Being the wife of Santana, Cindy Blackman is bound to have a high level of musicality. Her instrument of choice? Percussion! The American jazz and rock drummer has recorded numerous jazz albums and performed with artists like Buckethead, Lenny Kravitz, and Joss Stone.

Today, she is still considered one of the greatest drummers, known for her exceptional technical skill and creativity. Fun fact: she first met her husband Santana while touring Europe with Lenny Kravitz.

Ah, yes, the Catman! One of our personal favorites is Peter Criss from the legendary supergroup KISS. Not only did he have great drumming skills, but he also lent his vocals to the band on occasion. One of our favorite drum solos can be found on the track “Shock Me.”

While there is some debate about Criss’s drumming prowess, there’s no doubt he played a crucial role in KISS, serving as the backbone of the band with his Ludwig drum kit, and later switching to Pearl. We love you, Peter!

Considered one of the best technical drummers of all time, Neil Peart is renowned for his meticulous timing and powerful playing. As the drummer for Rush, his influence is immense—so much so that Dave Grohl used Rush’s music as his own drum lessons.

Rush chose Peart because he reminded them of Keith Moon from the iconic band The Who. He is celebrated for his distinctive style and his massive drum kit!

Consistently topping the list as the number-one drummer of all time is none other than John Bonham. The drummer for the iconic British rock band Led Zeppelin is undoubtedly one of the greatest, if not THE greatest. Best known for his instincts and ability to feel the “groove,” Bonham showcased his talents through his speed, fast-kick drumming, and powerful hits.

As a self-taught drummer, he emulated other fantastic drummers like Buddy Rich and Max Roach. One of our favorite drumming solos is in the track “Good Times Bad Times.”

No list of great drummers would be complete without Keith Moon. Known for his wild and energetic style, Moon confidently dubbed himself the greatest drummer in the world. Sometimes, you have to believe in yourself to get ahead, right?

Fun fact: his love for smashing drums and his wild antics inspired the character “Animal” in The Muppets! Sadly, Moon’s incredible talent and tenacity were only shared with The Who and the world until he passed away at the age of 31.

Any fans of Rage Against the Machine here? Great, because we are too! Let’s pay homage to the band’s drummer, Brad Wilk. In addition to his work with Rage Against the Machine, he’s also played for Audioslave, Black Sabbath, and Prophets of Rage.

Wilk’s talent and celebrity are undeniable. He’s a fantastic heavy metal drummer, renowned for his speed and power, making him second to none in the genre.

When you’re crafting beats for iconic bands like Cream and Blind Faith (with Eric Clapton), you’re bound to make the list of the greatest drummers of all time! Such is the case with Ginger Baker, long regarded as a pioneer in drumming, especially for popularizing the use of two kick drums and giving drummers more air time on tracks.

Traditionally, drummers were the backbone of a song, but Baker highlighted the importance of drummers having their own extended solos. Known for his inventive and wild drumming style, Baker was also a lover of jazz and bebop drumming, making him a truly unique and influential figure in the drumming world.

You might remember Karen Carpenter as the angelic-voiced singer of The Carpenters, but she was also a gifted drummer. We’re not just celebrating hard rock drummers here; all drummers deserve recognition!

Though she passed away young, Carpenter is remembered for her three-octave contralto voice and her ability to keep up with “exotic” time signatures. She considered herself primarily a “drummer who sang,” and even legendary drummers like Hal Blaine and Buddy Rich praised her talent.

The esteemed Scottish percussionist Evelyn Glennie is truly one of a kind! As one of the two laureates for the Polar Music Prize, she stands out even more because she is almost completely deaf. Glennie has an extraordinary talent: she perceives music not with her ears but through her body.

By the age of twelve, she had nearly lost her hearing entirely. Known for her remarkable improvisation skills, she’s also a Dame and holds the unique distinction of being the only person in history to be a full-time percussionist (and not part of a rock band)! If you get a chance, check her out on YouTube and prepare to be amazed.

It’s something special when you can bring beauty to the world of drumming—though perhaps that’s because we may not fully grasp the nuances of percussion! But there’s no denying the impact of Mitch Mitchell and his jazz technique and riffing skills.

Mitchell is cited as an inspiration for Stewart Copeland of The Police, and it’s no wonder—he was the drummer for Jimi Hendrix, a role he secured after a coin flip, if you can believe it! His heavy grooving on the kit was the perfect counterpoint to Hendrix’s guitar, making it a match made in heaven.

