Modern Drummer's 50 Greatest Drummers of All Time (2014) by 
AAL2014 
Here's a fun chart idea I came up with.. Modern Drummer Magazine, the same mag I've been subscribed to and thumbing through for almost 5 years, published a list of the 50 Greatest Drummers of all time voted by the readers back in 2014. I love lists and this was a very poignant list at the time for me. Of course with any list, there will be omissions. Everyone on this list is a very special and influential player so it's tough to say who should be on instead.
This chart is ordered the exact way the drummers were voted. The albums chosen are ones I think of as being the best (or one of the best) works by the artist, and the comments on each are my own. Drums have been an enormous part of my life for almost 10 years. I wouldn't be apart of this website without the drums choosing me to be apart of a spectacular rhythmic journey.
Here is my tribute to the drums, the greatest drummers, and the greatest drum magazine on the planet.
- Chart updated: 06/28/2017 21:15
- (Created: 08/23/2016 21:27).
- Chart size: 50 albums.
There are 3 comments for this chart from BestEverAlbums.com members and Modern Drummer's 50 Greatest Drummers of All Time (2014) has an average rating of 87 out of 100 (from 2 votes). Please log in or register to leave a comment or assign a rating.
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This chart is currently filtered to only show albums from the 1960s. (Remove this filter)
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BUDDY RICH
The Legend: Buddy Rich is a smart pick for number 1, really. Nobody in the history of the instrument has done more to bring drums to the forefront, as well as have world class chops, speed, phrasing, and musical smarts. Buddy's personality came through in his drumming. He was a ferocious, charismatic, and handsome but had a world class temper to boot. His rants aimed at his big band mates after shows is the stuff of legend, almost as much as his drumming. Although Buddy wasn't the nicest guy, his passion for perfection and the instrument shined brighter than anything. Buddy Rich is the greatest drummer of all time.
The Album: The Best of Buddy Rich is a compilation that shows different sides of Buddy, but all the same tenacity. The West Side Story Medley, Love For Sale, and Channel 1 Suite allow the listener a glimpse of Buddy's chops and charisma. This is a must have for any percussionist.
Best Performances: Nutville, West Side Story Suite, Groovin' Hard. [First added to this chart: 08/24/2016]
The Legend: Buddy Rich is a smart pick for number 1, really. Nobody in the history of the instrument has done more to bring drums to the forefront, as well as have world class chops, speed, phrasing, and musical smarts. Buddy's personality came through in his drumming. He was a ferocious, charismatic, and handsome but had a world class temper to boot. His rants aimed at his big band mates after shows is the stuff of legend, almost as much as his drumming. Although Buddy wasn't the nicest guy, his passion for perfection and the instrument shined brighter than anything. Buddy Rich is the greatest drummer of all time.
The Album: The Best of Buddy Rich is a compilation that shows different sides of Buddy, but all the same tenacity. The West Side Story Medley, Love For Sale, and Channel 1 Suite allow the listener a glimpse of Buddy's chops and charisma. This is a must have for any percussionist.
Best Performances: Nutville, West Side Story Suite, Groovin' Hard. [First added to this chart: 08/24/2016]
Year of Release:
1969
Appears in:
Rank in 1969:
None
Rank in 1960s:
None
Average Rating:
Comments:
0
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ELVIN JONES
The Legend: It has been said before, to understand the impact of Elvin Jones, you must listen to a pre-Elvin drummer, Elvin, and a post-Elvin drummer. He really did have that big of an impact. A great bandleader as well as role player, Elvin had a hand in taking jazz to the next level, most famously with John Coltrane. Records like Ascension, A Love Supreme, and My Favorite Things, would not be anywhere near the same without Elvin on drums. His phrasing was brilliant and unique. It was totally his. His control of dynamics was also world class. Elvin gave some of Coltrane's pieces a rock feel just because his personality shined through his playing so completely. His fills inspired rock guys like Bonham too. Just listen carefully. It's worth it.
