25. Mike Portnoy
Influenced by all the greats, Portnoy has placed himself up there with the true legends of rock drumming. And, much of that came as co-founder and key contributor of the progressive hard rock/metal band Dream Theater. That gig not only earned him plenty of accolades, but delivered his own blueprint to further progress that style of drumming. Portnoy, who studied at Boston’s famed Berklee College of Music, is a true student of the instrument. He has consistently delivered his innovation to the always-complex world of prog-rock drumming.
Image Source: Rhythm Magazine/Getty Images
24. Danny Carey
Another in the line of successful progressive rock drummers. The longtime Tool drummer, Carey is well regarded for his complex time-signatures and ability to treat his hands and feet in the same manner during those often-relentless playing. While Carey has long been a star in the prog rock world, his roots were heavily influenced by jazz. With that, Carey is considered one of the more diverse drummers on both the hard rock and metal scenes.
Image Source: Robert Knight Archive/Getty Images
23. Max Weinberg
The man who supplies the backbeat to the E Street Band. Known for his strong, yet manageable playing style, Weinberg doesn’t hide behind a mountain of drums and cymbals. He likes to keep it simple, and let The Boss carry the show. “The Mighty Max” shines on Springsteen’s classic “Born to Run,” and the highly underrated “Candy’s Room.” Both show off Weinberg’s power and strength as an accomplished rock drummer. Of course, he also led Conan O’Brien’s late-night studio band back in the day.
Image Source: Paul Natkin/Getty Images
22. Maureen “Moe” Tucker
It should be known that Tucker is revered as much for her approach to playing the drums as the actual sounds she made with her sticks. While with the Lou Reed-led Velvet Underground, Tucker played standing up, and rarely relied on cymbals. As legend has it, her crescendo on the band’s 1967 hit “Heroin,” wasn’t a personal favorite. But, it subtly, and hypnotically, displayed her greatness. While also showing off her humble nature.
Image Source: Gijsbert Hanekroot/Getty Images
21. Jeff Porcaro
Perhaps it’s not a stretch to consider Porcaro the most prominent studio drummer of all-time. Yet, Porcaro’s commercial popularity peaked in the 1980s with Toto. His drum work on the band’s Grammy Award-winning hit “Rosanna” – particularly at the end – is a prime example of the late Porcaro’s exceptional work. He was never flashy but always tight and precise. Porcaro also played with the likes of Steely Dan, Joe Cocker, Carly Simon, Diana Ross and Aretha Franklin. And that’s just to name an impressive handful.
Image Source: Rob Verhorst/Getty Images
20. Alan White
White’s death in the spring of 2022 sent the music world into mourning. It was easy to see why. The Hall of Famer was one of the most versatile talents to sit behind a kit. Whether styling his drumming to progressive, hard or pure rock, White delivered. Though White is likely best known for his time for with Yes, he played drums on John Lennon classics “Instant Karma!” and “Imagine.” White also worked with the likes of George Harrison, Joe Cocker and Donovan.
Image Source: Michael Putland/Getty Images
19. Dave Grohl
Grohl traded in his drum sticks, from those legendary Nirvana days, for a guitar while fronting the mega-successful Foo Fighters. Yet, he provided studio drum work on some of the group’s biggest hits like “Everlong” and “My Hero.” A self-taught drummer, Grohl is known for his raw ferocity, especially during his early days. That continued when he joined Nirvana, but was more refined. Some of his best work can be found on such tracks as Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and “In Bloom.” Not to mention, “A Song for the Dead,” with Queens of the Stone Age.
Image Source: KMazhur/Getty Images
18. Terry Bozzio
Among the most diverse drummers ever, Bozzio is greatly appreciated for his near flawless technique. And rightfully so, Bozzio earned acclaim playing with Frank Zappa, with whom he also provided vocals. Bozzio’s next notable success came during the 1980s with new wave poppers Missing Persons – which was fronted by his wife at the time, Dale Bozzio. He’s also considered one of the most respected studio drummers in rock history.