Do you know the song “Be My Baby”? That groovy, funky, catchy beat is all thanks to Hal Blaine! While that’s one of his most iconic tracks, his impressive resume also includes collaborations with legends like Frank Sinatra, the Beach Boys, the Supremes, and Elvis.

Blaine’s adaptability to any session, no matter the kit size (he’s even played on water jugs for the Beach Boys!), makes him one of the greatest. With over 35,000 recordings to his name, he’s undeniably the most recorded drummer in history!

Imagine being on stage and performing on Broadway at the age of four—Buddy Rich was doing just that! Known for his speed, power, and technical prowess, Rich is regarded as one of the greatest drummers of all time. And he was self-taught, to boot!

A true child prodigy, Rich had a deep love for big bands. By the age of 15, he was one of the highest-paid child musicians of the 1930s. Despite his youth, he showcased prodigious drumming talent, playing for legends like Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald!

“Ba-dum-ba-dum-ba-dum-ba-dum-dum-dum, I can feel it coming in the air toniiiiight…” Waiting a minute and a half for that iconic drum riff is absolutely worth it. It might be one of the greatest drum moments ever, if you can even call it just a riff! And it’s all thanks to Phil Collins, the drum master.

Collins played for Genesis before launching a successful solo career and produced some fantastic albums, including the score for *Tarzan*. Sadly, the legendary drummer and vocalist recently announced that due to declining health, he can no longer play the drums. It’s a significant loss indeed.

This Fort Worthian (yes, that’s what they call folks from Fort Worth, Texas) is known for being a Foo Fighter and a big fan of the Gretsch drum kit! But did you know that his drumming journey didn’t start with the Foo Fighters? Before joining the band, he was the drummer for Alanis Morissette!

He’s one of the most influential drummers ever, and he credits Roger Taylor and Stewart Copeland as his main influences, showing his classic rock roots!

Oh yes, Pearl Jam—no classic rock list would be complete without them! Matt Cameron, born in San Diego, California, is the drummer for Pearl Jam.

A “top-shelf” drummer in metal circles, Cameron also has a deep knowledge of punk rock, making him a triple threat with a knack for handling exotic time signatures. He’s highly respected and known for his head-banging drumming style!

Okay, maybe we’re a bit biased, but Journey is definitely one of our favorite American rock bands. And the drummer for this iconic group is none other than Steve Smith. He was even named the “No. 1 All-Around Drummer” for five years in a row by *Modern Drummer* magazine!

Smith’s remarkable career gained widespread acclaim with Journey, but what we love is that while their music was “radio-friendly,” he still managed to sneak in some drumming magic for the drummers out there!

Mr. Weinberg, better known as “Mighty Max,” is indeed one of the great drummers—best known for his role as the drummer for Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band. But he’s not just a drummer; he’s a fantastic musician with a keen “ear.”

That musical ear is what makes a musician exceptional, allowing them to hear what a song needs. Weinberg exemplified this skill as the drummer and backbone of the band. Before joining Springsteen, he played in pit bands for the theater and responded to an ad for a drummer—leading to his iconic role with Springsteen!

We definitely have a soft spot for glam rock, and Van Halen is a prime example! Their drummer, Alex Van Halen, has played countless shows and delivered some incredible performances. If you need proof of his drumming prowess, just listen to “Hot for Teacher”—his precision is almost frightening.

Plus, Alex was a co-founder of Van Halen when it was formed in 1972, cementing his place as a key figure in the band’s legendary status!

Max Roach might not be a household name for everyone, but for drummers and jazz enthusiasts, he’s a pivotal figure in pioneering bebop! As an American jazz composer and drummer, Roach is considered one of the most influential drummers in musical history.

He collaborated with jazz giants like Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, and Thelonious Monk. Quincy Jones even referred to him as part of the “A-Team” of bebop music, highlighting Roach’s significant impact and innovations in the drumming world.

Do any of you love a bit of disco? For us, it’s one of our top genres of music! This list wouldn’t be complete without Anthony Terrence Thompson, the driving force behind Chic and Power Station. His incredible ability to adapt to any session and seamlessly transition from jazz to funk to rock is truly remarkable!

