Facilitating, leading, and setting the tone for the ensemble. Being the drummer of a Jazz band is like being a point guard in basketball. Names like Buddy Rich, Art Blakey, or Louie Bellson, are synonymous with jazz drumming. But this list of pioneers provided by drumming expert Bernhard Castiglioni, the founder of Drummerworld, are the drummers that helped pave the way for future drummers to shine when jazz was an emerging genre.
Chick Webb (1905 – 1939)
Despite having congenital tuberculosis of the spine and an inability to read music, Chick Webb was one of the top drummers and band leaders of the big band era. Webb’s drum set is as recognizable as any with temple blocks, modified pedals, and goose-necked cymbal arms, reflecting the drummer and the era in which it was played. Gene Krupa credits Webb for paving the way for drummers to become great band leaders. Webb went on to hire the great Ella Fitzgerald as the singer of his band, and years later, they recorded his largest hit record, “A Tisket-A-Tasket.”
Warren “Baby” Dodds (1889 – 1959)
Brother of legendary clarinetist Johnny Dodds, Warren “Baby” Dodds is known as one of the top pre-big band drummers in jazz music and was known for his simple playing style. This caught the ear of many and earned him a position in King Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band alongside a cornet player named Louis Armstrong. Dodds went on to play with Armstrong’s Hot Five and Hot Seven groups. Many credit Dodds for being the first drummer to be recorded playing a bass drum and he may have recorded the first instructional drum movie. While his playing is scrutinized by many, the great Art Blakey often would quote Baby Dodds in his fills with the Jazz Messengers.
Sonny Greer (1895 – 1982)
Sonny Greer owned the drum throne in Duke Ellington’s Orchestra from 1924 to 195, and he did so with great power. His playing alongside bassist Jimmy Blanton continues to influence drummers and bassists today. Greer’s drum set was similar to Chick Webb’s but with many more pieces, including gongs, tympani, chimes, and various instruments from around the world, to accommodate Ellington’s repertoire (the first mega drum kit, perhaps?).
Cozy Cole (1909 – 1981)
Cozy Cole was the whole package, a student, teacher, and performer known for incorporating a rudimental approach to jazz. He attended Julliard in the mid-1940s before supporting greats like Cab Calloway, Lionel Hampton, and Louis Armstrong. Cole then started a drumming school with his friend Gene Krupa in New York, The Krupa and Cole Drum School. No stranger to breaking barriers, he was hired by CBS Radio and became the first black musician on a network musical staff.
Papa Jo Jones (1911 – 1985)
Papa Jo Jones helped move the emphasis of keeping time from the bass drum to the high hat throughout his time with the great Count Basie Orchestra. This change would help shape the playing of Buddy Rich, Louie Bellson, and all jazz drummers to come. Keeping time on the high hat meant that the big boom of the bass drum could be used to accent and set up the band.
“The most graceful drummer to ever pick up a pair of sticks.” – Drummerworld forum member
Gene Krupa (1909 – 1973)
Widely known as the first “star” of drumming, Gene Krupa brought bright lights and fame to the world of drumming. Before Krupa, drums were considered a support instrument, and a drum solo was rare. His career took off while he played in Benny Goodman’s band, and when the drum feature “Sing, Sing, Sing” stole the show at Carnegie Hall in 1938, Krupa and Goodman had to split ways. Krupa went on to star in movies and lead his own band, which featured greats such as Anita O’Day and Roy Eldridge.
“Gene was the first one who made it possible for guys like me to become popular – to be noticed. We all owe him a great deal of gratitude.” – Buddy Rich
If it weren’t for these six players, the role of the drums may be completely different. Jazz pushed the boundaries of music, and the drums have helped guide it into what it has become as much as any instrument. To these drummers above, we salute you and will continue to learn from the foundation you set!