Image Source: Paul Natkin/Getty Images
17. Joe Jones
Or, graciously known as “Philly Joe” Jones, for his native Philadelphia. One of the great jazz drummers of all time, “Philly Joe” led bands from the late 1950s into the 1980s. In addition to playing in the United States, Jones also enjoyed success drumming in Europe, notably in London and Paris. Miles Davis, Bill Evans and Chet Baker were just a few of the fellow legendary musicians that Jones performed with over the years.
Image Source: Robert Abbott Sengtacke/Getty Images
16. Al Jackson Jr.
When it comes to all-time great funk and R&B drummers, Jackson is royalty. A founding member of Booker T. & the M.G.’s, Jackson was a master at keeping time. The group was all about instrumentals, and Jackson was at the heart of it all. Sadly, the Hall of Famer’s life was cut short in 1975 at age 39, when he was shot and killed by an alleged home intruder. In addition to his stellar drum work, Jackson has been praised for his songwriting abilities.
Image Source: Don Paulsen/Getty Images
15. Ringo Starr
Starr might not be the technically sound drummer of all-time, but he is arguably the most well-known. And, that should be worth something, because his career didn’t stop with the Beatles. Those in the know praise Starr for the way he feels his way around the drum kit. Perhaps nobody delivers a more solid backbeat than Starr, who famously claimed he was there to keep time and offer rhythmic support. “Come Together” is a perfect example of the latter, and perhaps the highlight of special legacy.
Image Source: Keystone France/Getty Images
14. Ian Paice
A true hard-rock giant, Paice has always been the heart and soul of Deep Purple. Which is saying something when your bandmates include fellow legends Ian Gillan and Ritchie Blackmore. Paice, who also spent time in the early years of Whitesnake, is considered to be one of the pioneers of progressive rock (and later, heavy metal) drumming. There’s always been a great deal of jazz influence in Paice’s playing. Which can especially be found on “Pictures of Home,” from Deep Purple’s 1971 classic Machine Head.
Image Source: Shinko Music/Getty Images
13. Mitch Mitchell
Mitchell’s smooth, jazzy style worked quite well with Jimi Hendrix’s experimental — and ultimately revolutionary guitar playing. Mitchell never tried to do too much behind the kit. Then again, most audiences were watching the guy playing guitar. Still, Mitchell was part of one of the most lauded rhythm sections, along with bassist Noel Redding, in all of rock. The Experience gem “Hey Joe” showcases some of Mitchell’s finest work.
Image Source: Tom Copi/Getty Images
12. Stewart Copeland
Give a listen to the Police hit “Roxanne” to experience some of Copeland’s quality drumming. He was responsible for a good chunk of the band’s early work (“So Lonely,” “Can’t Stand Losing You”), which offered plenty of innovation – especially with his use of the high-hat. Copeland has long cited the aforementioned Mitch Mitchell as his primary influence. Long after the Police broke up, and in addition to his solo efforts, Copeland continues to compose soundtracks for film and contributes music for television.
Image Source: Rob Verhorst/Getty Images
11. Bill Bruford
There are those rock critics or historians who like to dub Bruford the “Godfather of Progressive Rock Drumming.” Now, they wouldn’t be wrong. Best known for his work with Hall of Fame prog-rockers Yes, Bruford also played with King Crimson and spent some quality time with Genesis. Aforementioned standouts Mike Portnoy and Danny Carey consider Bruford a key influence. Mostly for his originality and stellar time-keeping, precision and intelligence.
Image Source: Gijsbert Hanekroot/Getty Images
10. Hal Blaine
When it comes to Hal Blaine, the question should be who he didn’t work with as one of the most celebrated session drummers of all time. The 1960s and ‘70s proved to be the heyday for Blaine, who played on roughly 150 singles that cracked the top 10. If that’s not impressive enough, almost 40 of those songs hit No. 1. Among the cream of the crop that Blaine played on: “I Get Around,” “I Got You Babe,” “Mrs. Robinson” and “Song Sung Blue.” And, that’s just a sampling of the contributions from one of the world’s all-time great musicians.
Image Source: Michael Ochs Archive/Getty Images
9. Clyde Stubblefield
Perhaps the most impressive thing about Stubblefield was that he taught himself how to play the drums. Talk about having a good teacher. Whether playing the funk, soul and R&B styles of music, Stubblefield used his natural talent for the drums to stand out, notably, with James Brown’s backing band. Though Stubblefield passed away in 2017, at age 73, his legacy remains strong through influence, and samples of his work are used in the hip hop community.