He was a highly sought-after talent with skills that were second to none. We raise our sticks in admiration for this session man and fabulous drummer.

We all love a bit of chili, especially the red-hot peppers! Next up is Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, who’s been with the band since 1988 through thick and thin. Fun fact: he’s one of the few drummers to have appeared on *The Simpsons* and has had some memorable skits with comedian Will Ferrell!

As a SABIAN Cymbals aficionado, Smith has a knack for delivering a funky, deep groove that drives RHCP. With diverse influences like Buddy Rich and John Bonham, his technical excellence and intuitive sense of the beat are matched by his fun-loving personality.

Hungarian-born Tommy Ramone will always be remembered for shaping one of rock’s most influential bands. As a pioneer of punk, he was the driving force behind the movement, delivering relentless energy on the drums through the Ramones’ first three albums!

He was the second drummer for the band, taking over from Joey Ramone when Joey stepped up as the lead singer. Tommy Ramone’s talent and intuition for punk were truly one of a kind, cementing his place in music history.

Lola, L-L-L-L-Loollaaaa! We know there’s more to The Kinks than that, but there’s no denying that they’re a quintessential English rock band. The man behind their iconic beats was Mick Avory.

Avory, the drummer and percussionist, joined The Kinks shortly after they formed and stayed with them for two decades. He’s remembered as one of the most quietly innovative drummers of the sixties! Fun fact: he even rehearsed with a group that would go on to become… The Rolling Stones.

After researching and writing this article, we’ve gained a deep appreciation for the vital role a great drummer plays in any band or musical group. We want to give a shoutout to James “Diamond” Williams of The Ohio Players, a funky powerhouse who also contributed backup vocals.

According to *Drum Magazine*, Williams “throws down like a man half his age.” It seems the music—and the beat—never dies! We love his quote: “A good drummer can wear you out with a bass drum, a hi-hat, and a snare drum.” Boom!

Guns N’ Roses are iconic in the glam rock scene, and Steven Adler played a significant role in their rise to fame in the late 80s. Although his time with the band was cut short due to struggles with addiction and toxic behavior, let’s not forget that wild 80s hair—it was pretty lush!

As a drummer, Adler showcased a distinctive hi-hat technique in tracks like “Welcome to the Jungle,” earning him the title of the “most valuable” drummer the band’s ever had. Rock on!

If a guy has a set of drums bearing his name, you’d expect him to be pretty skilled, right? Enter Stewart Copeland, the musician and composer who gained fame as the drummer for the English band The Police.

The American-born drummer is truly one of the greats, and he’s not just a drummer but also an accomplished musician. For a taste of his genius, check out “Synchronicity I”!

Ahhh, classic rock and the color purple—perfect combo! Next up on our list is the drummer for Deep Purple, who is also sadly the last surviving member of the original band. Though he’s one of the older drummers on our list, there’s a reason for that: he’s considered a forefather of modern rock drumming.

Just think of the legendary tracks he helped bring to life—“Hush,” “Smoke On the Water,” and “Space Truckin’” are testaments to his incredible contribution to rock music.

This talented multi-instrumentalist is, of course, more than just a fabulous drummer. But here’s a fun fact if you didn’t know—he’s the drummer for Queen! As one of the most iconic British rock bands, Taylor was the perfect fit, recognized early on for his unique sound.

Not only does he have a knack for playing various instruments, but he also boasts a remarkable falsetto vocal range. He cites Ringo Starr and John Bonham as his influences and started playing drums at the age of twelve.

Michael Portnoy is best known as the drummer and backing vocalist for the progressive metal band Dream Theater. Even after leaving the band after 25 years, his contributions were pivotal in solidifying their presence in the metal scene.

A Berklee College of Music alum (he earned a scholarship there—impressive!), Portnoy is renowned for his technical drumming skills as well as his powerful playing. He’s a big fan of Neil Peart and John Bonham, which is evident in his own dynamic style.

The drummer for The Rolling Stones, Charlie Watts, may have passed away, but his legacy will continue for many decades to come. His music and drumming prowess will undoubtedly endure!

Watts initially pursued a career as a graphic artist before returning to drumming after receiving a drum kit as a Christmas gift as a teen. From playing small gigs in London, he met Brian Jones, Keith Richards, and Mick Jagger. Known for his jazz-infused drumming that seamlessly crossed over into rock, Watts left an indelible mark on music. Rest in peace, Charlie Watts.

