The Best Singing Drummers
Prepare to be impressed by this list of drummers who also sing. These musicians are both notable as capable drummers and strong vocalists. Many of them played both roles in a single band, including Ringo Starr (who performed vocals and drums on The Beatles' "Octopus Garden" and "Yellow Submarine," among others) and trailblazing female songwriter Karen Carpenter. Other singing drummers became notable for their vocal skills only after parting ways with their former band, as is the case with Dave Grohl. Initially known primarily as the drummers for legendary grunge band Nirvana, he stepped out from behind the drum kit to serve as the frontman and lead singer for his follow-up project, Foo Fighters.
Drummers are often the least visible, famous members of a large, popular rock band, making the number of great percussionists who have proven themselves to be great singers rather low. Vote for your favorite drums players/vocalists below.
Undoubtedly one of the most iconic singing drummers of all time, Phil Collins rose to fame as both the drummer and lead vocalist for the progressive rock band Genesis. His exceptional talent for weaving intricate drum patterns and his emotive vocal delivery solidified his reputation as a master of his craft. With numerous hit songs under his belt, Collins' ability to captivate audiences and bring innovative ideas to his music sets him apart from many other artists in his genre.
From his early days as the powerhouse drummer of Nirvana to fronting the massively successful Foo Fighters, Dave Grohl has certainly earned his spot among the elite singing drummers in the rock pantheon. Possessing a unique mix of raw aggression and melodic finesse, Grohl's signature drumming style and growling vocals have inspired countless musicians since the '90s. His penchant for experimenting with various musical styles while maintaining his unmistakable sound is a testament to his immense creativity and influence.
As a founding member of the legendary rock band The Eagles, Don Henley's raw vocal talent and rhythmic drumming prowess played a significant role in the group's meteoric rise to fame. With his raspy voice and knack for penning heartfelt lyrics, Henley breathed life into classic hits such as "Hotel California" and "Desperado." His seemingly effortless ability to blend his drumming and singing skills has cemented his place in music history as one of the greatest singing drummers of all time.
Hailed as an influential figure in the development of Americana music, Levon Helm's distinct drumming style and soulful vocals laid the foundation for the timeless sound of The Band. Helm's ability to seamlessly fuse elements of rock, country, and blues into his drumming patterns created an inimitable groove that still resonates with fans today. His warm, emotive voice brought depth and humanity to songs like "The Weight" and "Up on Cripple Creek," showcasing his diverse talents as a singing drummer.
Karen Carpenter's angelic voice and undeniable talent behind the drum kit propelled her to stardom as one half of the iconic duo The Carpenters. Her breezy vocal style and smooth drumming rhythms perfectly complemented the group's melodic pop arrangements, resulting in numerous chart-topping hits throughout the '70s. Sadly, her untimely passing at a young age cut short an extraordinary career, but her enduring influence continues to inspire generations of singing drummers.
As the thunderous force behind legendary rock band Queen, Roger Taylor's powerful drumming skills and soaring vocals played an integral role in the group's explosive sound. Not only did he contribute his rhythmic expertise to classics like "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "We Will Rock You," but he also lent his distinctive vocal talents to tracks such as "Radio Ga Ga" and "I'm In Love With My Car." Taylor's impressive musicianship and larger-than-life stage presence have solidified his place as one of the best singing drummers in rock history.
As the backbone of The Beatles, Ringo Starr's steady drumming and charming personality were vital to the group's success. Although often overshadowed by the songwriting talents of Lennon and McCartney, Starr's contributions to classic tracks like "Yellow Submarine" and "Octopus's Garden" showcased his more-than-capable singing abilities. His distinctive drumming style and affable stage presence have endeared him to fans worldwide, solidifying him as one of the most iconic singing drummers of all time.
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Before his solo career took off, Peter Gabriel was the dynamic frontman and drummer for progressive rock pioneers Genesis. Known for his theatrical performances and eclectic musical style, Gabriel brought his innovative songwriting and powerful vocal delivery to the band's early albums. While his tenure as a singing drummer with Genesis was relatively short-lived, his contributions to the world of progressive rock are undeniable.
Currently holding the drumming throne for the Foo Fighters, Taylor Hawkins' powerhouse drumming style and jaw-dropping vocal range have cemented his reputation as a modern rock icon. Often sharing lead vocal duties with bandmate Dave Grohl, Hawkins has showcased his impressive pipes on tracks such as "Cold Day in the Sun" and "Sunday Rain." His versatile musicianship and infectious energy make him a standout in the current rock landscape.
While primarily known as the powerful lead vocalist of Soundgarden and Audioslave, Chris Cornell was also skilled on the drums, occasionally taking on drumming duties in live performances and studio recordings. His combination of raw, hard-hitting drumming and hauntingly soulful vocals created an enigmatic presence that captured listeners' attention. Tragically, Cornell's untimely passing left a void in the music world, but his impact as a singing drummer and rock icon will never be forgotten.
