Hi All, below I have compiled a list of inspiring drummers for you to check out. These drummers were all highly inspirational to me when I was first starting the instrument, and still are to this day. I have learned from some of these drummers first hand in clinics and masterclasses, and many of them I have seen performing live in concert. I encourage any drum student to watch videos of these drummers, listen to records featuring these drummers, read interviews with them and watch them live in clinic/concert whenever possible. This list is by no means exhaustive and I also encourage you to find many of your own influences based on your own personal musical tastes. Enjoy 🥁.
Gospel/RnB:
Aaron Spears
Gerald Heyward
Teddy Campbell
Eric Moore
Tony Royster Jr.
Funk/Fusion:
Steve Gadd
Dave Weckl
Vinnie Colaiuta
Steve Smith
Sheila E
Dennis Chambers
Billy Cobham
Benny Greb
David Garibaldi
Jonathan ‘Sugarfoot’ Moffet
Gavin Harrison
Scott Pellegrom
Ash Soan
Jazz:
Buddy Rich
Tommy Igoe
Mark Guiliana
Alyn Cosker
Daniel Glass
Jack DeJohnette
Max Roach
Joe Morello
Peter Erskine
Roy Haynes
Marcus Gilmore
Jimmy Cobb
Antonio Sanchez