A session man, a modern drummer, and an inspiration to many, this Pennsylvania-born drummer is highly regarded, especially around Los Angeles. Though you may not have heard of him outside of drumming circles or the music industry, his influence is significant.

He started young and was gifted his first drum set at age fourteen. After attending Berklee College of Music, he worked with Frank Zappa. His performances on Zappa’s albums are considered “among the most astounding ever recorded.” If you haven’t yet, check out “Joe’s Garage” to witness his incredible talent.

Sure, Jeff Porcaro is best known for his work with Toto, but he was also one of the most recorded session drummers, contributing to hundreds of albums! He was already an established studio musician in the 70s before joining Toto. His younger brother Steve is also a member of the band.

From the start of his career, Jeff was considered one of the music industry’s best drummers. He worked with Sonny and Cher, Boz Scaggs, Steely Dan, Elton John, Don Henley, Bruce Springsteen, and even played on Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” album. If you search his name, you’ll be amazed by the array of musicians he collaborated with over the years.

On a list of the greatest drummers, we were bound to feature a thrash-metal band, of course! And Dave Lombardo, the Cuban-American drummer of Slayer, is a co-founding member of the iconic thrash metal band.

Known for his aggression and speed, Lombardo’s double bass technique has earned him the title “the godfather of double bass” (just ask Drummerworld!). He’s hardcore, and we love him!

We’re on a roll here, moving from thrash metal to heavy metal, paying our dues to the great bands that shaped the hard rock scene. Lars Ulrich, the drummer of Metallica, is a significant figure in this genre. Born in Denmark and grandson to Torben and Einer Ulrich, Lars initially pursued a career as a budding tennis player before transitioning to drums.

It’s pretty incredible! Everyone thought he’d follow the tennis path, but after seeing Deep Purple in Copenhagen, he decided tennis wasn’t for him at all.

Another insanely talented drummer on our list is Terry Bozzio. Born in San Francisco, Bozzio is best known for his work with Missing Persons and legendary rocker Frank Zappa. He started drumming at age ten with makeshift drums—think coffee cans and crumpled road signs—before begging his dad for drum lessons, inspired by The Beatles’ performance on Ed Sullivan.

Bozzio then played in rock musicals and jazz groups before auditioning for Zappa. He’s also played with the late Jeff Beck and is renowned for his solo ventures. He’s a delight to watch and one of the most dynamic drummers around!

Born in Rochester, New York, Steve Gadd was guided towards drumming from a young age by his uncle, an army drummer, who encouraged him to start drum lessons. Gadd went on to become one of the most influential drummers of all time, setting new standards for techniques and performance and gaining many fans in the process.

Just listen to “Aja,” and you’ll see what we mean. Gadd has worked with many musicians and groups, best known for his collaborations with Paul Simon, Steely Dan, and Simon & Garfunkel.

No list would be complete without some alt-rock love! Mike Bordin of Faith No More snatches up a spot on our list, all credit to his amazing skills. He’s got a unique, pulverizing style, and he can adapt—whether he’s pounding like a jackhammer or playing as softly as a needle dropping.

Bordin, a leftie who plays a right-handed kick drum, earned the nickname “Puffy” due to the unruly afro hairstyle he sported in the ’80s. Besides his work with Faith No More, he’s also played for Black Sabbath and EZ Street.

A fabulous jazz drummer, Anthony Tilmon Williams, is one of the greats. So revered is he that he was inducted into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame back in 1986. He first gained renown working with Miles Davis, helping to pioneer the movement of jazz fusion.

The greatest compliment Williams likely received came from music critic Robert Christgau, who exalted him as “probably the best drummer in the world.” With such high praise, it’s no wonder Williams is remembered as a pivotal figure in the evolution of jazz.

Tool is an extremely epic band, and their drummer, Danny Carey, is just as epic! Standing at 6’5”, Carey first started playing drums at the age of ten. After spending a few years in the school band, he joined the jazz band, which significantly influenced his approach to drumming in the future.

Percussion theory further shaped Carey before he moved to Portland and then LA. Eventually, he found his way to Maynard James Keenan and Adam Jones, filling in for drummers who flaked on practice sessions. The rest, as they say, is history, and Tool was born.