The Album: A Love Supreme is my favorite jazz album. Although Coltrane's brilliance is the brains behind it, I truly believe and feel Elvin is the driving force. Elvin helped propel some of Coltrane's hooks to new heights. His solo at the beginning of Part 3 is a prime example of the influence John Bonham took from him. Part 4, which is considered one of the finest pieces in the history of jazz has a totally unique feel because of what Elvin did percussion-wise. Gongs, timpani, cymbal swells, wow. [First added to this chart: 08/24/2016]
The Legend: It has been said before, to understand the impact of Elvin Jones, you must listen to a pre-Elvin drummer, Elvin, and a post-Elvin drummer. He really did have that big of an impact. A great bandleader as well as role player, Elvin had a hand in taking jazz to the next level, most famously with John Coltrane. Records like Ascension, A Love Supreme, and My Favorite Things, would not be anywhere near the same without Elvin on drums. His phrasing was brilliant and unique. It was totally his. His control of dynamics was also world class. Elvin gave some of Coltrane's pieces a rock feel just because his personality shined through his playing so completely. His fills inspired rock guys like Bonham too. Just listen carefully. It's worth it.
The Album: A Love Supreme is my favorite jazz album. Although Coltrane's brilliance is the brains behind it, I truly believe and feel Elvin is the driving force. Elvin helped propel some of Coltrane's hooks to new heights. His solo at the beginning of Part 3 is a prime example of the influence John Bonham took from him. Part 4, which is considered one of the finest pieces in the history of jazz has a totally unique feel because of what Elvin did percussion-wise. Gongs, timpani, cymbal swells, wow. [First added to this chart: 08/24/2016]
Year of Release:
1965
Appears in:
Rank Score:
16,055
Rank in 1965:
Rank in 1960s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
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RINGO STARR
The Legend: Some might see Ringo voted in at number 9 on this poll and think "What the hell? Ringo is barely even a drummer!", which is quite a shame. Ringo revolutionized the world of drums by not only being in the Beatles and being a personality of his own, but by being a great thinker behind the drums with a God given perfect sense of time. Songs like Come Together, Oh Darling!, The End, A Day In The Life, Let It Be, etc all have characteristics and personality to them in large part because of the feel and rhythms Ringo chose. He wasn't a great drummer in the traditional sense, but drumming would not be the same without him. He still tours today with his All Star Band featuring the great Gregg Bissonette on drums, and provides arenas and theaters packed with fans a feeling of love only a Beatle could exude.
The Album: If you were to say "Hey, AAL2014, Abbey Road is the greatest album of all time" I would say... "Perhaps." I love Abbey Road like a family member. It's a warm, inviting, musically viable and excellent collection of songs that combined of the moods of all 4 members of the band. One of the reasons Abbey Road is my favorite Beatles album is because of the feel and dynamic playing Ringo displays. From the laid back, legendary fill of Come Together, to the bluesy brilliance of Oh Darling!, to the simplistic yet well executed "solo" in The End, Ringo's playing on this album exemplifies why he's such an influence.
It's the feel. It's the feel. It's the feel. [First added to this chart: 08/24/2016]
The Legend: Some might see Ringo voted in at number 9 on this poll and think "What the hell? Ringo is barely even a drummer!", which is quite a shame. Ringo revolutionized the world of drums by not only being in the Beatles and being a personality of his own, but by being a great thinker behind the drums with a God given perfect sense of time. Songs like Come Together, Oh Darling!, The End, A Day In The Life, Let It Be, etc all have characteristics and personality to them in large part because of the feel and rhythms Ringo chose. He wasn't a great drummer in the traditional sense, but drumming would not be the same without him. He still tours today with his All Star Band featuring the great Gregg Bissonette on drums, and provides arenas and theaters packed with fans a feeling of love only a Beatle could exude.
The Album: If you were to say "Hey, AAL2014, Abbey Road is the greatest album of all time" I would say... "Perhaps." I love Abbey Road like a family member. It's a warm, inviting, musically viable and excellent collection of songs that combined of the moods of all 4 members of the band. One of the reasons Abbey Road is my favorite Beatles album is because of the feel and dynamic playing Ringo displays. From the laid back, legendary fill of Come Together, to the bluesy brilliance of Oh Darling!, to the simplistic yet well executed "solo" in The End, Ringo's playing on this album exemplifies why he's such an influence.
