I am fascinated with singers who are also drummers. The two crafts seem like opposites since, on the surface, drumming is all about rhythm and singing is all about melody.
Life is about rhythm. We vibrate, our hearts are pumping blood, we are a rhythm machine, that’s what we are.
— Mickey Hart (b. 1943) American percussionist best known as one of the two drummers of the rock band Grateful Dead
In studying some of my favorite singers, I discovered that many are also drummers. Even though singing at its basis is lyrical, a professional singer is deeply rhythmic. I can’t help but wonder if being a drummer makes them a better singer. I don’t know the answer, but I believe a drummer may have a greater edge when singing for two reasons. One is the preciseness of the attack on the drums which carries over to their vocal attacks which are clear and precise. Two, because of their rhythmic skill as a drummer they know exactly where in the beat they want to sing the words.
He sings with the syncopation of a drummer.
— Leland Sklar (b. 1947) American electric bass guitarist and session musician referring to Phil Collins
Drums, cymbals, and percussion instruments have different pitches and I sometimes hear drummers mention that they think lyrically when drumming. The physical movements of playing a drum set are fluid and seem effortless . . . I would imagine they hear a melody as they deftly strike, bang, bash, swat, or bop their instruments. If you listen to them vocalize what they are playing, their utterances have melody.
I’ve always seen my drumming as lyrical anyway.
— Jimmy Chamberlin (b. 1964) American drummer and record producer
My Top Ten Favorite Singers Who are Drummers
10. Peter Rivera
Peter Rivera was the original lead singer and drummer for the group Rare Earth. They were the first big hit-making band signed by Motown that consisted only of white members.
9. Roger Taylor
Drummer for the group Queen, Roger Taylor is also a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. He is known for his falsetto vocal range and had a productive solo career. His fifth solo album “Fun On Earth” was released in 2013.
8. Buddy Miles
Buddy Miles was an American drummer, vocalist, composer, and producer. He was a member of Jimi Hendrix’s Band of Gypsys, and founder and leader of the Buddy Miles Express. Miles also played and recorded with Carlos Santana and others. He sang lead vocals on the critically acclaimed “California Raisins” claymation TV commercials. Miles performed lead vocals on “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” and on the two California Raisins albums featuring 1960s R&B covers.
7. Marvin Gaye
Marvin Gaye had some success with songwriting in the 1960s, but he spent much of his early career as a session drummer for groups such as The Miracles, The Marvelettes, and blues artist Jimmy Reed. He was one of the writers of “Dancing in the Street” sung by Martha Reeves & the Vandellas. Recorded in 1964 it is reported that he played drums on this track. His first vocal hit to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 was “I Heard It Through the Grapevine.” Gaye had an exceptional wide range that encompassed three distinct vocal style—a bright falsetto, a smooth tenor, and a deep gospel growl.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87FjkqtK67o
6. Levon Helm
Levon Helm was the drummer and one of the vocalists for The Band. He is known for his creative drumming style along with his ability to play many instruments. His voice is soulful and beautifully gruff. He was one of rock’s earliest singing drummers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccJTFXvkXkA
5. Dave Grohl
Grohl is a drummer, guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He was the drummer for the rock band Nirvana. After Kurt Cobains’s death, Dave founded Foo Fighters. He also is the drummer and co-founder of Them Crooked Vultures.
I love being a drummer. Everyone thinks you’re dumb. What they don’t realize is that if it weren’t for you, their band would suck.
— Dave Grohl (b. 1969) American musician, songwriter, and record producer
4. Don Henley
Don Henley was the drummer and co-lead vocalist for the Eagles from 1971 until 1980. He sang lead on their hits such as “Witchy Woman,” “Desperado,” “One of These Nights,” and “Hotel California.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09839DpTctU
3. Mel Torme
Mel Torme was a singer, composer, arranger, drummer, actor, and author. He is nicknamed “The Velvet Fog” for his high tenor and smooth vocal style. He wrote more than 250 songs and he composed the music for “The Christmas Song” (“Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire”) and co-wrote the lyrics with Bob Wells.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2eUF3sPL_w
2. Karen Carpenter
One of my favorites is Karen Carpenter. She considered herself a “drummer who sang.” In April 1966, the Carpenters auditioned at a session with bassist Joe Osborn, of the Wrecking Crew. Initially she was just going to be the drummer, but she tried singing. Everyone was impressed with her distinctive voice. In 1969 she started out as the Carpenters’ drummer and co-lead singer. When touring people complained they could not see her. So she eventually stood at the microphone and became the focal point in live shows.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=woKKnEn8h9w
1. Phil Collins
Phil Collins joined the band Genesis as a drummer in 1970. Lead vocalist, Peter Gabriel, left the band in 1975. Keyboardist, Tony Banks described why they hired Collins. “It was a combination of things. He could make it swing a little bit . . . he could also tell good jokes and make us laugh . . . And he could sing, which was an advantage because Mike and I were not very good at back-up vocals.”