We’re all about Iron Maiden! Headbanging reaches new heights with Nicko McBrain, the legendary English drummer who’s been with the heavy metal band since 1982. Before joining Iron Maiden, McBrain honed his skills with session work, using anything from pots and pans to a gas cooker with knives as makeshift drums.

A keen golfer and the “pulse” of the band, McBrain’s drumming is both powerful and precise. In a surprising twist, he’s also a devout Christian, which is quite the contrast from Iron Maiden’s often “Satanist” imagery.

Aldridge picked up the drums in the ’60s, teaching himself the craft from the age of ten. He even built his own drum kit with money earned from odd jobs like delivering newspapers. His distinctive style and eccentricities are attributed to his self-taught background, as he never had a formal drum teacher.

This drumming prodigy has an impressive resume, collaborating with a diverse array of musicians and bands such as Pat Travers Band, Ozzy Osbourne, Gary Moore, Ted Nugent, Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy, and the legendary shredder Yngwie Malmsteen.

KISS is a favorite of ours, but their drummers are equally impressive! Eric Singer stands out as one of rock’s most sought-after drummers, and it’s not just because of his role with KISS. His extensive career and wealth of experience speak volumes.

From a young age, he absorbed the rhythms of Ringo Starr and Mitch Mitchell, honing his craft with an impressive roster of bands and artists including Lita Ford, Black Sabbath, Badlands, and Gary Moore. He eventually joined KISS in 1991.

The drummer and percussionist from Venice, California, is perhaps best known for his time with Guns N’ Roses. However, his impressive career also includes stints with Velvet Revolver, The Cult, and Slash’s Snakepit. Influenced by bands like Van Halen and Devo, he emerged during the vibrant rock scene of the 1960s.

What sets Sorum apart is his ability to inspire the next generation of drummers. His smooth yet precise drumming, combined with remarkable speed and power, continues to captivate and motivate aspiring musicians.

The US-based, English-born drummer boasts an enviable resume across jazz, rock, and pop. Best known for his work with Toto, Simon has also played with Judas Priest, Michael Schenker Group, and Ph.D. His session work includes collaborations with Jeff Beck, Gary Moore, and The Who.

Notably, Simon filled in for Keith Moon during The Who’s American reunion in the late 80s.

Drumming legend Neil Peart once declared that Gene Krupa was the first true rock drummer. Krupa, renowned for his drum solos and the iconic track “Sing, Sing, Sing,” set the stage for modern drumming. He played extensively with Benny Goodman, both in recordings and as a member of the Benny Goodman Trio.

Krupa’s influence spans from being a dependable timekeeper to a flamboyant soloist, inspiring countless drummers with his dynamic style.

Ah, AC/DC—a true powerhouse of Aussie rock! Our list wouldn’t be complete without him. During his three tenures with the band, he even became the only remaining Australian member at one point!

Alongside the other band members, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for his significant contributions to music and his “serve-the-song” drumming approach. He’s received high praise, including from KISS drummer Eric Singer.

Pink Floyd is undeniably one of the most iconic bands ever, and we can’t overlook the incredible drumming of Nick Mason. Born in 1944, this English drummer and founding member of the band is truly a musical giant. Revered for his skill, he’s the only member to appear on all of Pink Floyd’s albums.

Mason finds immense joy in those moments when he lays down a beat and the other musicians join in, creating a unique synergy. We share that excitement for those magical musical moments!

Crover is a standout drummer of the modern era, recognized for his work with Melvins, Shrinebuilder, Men of Porn, and notably Nirvana. His unique push-pull drumming style and significant contributions to music have earned him a spot on Rolling Stone’s top 100 drummers list.

He draws inspiration from bands like Cheap Trick, the Beatles, and the Monkees, and appreciates a wide range of music beyond just Venom and Slayer. We admire his laid-back demeanor paired with his serious approach to drumming.

Known as “the human timekeeper” for his exceptional ability to maintain a steady rhythm, this session drummer made a significant impact while working with the soul label Stax. His crisp, bouncing grooves elevated the music of legends like Otis Redding, Al Green, and Wilson Pickett. Notably, he co-wrote Al Green’s classic “Let’s Stay Together.”

His reputation grew beyond soul, catching the attention of Eric Clapton and leading to his role as a co-founder of Booker T. & the MG’s. This band helped pave the way for funk and hip-hop. Jackson was highly regarded by his peers and friends in the industry.