, Kate Bush, Joe Cocker, and Grover Washington Jr.

Roger Andrew Taylor was born on April 26, 1960. He is an English musician and the drummer for Duran Duran from 1985 until 2001. Duran Duran sold over 100 million records worldwide. Roger Taylor is not the same person as the drummer for Queen.

Dominic Joseph Fontana was an American musician. He was the drummer for Elvis Presley for 14 years. In October 1954, he played drums for Presley, starting a fifteen-year relationship with him. Fontana played on over 460 RCA cuts with Elvis.

Paul Charles Caravello, known by his stage name Eric Carr, was an American musician. He played drums for the rock band Kiss from 1980 to 1991. When Peter Criss left, Caravello took over as the new Kiss drummer. He chose the stage name "Eric Carr" and adopted the Fox persona. He remained a member of Kiss until his death from heart cancer on November 24, 1991, at age 41.

Jack White, born John Anthony Gillis on July 9, 1975, in Detroit, Michigan, is a multitalented musician. He is a singer-songwriter and record producer known for his unique style across multiple genres. Raised with ten siblings, White played various instruments before focusing on the guitar. In the 1990s, he played drums for the punk band Goober & the Peas. White gained international fame as the lead vocalist and guitarist of The White Stripes.

Philip Hansen Anselmo, born June 30, 1968, is an American heavy metal musician. He is the lead vocalist for Pantera, Down, and Superjoint Ritual. Anselmo also owns Housecore Records and has worked with several other bands.

Anton Fig, born August 8, 1952, in Cape Town, South Africa, is a South African session drummer. He is known as "The Thunder from Down Under" and played drums for David Letterman's house band led by Paul Shaffer. Letterman called Fig "Anton Zip" or "Buddy Rich Jr." Fig also worked with Kiss and Ace Frehley.

John Henry Bonham, born May 31, 1948, and died September 25, 1980, was an English musician. He played drums for the British rock band Led Zeppelin. He is regarded as one of the greatest and most influential rock drummers in history due to his speed, power, fast bass drumming, distinctive sound, and feel for the groove. Rolling Stone ranked him No. 1 in the "100 Greatest Drummers of All Time" list in 2016.

Simon Frederick St George Kirke (born 28 July 1949) is an English rock drummer best known as a member of Free and Bad Company, the latter of which he has been the only continuous member since their inception.

James Lee Keltner (born April 27, 1942) is an American drummer known primarily for his session work. He was characterized by Bob Dylan biographer Howard Sounes as "the leading session drummer in America".

James Joseph Chamberlin, born June 10, 1964, is an American drummer and record producer. He is known as the drummer for The Smashing Pumpkins. After the band split in 2000, Chamberlin joined frontman Billy Corgan in the supergroup Zwan and formed his own group, the Jimmy Chamberlin Complex. In 2005, Chamberlin rejoined Corgan to reform The Smashing Pumpkins. He left the group in March 2009 but returned for a summer tour in 2015. He performed with Skysaw until 2012. He currently performs under the name Jimmy Cha.

Matthew David Cameron was born November 28, 1962. He is an American musician and the current drummer for Pearl Jam. Cameron started with Seattle-based bands Bam Bam and Skin Yard. He gained fame as the drummer for Soundgarden, joining in 1986. He appeared on every studio album until the band broke up in 1997. In 1998, Cameron played on Pearl Jam's U.S. Yield Tour. He became a permanent member of the band and remained there. Soundgarden reunited in 2010, and Cameron stayed with them until Soun’s death.

Joseph Rudolph "Philly Joe" Jones (July 15, 1923 – August 30, 1985) was an American jazz drummer. He played for the first "Great" Miles Davis Quintet. He is not confused with "Papa" Jo Jones, another drummer who played with Count Basie. The two men died only a few days apart.

Kenneth Thomas Jones, born September 16, 1948, is an English drummer. He played with groups like Small Faces, Faces, and The Who. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012 as a member of Small Faces/Faces.

Steven Gregory Drozd, born June 11, 1969, is an American musician and actor. He composes, writes, and plays as a multi-instrumentalist for projects like the Flaming Lips, Electric Würms, and STEVENSTEVEN.