Image Source: Robin little/Getty Images
8. Benny Benjamin
A great deal of the legendary and beloved Motown sound can be attributed to the talent coming from Benny Benjamin. The Birmingham, Ala., native played on such Motown classics as “Shop Around,” “My Girl” and “I Heard It Through the Grapevine.” The respect Benjamin earned and carried within the Motown universe should not be understated. Sadly, substance abuse issues consumed a good portion of Benjamin’s adult life. He died as result of a stroke in 1969, at age 43.
Image Source: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
7. Gene Krupa
Krupa is often credited as being the first to make listeners and audiences aware of the actual drummer in the band. And, not just for the sound the instrument was making. In addition to being a stellar jazz drummer, starting in the late 1920s, Krupa was a genuine showman. His performance on “Sing, Sing, Sing,” the famed Louis Prima number, made music lovers during the late 1930s aware of the drums’ importance within the confines of a band. Filled with energy, Krupa was truly the “King of Swing” back in his day.
Image Source: Bettmann/Getty Images
6. Keith Moon
He was known as “Moon the Loon”. And, undeniably one of the true characters in rock history. Moon could also play exceptionally well, as is evident on The Who staples like “The Kids Are Alright” and “The Real Me.” He played hard and fast, just as he lived. Moon’s style was his own, sometimes out of control, but compact and genuine at the same time. Meanwhile, Moon was just as influential as an entertainer, noted for his furious and zany on-stage antics.
Image Source: Larry Hulst/Getty Images
5. Charlie Watts
Stoic, professional and oh, so tight. That about summed up the legendary Mr. Watts. His death in the summer of 2021, at age 80, was a shot to the gut. But, for the time being, the Rolling Stones are, indeed, rolling on. Like most of these greats, Watts had deep jazz roots while infusing some blues into the mix. There are obviously many stellar examples of that talent, but the 1966 hit “Paint It, Black” is truly Watts at his best.
Image Source: Paul Natkin/Getty Images
4. Ginger Baker
Baker has often been considered rock’s first superstar drummer. Back in the 1960s, Baker helped form the band Cream with guitar legend Eric Clapton. A major influence on many of rock’s greatest drummers, Baker is credited as the master of the two bass drum sound. Which then became a staple for most hard rock and metal acts. Baker also infused plenty of his jazz background into that creative drum work.
Image Source: Richard E. Aaron/Getty Images
3. Buddy Rich
When it comes to influence, it’s a relative “Who’s Who” of those inspired by the masterful playing of Buddy Rich. Including, plenty on this list, and other popular successful drummers like Queen’s Roger Taylor, Carl Palmer and Phil Collins. The amazing speed and timing, all while demonstrating flawless technique, was a trademark of Rich, who began his jazz drumming career in the late 1930s, then progressed to guiding orchestras and recording big-band era favorites. The critically acclaimed 2014 drama Whiplash pays homage to Rich on various occasions.
Image Source: Don Smith/Getty Images
2. Neil Peart
It’s been noted that nobody other than the great Neil Peart could play the complex music of progressive-rock giants Rush. Though technically sound and amazingly creative, what’s perhaps most impressive about Peart is that he made it look so easy. Not to mention, he was an underrated showman, who proved humble about his amazing talent behind the kit. And, Peart considered himself a perfectionist, who was always willing to learn. There are obviously many Rush songs that exemplify Peart’s greatness, but “YYZ” and “La Villa Strangiato” truly stand out.
Image Source: Larry Hulst/Getty Images
1. John Bonham
Arguably the most influential drummer of all time. “Bonzo” is remembered for his lengthy and improvisational solos. In many ways, he was the backbone of Led Zeppelin, a band which revolutionized hard rock and heavy metal beginning in the late 1960s. His reliance on “triplets” – often used in jazz compositions – within the rhythm in a harder, fast format was considered genius. Though there are many examples of his greatness, Bonham’s performance on “Moby Dick” might be his lasting legacy.
Image Source: Jeffrey Mayer/Getty Images