When Peter Gabriel left the band in 1975, the group put out an advertisement for a lead singer and got 400 replies. Genesis began a new album and hoped to find a lead singer as they went along. It was Collins who taught selected applicants the songs. After they did not find a suitable vocalist, the group decided Collins should be their new lead vocalist. Their first album with this lineup is “A Trick of the Tail” released in February 1976. “Squonk” is the song that convinced Genesis that Phil should be their new lead singer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYV6KZpnEak
Honorable Mentions
Carmine Appice
Carmine Appice is an American drummer mostly associated with rock music. He received classical training and was influenced by jazz drummers, Buddy Rich and Gene Krupa. He started out as the drummer in the late 1960s with the band Vanilla Fudge. After that he formed the blues rock quartet Cactus. Then he became part of Beck, Bogert & Appice. He has also worked with Rod Stewart, Paul Stanley, Ted Nugent, Pink Floyd, and Ozzy Osbourne. One interesting note is that he co-wrote the Rod Stewart hit “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” Beck, Bogert & Appice is the 1973 debut album by the band of the same name. The trio featured guitarist Jeff Beck, bassist Tim Bogert, and drummer Carmine Appice. Appice sang lead vocals on five of the songs on the album.
Deen Castronovo
Deen Castronovo started drumming at the age of six. Castronovo is best known as drummer for the band Journey. He also sang backing and lead vocals on various songs. He sang lead on “A Better Life.”
Caroline Corr
Caroline Corr is known to fans as the “Chick with Stick.” She is an Irish singer and drummer for the Celtic folk rock band The Corrs. The band is made up of her plus her older sister, Sharon; older brother, Jim; and younger sister, Andrea. Andrea is the lead singer although Caroline sings on many of their recordings.
Peter Criss
Peter Criss was the original drummer and vocalist of the hard rock band Kiss. Criss studied drums with his idol—drummer Gene Krupa. Criss co-wrote the ballad “Beth.” He also was the lead singer on “Black Diamond” and “Hard Luck Woman.”
Micky Dolenz
Micky Dolenz was a vocalist and drummer for the pop/rock group The Monkees. When he was cast in the TV sitcom, he was not actually a drummer. He took lessons to be able to mime, but eventually learned how to play properly. By the time The Monkees went on tour, he was good enough to play the drums himself. He provided lead vocals for “Last Train to Clarksville,” “Pleasant Valley Sunday,” and “I’m a Believer.”
Don Brewer
Don Brewer was the drummer and co-lead vocalist of the band Grand Funk Railroad. He sang hits such as, “We’re an American Band,” “Shinin’ On,” “Walk Like a Man”, and “Dues.” Grand Funk Railroad was formed in 1969. By 1971 they equaled the Beatles’ Shea Stadium attendance record and sold out the venue in just 72 hours. It took the Beatles a few weeks to sell out their event.
Matt Helders
Matt Helders is an English drummer, vocalist, and songwriter. He is best known as a founding member of the British indie rock band Arctic Monkeys.
Kelly Keagy
The group Night Ranger was formed in 1979 in San Francisco. They were popular in the 1980s. Their best-known song is the power ballad “Sister Christian” which peaked at No. 5 in June 1984. Drummer Kelly Keagy wrote and sang the song.
Jen Ledger
Jen Ledger is an English drummer and co-vocalist for the Christian rock group Skillet. She was eighteen when she became their drummer. She started playing drums when she was thirteen and was finalist for the United Kingdom Drummer of the Year competition in 2006.
Sheila E.
Sheila E. is commonly called “The Queen of Percussion.” She has had a successful solo career but she is also known for her work with The George Duke Band, Lionel Richie, Marvin Gaye, Herbie Hancock, Diana Ross, Ringo Starr, Prince, and others. She joined Prince for his work on the “Purple Rain” recording sessions. Her vocals include “Let’s Go Crazy” and “Erotic City.” “The Glamorous Life” was written by Prince and recorded by Sheila E for her debut solo album released in December 1983.
Ringo Starr
Lennon-McCartney wrote “With A Little Help From My Friend” for Ringo Starr. It is on the Beatles’ 1967 album “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.” Ringo also sings lead on “Octopus’s Garden.”
Dennis Wilson
Dennis Wilson was a singer, songwriter and a co-founder of The Beach Boys. He is best remembered as their drummer and was the middle brother of Brian and Carl Wilson. He mostly played drums and sang back-up vocals, however, he wrote and sang lead vocals on several Beach Boys’ songs. Dennis also was the only actual surfer in the band. Dennis wrote the song and sang lead on the song “Forever” from their 1970 album “Sunflower.”
Anytime you strike the drums, you have to be aware that you’re creating a musical event.
— Vinnie Colaiuta (b. 1956) American drummer and session musician
Musical events! Yes, a drummer is not a shrinking violet when they play. Although, relegated to the back of the group, they keep the beat and drive the music forward. And, likewise singers can’t just show up at the party, they have to BE the party!
Singers who are drummers (or, drummers who are also singers) combine rhythm and lyricism in their performances. It is a rare musician who can both provide the rhythm of a band and carry the lead vocal.
2 Comments
Leave your reply.