As the charismatic frontman and drummer for The Monkees, Micky Dolenz lent his strong vocal prowess and steady drumming skills to many of the group's biggest hits. His pop-infused drumming style and irresistibly infectious energy helped drive the band's success during the height of "Monkeemania" in the late '60s. Even though The Monkees were initially dismissed by critics as a manufactured act, Dolenz's talents as a singing drummer have earned him lasting recognition and respect within the music industry.
Widely hailed as a pioneer of rock drumming, Ginger Baker's skills on the kit were matched only by his fiery personality. As a founding member of the legendary trio Cream, Baker's ferocious double-bass drumming and distinctive voice on tracks like "Pressed Rat and Warthog" showcased his impressive range as a musician. His fearless approach to combining elements of jazz, blues, and rock has left an indelible mark on the world of music, solidifying his status as one of the most influential singing drummers of all time.
A trailblazer in the world of percussion, Sheila E. gained prominence as both a drummer and vocalist under the mentorship of the late, great Prince. Her ability to effortlessly weave complex Latin rhythms into pop and R&B grooves has set her apart from her contemporaries, earning her a legion of devoted fans. With powerful vocals and an electrifying stage presence, Sheila E. continues to break barriers and inspire countless female musicians in the male-dominated world of drumming.
As the original drummer and occasional lead vocalist for iconic rock band KISS, Peter Criss' raspy voice and driving drum patterns played a significant role in the group's early success. His tender vocal delivery on the ballad "Beth" became one of the band's most enduring hits, showcasing a softer side to the otherwise bombastic and theatrical act. Criss' influence as a singing drummer has left a lasting impact on the hard rock and heavy metal community.
Best known as the innovative drummer for The Police, Stewart Copeland brought his distinctive high-energy playing style and background in reggae, jazz, and punk to create a sound that was truly unique. While primarily serving as the driving rhythmic force behind the band, Copeland also lent his vocals to tracks like "On Any Other Day," showcasing his ability to create catchy harmonies amid complex rhythmic patterns. His contributions to The Police's success have undoubtedly earned him a place among the best singing drummers in history.
A true legend in the world of blues and rock music, Buddy Miles was known for his powerful voice and thunderous drumming. As a member of Jimi Hendrix's Band of Gypsys, Miles' soulful vocals and innovative drumming shaped the fusion of heavy rock with psychedelic soul, leaving a lasting impression on generations of musicians. His enduring appeal as a singing drummer can be attributed to his unique blend of musical styles and unapologetic passion for his craft.
With a resume spanning stints with legendary rock bands like Journey, Ozzy Osbourne, and Bad English, Deen Castronovo's powerful drumming and soaring vocals have made him a sought-after musician throughout his career. Capable of delivering spine-tingling high notes while maintaining precise drumming patterns, Castronovo's extraordinary vocal range and rhythmic prowess set him apart from other singing drummers in the rock world.
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Kelly Keagy
As the drummer and co-lead vocalist for American rock band Night Ranger, Kelly Keagy has been a driving force behind the group's success since their formation in the early '80s. Delivering powerful performances on both drums and vocals, Keagy's passionate delivery and dynamic stage presence have kept audiences captivated for decades. His impressive ability to balance these dual roles on hits like "Sister Christian" has solidified his place among the best singing drummers in rock history.
As the drummer and co-vocalist of Canadian hard rock band Triumph, Gil Moore's thundering drum style and powerhouse vocals helped define the group's sound during their '70s and '80s heyday. Known for delivering memorable, heart-pounding performances on hits like "Lay It On The Line" and "Magic Power," Moore's incredible talent for fusing rhythm and vocals places him firmly among the best singing drummers in rock music.
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James Owen Sullivan, better known as The Rev, was the fiercely talented drummer and occasional vocalist for heavy metal band Avenged Sevenfold. With his blistering drumming technique and unique raspy voice, The Rev quickly gained a reputation as one of the most original and creative musicians in the metal scene. His untimely passing left a gaping hole in the band's lineup and the music world at large, but his contributions to the singing drummer canon remain undeniably influential.
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Though not a singular artist, the entire band Chicago deserves recognition for their innovative use of combining percussion and vocals. Danny Seraphine, the band's original drummer, and Tris Imboden, his successor, both possess exceptional drumming skills and lend their voices to the band's signature harmonies. The group's soulful and intricate vocal arrangements, paired with their tight rhythmic foundation, have made them one of the most enduring acts in popular music.
