[2026] A roundup of world-famous drummers who changed the history of music

Sing, Sing, SingGene Krupa

Gene Krupa “Sing, Sing, Sing” on The Ed Sullivan Show

Gene Krupa, a jazz drummer who epitomized the Swing Era, left a brilliant mark on music history.

Born in 1909, Krupa chose the path of percussion at a young age and, after making his name with the Benny Goodman Orchestra, rose to prominence with the 1938 Carnegie Hall concert.

His drumming on “Sing, Sing, Sing” in particular transformed the role of percussion, elevating the drums from a mere accompanying instrument to a front-and-center presence.

Krupa’s striking looks and innovative style captivated audiences, and he also found popularity through appearances in films and on television.

Hailed as the father of modern drumming, Krupa’s influence continues to be passed down to many drummers today.

If you want to experience the allure of the drums, be sure to check out Krupa’s performances.

The WeightLevon Helm

The Band – The Weight

Known as a pioneer of American rock, Levon Helm debuted in 1968 as the drummer for The Band.

Famous for classics like “The Weight,” The Band also drew attention for their collaborations with Bob Dylan.

Helm handled both drums and vocals, and his singing has been highly acclaimed.

In 1994, The Band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and in 2007 he won a Grammy for Dirt Farmer.

It’s moving that he overcame throat cancer and saw his musical career flourish again in his later years.

His music, which influenced a wide range of genres including Americana, folk, and blues, is a must-listen for anyone interested in roots music.

White RoomGinger Baker

Cream – White Room ( Farewell Concert 1968)

Ginger Baker, a drummer from the United Kingdom, is a legendary figure who shines brightly in rock history.

He made his debut in the 1960s as a member of Cream, achieving commercial success with classic albums such as “Wheels of Fire.” His innovative playing style, which fused the rhythms of jazz, rock, and African music, influenced countless drummers and earned him the reputation of being a “god of rock drummers.” His prowess is beyond question—he ranked third in Rolling Stone’s list of the “100 Greatest Drummers.” Born on August 19, 1939, he was active not only in Cream but also in numerous other bands, including Blind Faith.

He is a great artist recommended not only for fans of rock and jazz but also for anyone interested in drums.

EmergencyTony Williams

The Tony Williams Lifetime / Emergency

Tony Williams, known as a revolutionary figure in jazz, joined Miles Davis’s band at just 17 and stunned the music world with his exceptional technique despite his youth.

His 1965 album Spring, his second as a bandleader, is highly regarded as a masterpiece of avant-garde jazz.

Also recognized as a pioneer of jazz fusion, he formed his own band, Lifetime, in 1969.

With its innovative, electrified sound, the group had a profound impact on the fusion of rock and jazz.

Williams’s multifaceted musicianship, unconstrained by the boundaries of jazz, continues to influence countless musicians across genres.

RosannaJeff Porcaro (Jefu Pōkaro/Toto)

Toto – Rosanna (Official HD Video)

Jeff Porcaro, who passed away at the young age of 38, is well known as a founding member of TOTO.

His father, Joe Porcaro, was also a jazz drummer, and Jeff was active as a session musician from an early age.

War EnsembleDave Lombardo

Dave Lombardo — War Ensemble — Yankee Stadium

Dave Lombardo, a founding member of Slayer and a titan of thrash metal, continues to influence countless drummers with his ferocious double-bass technique.

Born in 1965 in Cuba, he moved to the United States as a child and began his musical career.

With Slayer, he showcased his overwhelming drumming on landmark albums such as Reign in Blood (1986) and Seasons in the Abyss (1990).

A two-time Grammy Award winner, Lombardo has also earned high acclaim for his genre-spanning work beyond Slayer, including with Fantômas and Mr.

Bungle.

While he remains active in various bands such as Dead Cross, he also leads an art project called Rhythm Mysterium, which projects his drum performances onto canvas.

I’m in Love With My CarRoger Taylor（Rojā Teirā/Kuīn）

Queen – I’m in Love With My Car (live in Montreal 81) HD

Queen’s drummer, Roger Taylor.

Not only a drummer, he was also an excellent songwriter and vocalist.

This song from A Night at the Opera is practically synonymous with Roger, featuring drumming with more fills than usual that really stands out.