Former child actor Micky Dolenz became one of the most popular teen idols of the 1960s. He was the drummer and frequent lead vocalist for The Monkees. Dolenz moved from characters on their television series (NBC, 1966-69) to a chart-topping pop act. Dolenz earned laughs while singing hits like "I'm a Believer," "Pleasant Valley Sunday," and "Last Train to Clarksville." Like his bandmates, Dolenz faced difficulties after the show.

Chad Gaylord Smith, born October 25, 1961, is the current drummer for Red Hot Chili Peppers, which he joined in 1988. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012. Smith also drums for the hard rock supergroup Chickenfoot, formed in 2008. He currently plays for Chad Smith's Bombastic Meatbats, an all-instrumental group that started in 2007. As a sought-after drummer, Smith has recorded with Glenn Hughes, Johnny Cash, John Fogerty, the Dixie Chicks, Jennifer Nettles, Kid Rock, Jake Bugg, and The Avett Brothers.

Carl Frederick Kendall Palmer, born March 20, 1950, is an English drummer and percussionist. He is one of the most respected rock drummers from the 1960s. Palmer played for famous bands including the Crazy World of Arthur Brown, Atomic Rooster, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, and Asia. He was inducted into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame in 1989 and won "Prog God" at the 2017 Progressive Music Awards.

Jayaram Subramaniam, known as Jayaram, was born December 10, 1964. He is an Indian actor who mainly appears in Malayalam and Tamil films. Jayaram is also a chenda percussionist, mimicry artist, and occasional playback singer. He acted in over 200 films and received several awards, including the Padma Shri, two Kerala State Film Awards, two Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, and four Filmfare Awards South.Jayaram started as a mimicry artist at the Kalabhavan institute during the 1980s. He made his acting debut in Padmarajan's 1988 film Aparan.

Zakir Hussain had a successful Hollywood career as an actor. Hussain worked on various projects early in his entertainment career, including "Apocalypse Now" with Marlon Brando (1979), "Gang Related" (1997), and "Heat and Dust" (1983) starring Julie Christie. He also contributed to "In Custody" (1994), "Little Buddha" (1994) starring Keanu Reeves, and "The Perfect Murder" (1990). In the early 2000s, Hussain worked on credits such as "Everybody Says I'm Fine!" (2003) starring Rehaan Engineer, "Mr. and Mrs. Iyer" with Rahul Bose (2003), and "One Dollar Curry" with S

Mathieu Soucy is a professional drummer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist based in Quebec City. He plays drums and percussion for various artists, including the rock band Flangers and blues guitarist Gaston Gagnon. He writes and produces music in his home studio, Studio Améthyste.

Danny Carey, an American musician, is best known for his work with the progressive metal band Tool. He was born in Lawrence, Kansas. Carey began drumming in a high school jazz band, which shaped his future career. He played in several bands before joining Tool. His music and drumming style appeared in movies such as "Tweeked" (2001), "I Pass for Human" (2004), "Free Birds" (2013), and "Man of Steel" (2013). He is ranked among the 100 greatest drummers of all time.

Alexander Arthur van Halen was born May 8, 1953, in Amsterdam. He is a Dutch American musician and the drummer and co-founder of the hard rock band Van Halen. The band formed in 1974 with Alex Van Halen, his brother Eddie Van Halen, David Lee Roth, and Michael Anthony. Warner Brothers signed the group in 1977, and their debut album came out in 1978. Alex and Eddie Van Halen were the only members of Van Halen who remained throughout its existence.

Tony Oladipo Allen (July 20, 1940 – April 30, 2020) is a Nigerian drummer, composer, and songwriter. He currently lives and works in Paris, France. His career is documented in his 2013 autobiography, *Tony Allen: Master Drummer of Afrobeat*, co-written with Michael E. Veal. Veal previously wrote a biography of Fela Kuti. As the drummer and musical director for Fela Anikulapo Kuti's band Africa '70 (1968–1979), Allen helped found the Afrobeat music genre. Fela stated that there would be no Afrobeat without Tony Allen.