Though primarily known as the lead vocalist of grunge pioneers Alice in Chains, Layne Staley was also proficient on drums, displaying his skills during occasional live performances. His haunting, emotive voice and penchant for crafting dark, introspective lyrics made him a standout figure in the '90s alternative rock scene. While his tenure as a singing drummer was brief, Staley's impact on the music world is immense and enduring.
Best known as the founding drummer and backing vocalist for progressive metal giants Dream Theater, Mike Portnoy's innovative playing style and unparalleled technical ability have earned him legions of dedicated fans. His commanding stage presence and ability to keep up with the band's complex arrangements while providing harmonies sets him apart from many of his peers. Though no longer with Dream Theater, Portnoy's impact as a singing drummer and influential musician remains indisputable.As half of the minimalist rock duo The White Stripes, Meg White's primal drumming style and ethereal backup vocals provided the perfect counterbalance to Jack White's frenetic guitar work and bombastic stage presence. Her stripped-down approach to percussion and her ghostly harmonies on tracks like "In The Cold, Cold Night" set her apart from many of her contemporaries, earning her a unique place among modern singing drummers.
As the driving force behind legendary rock band Grand Funk Railroad, Don Brewer's powerful drumming and gritty vocals were key to the group's immense success throughout the '70s. His distinctive drumming style, characterized by syncopated rhythms and intricate fills, provided the perfect backdrop for his distinctive vocal delivery. Brewer's undeniable talent as a singing drummer has earned him a place among the greats of classic rock music.
Taking over the drumming duties for KISS after Peter Criss' departure, Eric Carr brought a new level of energy and depth to the band's sound with his hard-hitting, relentless drumming style. Known for his engaging stage presence and strong backing vocals, Carr played a crucial role in the band's success during the 1980s. Although he passed away at a young age, his contributions as a singing drummer left a lasting impact on KISS and its fans.
One-fourth of the Irish family band The Corrs, Caroline Corr has been mesmerizing audiences with her graceful drumming style and angelic vocals since the group's formation in 1990. Her ability to effortlessly blend traditional Irish music elements with contemporary pop-rock grooves has made her a stand-out talent in the music world. Caroline's strong presence as a singing drummer and her distinctive playing style have helped solidify The Corrs' enduring appeal.
As the drummer and co-vocalist for Christian rock band Skillet, Jen Ledger's powerful drumming skills and soaring vocals have made her a standout talent in the contemporary rock scene. Her ability to seamlessly blend thunderous percussion with passionate vocal performances on tracks like "Awake and Alive" has earned her a devoted fan following. Ledger's dynamic presence as a singing drummer continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.
With a career spanning over five decades, Carmine Appice is a veritable legend in the world of rock drumming, having played with iconic acts such as Vanilla Fudge, Beck, Bogert & Appice, and Rod Stewart. His explosive playing style and commanding voice on tracks like Vanilla Fudge's "You Keep Me Hanging On" showcase his immense talents as both a percussionist and vocalist. Appice's influence as a singing drummer can be heard across generations of rock musicians, solidifying his place among the greats.
As the namesake and driving force behind the 1960s British rock sensation The Dave Clark Five, Dave Clark's energetic drumming and smooth tenor voice helped define the group's signature sound. With his unyielding enthusiasm and impeccable sense of rhythm, it's no wonder that Clark's talent as a singing drummer has left an indelible mark on the music world. His unique blend of pop-rock and beat-driven grooves continues to influence generations of musicians.
As the drummer and occasional vocalist for heavy metal titans Mastodon, Brann Dailor's incredible technical abilities and innovative playing style have made him a revered figure in the metal community. Capable of unleashing rapid-fire, intricate drum patterns while lending his distinct voice to tracks like "Oblivion," Dailor's prowess as a singing drummer is truly exceptional. His relentless energy and dedication to his craft have cemented his place among the greats of modern metal drumming.
Co-founder and drummer of the influential band Blue Öyster Cult, Albert Bouchard's versatile drumming style and emotive vocals played a crucial role in the group's early success. His ability to adapt his playing to accommodate various musical genres, such as hard rock, psychedelia, and progressive rock, set him apart from many of his contemporaries. Bouchard's contributions as a singing drummer have left a lasting impact on the music world, particularly within the realm of classic rock.
As a multi-talented singer, rapper, and drummer, Anderson .Paak has quickly gained notoriety for his unique fusion of hip-hop, R&B, and soul music. His smooth vocal delivery and masterful drumming skills have made him a standout artist in today's diverse musical landscape. With his innovative approach to combining live instrumentation and electronic beats, .Paak is carving out a new path for singing drummers in the modern era.
Matt Cameron's impressive career as a drummer and vocalist includes stints with iconic bands such as Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, and Temple of the Dog. Known for his intricate drumming patterns and melodic sensibilities, Cameron has consistently proven himself to be a versatile and innovative musician. His talent for creating memorable rhythm sections while providing captivating vocal harmonies makes him one of the most respected singing drummers in the world of alternative rock.
