Tag Archives: drummer

Wilbur Cobb

On May 24, 2020, Wilbur James Cobb died aged 91. He was musician (drums), one of the most influential and respected drummers in Jazz music. He has recorded and performed with many musicians including Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, Dinah Washington, Pearl Bailey, Clark Terry, Cannonball Adderley, Dizzy Gillespie, Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, Wynton Kelly, Stan Getz, Wes Montgomery, Art Pepper, Gil Evans, Paul Chambers, Kenny Burrell, J. J. Johnson, Sonny Stitt, Nat Adderley, Phil Upchurch, Benny Golson, Hank Jones, Ron Carter, George Coleman, Fathead Newman, Geri Allen, Earl Bostic, Leo Parker, Charlie Rouse, Ernie Royal, Philly Joe Jones, Bobby Timmons, Walter Booker, Jerome Richardson, Joey DeFrancesco, Keter Betts, Jimmy Cleveland, Sam Jones, Red Garland, Joe Henderson, Eddie Gómez, Bill Evans, Jeremy Steig, Richard Wyands, Peter Bernstein, Walter Bishop, Jr., Richie Cole, Nancy Wilson, Ricky Ford, David Amram, Donald Byrd, Kenny Barron and Toshiko Akiyoshi. Cobb recorded 17 albums as a leader.

Ginger Baker

On October 6, 2019, Peter Edward “Ginger” Baker died aged 80. He was musician (drums, percussion) and song writer, credited as pioneer of drumming in rock, jazz fusion and world music, with reputation of “rock’s first superstar drummer”. Baker was member of the bands Blues Incorporated and Graham Bond Organisation, but he achieved worldwide success as co-founder and drummer of super group Cream, together with Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce. After Cream he was member of Blind Faith and founded Ginger Baker’s Air Force and Ginger Baker’s Energy. He has worked with big number of musicians and music acts such as Gary Moore, Masters of Reality, Public Image Ltd, Hawkwind, Atomic Rooster, Bill Laswell, Charlie Haden and Bill Frisell. As leader Baker released 18 albums.

D. J. Fontana

On June 13, 2018, Dominic Joseph Fontana aka D.J. Fontana died aged 87. He was musician (drums, percussion), best known as the drummer for Elvis Presley. In 14 years Fontana played on over 460 “RCA”cuts with Elvis. He played on all Elvis greatest hits including Heartbreak Hotel / Blue Suede Shoes/ Hound Dog / Don’t Be Cruel / Love Me Tender / All Shook Up / Jailhouse Rock / It’s Now or Neve / Are You Lonesome Tonight / Can’t Help Falling in Love / Rock-a-Hula Baby / Good Luck Charm / Return to Sender / (You’re the) Devil in Disguise / Viva Las Vegas and Crying in the Chapel.

Jon Hiseman

On June 12, 2018, Philip John “Jon” Hiseman died aged 73. He was musician (drums, percussion),  recording engineer, record producer and music publisher, regarded as one of the best and most influential drummers in the history of the rock music. He has worked with many musicians and bands including Jack Bruce, John Mayall, Tempest, United Jazz + Rock Ensemble, JCM, but was best known as founding member and drummer of Colosseum. As leader he released two solo albums.

Levon Helm

On April 19, 2012, Mark Lavon “Levon” Helm died aged 71. He was singer, multi – instrumentalist and actor, best known as drummer and vocalists for The Band. He sang on Band classics including The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down, Up on Cripple Creek, Rag Mama Rag, and The Weight. In February 2008, his album “Dirt Farmer” won “Grammy Award for Best Traditional Folk Album”, and in November same year, “Rolling Stone” magazine ranked Helm at number 91 on its list of “100 Greatest Singers of All Time”.