THE ALL-TIME GREATEST DRUMMERS. Today: #45-41. Continues: tomorrow. 

Caffè Lattè presents the

ALL-TIME

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 GREATEST DRUMMERS

It’s hard to imagine any song with a driving beat without a drum kit powering the overall sound. This list pays tribute to the drummers whose work has had the greatest impact and influence on rock and pop music.

/45\

CLEM BURKE

Clem Burke joined Blondie in 1975. The group enjoyed hit singles in a range of diverse styles, including new wave, disco, reggae, rap and pop. “Union City Blue” is one of the standouts of his work with the band.

 

/44\

JAMES GADSON

How’s this for a list of recordings: The Watts 103^rd Street Rhythm Band’s “Express Yourself”, Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On” and the ‘Saturday Night Fever’ movie soundtrack. James Gadson has also played on releases by Ray Charles, Paul McCartney, Herbie Hancock and Beck.

/43\

ALEX VAN HALEN

Initially, the Van Halen brothers were interested in different instruments: Eddie was a keen drummer while Alex played guitar. The two boys would, however, swap instruments and blitz the rock world as members of the group Van Halen. “Hot For Teacher” is a key example of Alex’s skill.

 

/42\

MICK FLEETWOOD

As one of the founding members of Fleetwood Mac (along with John McVie), drummer Mick Fleetwood has presiding over the many incarnations of the group. Its most famous line-up is the one that recorded the legendary ‘Rumours’ LP which features his pounding effort on the track “Go Your Own Way”.

/41\

CLIFTON JAMES

Emerging in Chicago, Clifton James was as much responsible for the influential sound referred to as the “Bo Diddley beat” as the guitarist it is named after. James was integral on the Chicago blues scene and worked with Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, John Lee Hooker and Buddy Guy,