As the drummer and lead vocalist for the power-pop band Jellyfish, Andy Sturmer's incredible musicianship and knack for crafting infectious hooks placed him squarely in the spotlight during the group's short-lived but impactful career. With a playing style that seamlessly blended elements of pop, rock, and psychedelia, Sturmer's impressive skills as a singing drummer continue to inspire countless musicians and fans alike.
As a powerhouse drummer and vocalist for influential bands like Sleater-Kinney and Quasi, Janet Weiss has left an indelible mark on the indie rock scene. Her unique playing style combines powerful, aggressive rhythms with delicate, melodic touches, creating a sound that is distinctly her own. Weiss' contributions to the world of singing drummers, particularly within the realm of female musicians, have earned her a well-deserved place among the greats.
As the drummer and backing vocalist for metalcore band Atreyu, Brandon Saller's powerful playing style and melodic vocal contributions have helped define the group's signature sound. His ability to maintain precise, aggressive drum patterns while delivering soaring harmonies sets him apart from many of his peers in the heavy music scene. Saller's talent as a singing drummer has played a crucial role in Atreyu's enduring appeal and success.
As a founding member of both 10cc and Godley & Creme, Kevin Godley's innovative drumming and soulful vocals have made him a revered figure in the world of progressive and art rock. His ability to create intricate, syncopated rhythms while delivering emotive vocal performances has made him a standout talent in the music world. Godley's enduring influence as a singing drummer can be felt across generations of musicians who have followed in his footsteps.
As the drummer and backing vocalist for global phenomenon Coldplay, Will Champion's precise playing style and emotive harmonies have been integral to the band's enduring appeal. The British musician's rhythmic backbone and vocal prowess have contributed to the creation of some of the biggest anthems in modern music. Champion's versatility as a singing drummer has played a pivotal role in Coldplay's continued success, earning him a spot among the best in the genre.
As the original drummer and clean vocalist for the post-hardcore band Underoath, Aaron Gillespie's dynamic skills behind the kit and emotional vocal deliveries have left a lasting impact on the scene. His talent for seamlessly blending aggressive drumming with heartfelt, soaring vocals has helped make Underoath one of the most beloved bands within the genre. Gillespie's distinctive approach to merging percussion and vocals has earned him a well-deserved place among the best singing drummers.
As the drummer and co-vocalist for influential punk band Hüsker Dü, Grant Hart's relentless energy and passionate vocal delivery played a crucial role in the group's success during the 1980s. His unique playing style, characterized by frenetic drum patterns combined with melodic sensibilities, made him a standout talent within the punk scene. Hart's contributions as a singing drummer have left a lasting impact on countless musicians who followed in his pioneering footsteps.
A founding member of the influential art-rock band Soft Machine, Robert Wyatt's inventive drumming style and ethereal vocals have made him a revered figure in the world of progressive rock. With his penchant for experimentalism and innovation, Wyatt's contributions as a singing drummer have left a lasting impact on generations of musicians who have followed in his footsteps. His ability to create intricate, mesmerizing rhythms while delivering deeply emotional vocal performances remains unmatched.
As the drummer and backing vocalist for pop-rock sensation 5 Seconds of Summer, Ashton Irwin's energetic playing and powerful vocal performances have helped solidify the band's status as one of the genre's biggest acts. With a penchant for crafting infectious hooks and captivating rhythms, Irwin's talent as a singing drummer has played a key role in the group's meteoric rise to fame. His impassioned live performances and dedication to his craft continue to inspire fans and fellow musicians alike.
Widely regarded as one of Japan's most influential drummers, Yukihiro Takahashi has showcased his incredible skills on both drums and vocals throughout an illustrious career spanning several decades. As a member of bands such as Yellow Magic Orchestra and Sadistic Mika Band, Takahashi's innovative drumming and distinct vocal style have helped shape the sound of modern Japanese music. His enduring impact as a singing drummer can be felt throughout the international music scene.
As a founding member of the experimental indie band Animal Collective, Panda Bear (born Noah Lennox) has consistently pushed the boundaries of what it means to be a singing drummer. His unique playing style, characterized by polyrhythmic patterns and electronic influences, provides the perfect foundation for his ethereal, otherworldly vocal performances. Panda Bear's innovative approach to percussion and vocals has left an indelible mark on the world of indie music and beyond.
As the drummer and occasional vocalist for French progressive metal band Gojira, Mario Duplantier's fierce playing style and guttural growls have earned him a legion of devoted fans. With his ability to create intricate, thundering rhythms while delivering bone-chilling vocals, Duplantier has helped shape the sound of modern heavy metal. His relentless dedication to his craft, paired with his unquestionable talent as a singing drummer, has solidified his place as one of the genre's most influential figures.