It's the feel. It's the feel. It's the feel. [First added to this chart: 08/24/2016]
Year of Release:
1969
Appears in:
Rank Score:
59,830
Rank in 1969:
Rank in 1960s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
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ROY HAYNES
[First added to this chart: 08/24/2016]
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ART BLAKEY
[First added to this chart: 08/24/2016]
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GINGER BAKER
The Legend: Asshole
The Drumming: Great
Best Performances: Sunshine Of Your Love, Toad [First added to this chart: 08/24/2016]
The Legend: Asshole
The Drumming: Great
Best Performances: Sunshine Of Your Love, Toad [First added to this chart: 08/24/2016]
Year of Release:
1967
Appears in:
Rank Score:
6,328
Rank in 1967:
Rank in 1960s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
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HAL BLAINE
[First added to this chart: 08/24/2016]
Year of Release:
1966
Appears in:
Rank Score:
40,642
Rank in 1966:
Rank in 1960s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
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MITCH MITCHELL
The Legend: In late 60's England, the musical landscape was filled with countless great musicians and legendary drummers. John Bonham, Ian Paice, Keith Moon, Ginger Baker, Ringo Starr.. etc. Mitch Mitchell was a standout in that crowd and earned a place in the eons of drumming with his perfect blend of jazz and rock to accompany the most famous guitar player of all time, Jimi Hendrix. The chemistry between Jimi and Mitch is what gravitated me toward Mitch's drumming and Jimi's music in general. They were great for each other, Hendrix was lucky to have him. Impeccable single strokes, fills, paradiddles, and swing.
The Album: [First added to this chart: 08/24/2016]
The Legend: In late 60's England, the musical landscape was filled with countless great musicians and legendary drummers. John Bonham, Ian Paice, Keith Moon, Ginger Baker, Ringo Starr.. etc. Mitch Mitchell was a standout in that crowd and earned a place in the eons of drumming with his perfect blend of jazz and rock to accompany the most famous guitar player of all time, Jimi Hendrix. The chemistry between Jimi and Mitch is what gravitated me toward Mitch's drumming and Jimi's music in general. They were great for each other, Hendrix was lucky to have him. Impeccable single strokes, fills, paradiddles, and swing.
The Album: [First added to this chart: 08/24/2016]
Year of Release:
1967
Appears in:
Rank Score:
22,618
Rank in 1967:
Rank in 1960s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
Total albums: 8. Page 1 of 1
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Modern Drummer's 50 Greatest Drummers of All Time (2014) composition
| Decade | Albums | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
 |
|
|
| 1930s | 0 | 0% | |
| 1940s | 0 | 0% | |
| 1950s | 4 | 8% | |
| 1960s | 8 | 16% | |
| 1970s | 14 | 28% | |
| 1980s | 12 | 24% | |
| 1990s | 3 | 6% | |
| 2000s | 8 | 16% | |
| 2010s | 1 | 2% | |
| 2020s | 0 | 0% |
| Artist | Albums | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
 |
|
|
| Frank Zappa | 2 | 4% | |
| Dream Theater | 2 | 4% | |
| The Police | 1 | 2% | |
| Louie Bellson & His Jazz Orchestra | 1 | 2% | |
| Cream | 1 | 2% | |
| Led Zeppelin | 1 | 2% | |
| Jojo Mayer & Nerve | 1 | 2% | |
| Show all | |||
Modern Drummer's 50 Greatest Drummers of All Time (2014) chart changes
There have been no changes to this chart.Modern Drummer's 50 Greatest Drummers of All Time (2014) similar charts
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Modern Drummer's 50 Greatest Drummers of All Time (2014) ratings
87/100 (from 2 votes)
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| Rating | Date updated | Member | Chart ratings | Avg. chart rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 90/100  | 06/15/2017 01:45 |  bobbyb5 | | 90/100 |
| 100/100 | 10/01/2016 12:41 | mostlymor | | 89/100 |
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From AAL2014 06/15/2017 06:54
AAL2014 06/15/2017 06:54
Thank you Bobby. I appreciate that, I still have some work to go on this chart with comments and I still have a couple of these drummers to listen to so I can provide an honest comment on why they were voted onto this list. So hopefully you'll revisit later haha.
Karen Carpenter was indeed a great drummer. Unique player who had a lot of personality and made it come through in her playing. I haven't listened to a ton of the Carpenters' music however I've seen a number of awesome solo videos from her on YouTube. Pretty great snare chops.
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From bobbyb5 06/15/2017 01:49
bobbyb5 06/15/2017 01:49
That was very informative to someone like me who really doent shit about music. Heh heh. I like it. Ive heard people i know who play drums say that Karen Carpenter was actually a good drummer. Is that true? I thought they were joking but they weren't. Lol
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100/100
From mostlymor 10/01/2016 12:42
Excellent chart, enjoyed your comments particularly.
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | +1 votes (1 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
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