Top Ten Best Female Drummers of All Time

Karen Carpenter is one of the greatest drummer/singers of all time. She is the reason why I wanted to play the drums and sing. Without her I don't know that I would have entered into that arena, because back then, in the Sixties and Seventies, there were very few, if any, female drummers, and I personally knew of none. She was a maverick. She broke down the walls, and made it possible for women to be recognized as drummers, as well as singers. She was an outstanding musician, was one of the greats, and even played bass guitar as well. She became more known for her voice then her drumming once she was pretty much told that she had to get up and out from behind the kit and front the band. Sadly, a lot of younger people have no idea that she ever played drums. She always was a drummer before a singer, and always considered herself a drummer who happened to sing. She started playing when she was 15 years old, and began to perform live by 16 years old. She was an outstanding person, ...more

She's not only the greatest female singer of all time but also the best female drummer. She beat out John Bonham of Led Zepplin in the Rolling Stone 1976 reader poll. She did both simultaneously well in perfect rhythm. Hal Blaine, who rarely praised anyone on their drumming skills, always spoke highly of her drumming. In her passing, we lost a legend!

How is it even possible that Karen Carpenter is ranked # 8? She set the standard by which all other female drummers should be measured. She DESERVES to be in the #1 spot. She surpasses even many of the best MALE drummers in the world of music. Oh yeah by the way, she is also the greatest female vocalist of all time.

Now THIS is where this lady belongs! She surpasses EVERY female drummer in music history! Think about this- How many female drummers were there BEFORE Karen showcased her talent? And if that wasn't enough, she had the voice of an angel. 'enough said!

First, a little bit of history on Skillet and where they were when Jen joined them:

In 2006, Skillet released their sixth album, Comatose, which is regarded by many to be their best/highest-quality album before or since. And a year later, their drummer of seven years, Lori Peters, left the band. Their new drummer would have to learn all the music, techniques, and feel for the style in only a few months, and on top of that all be dropped into a relentless touring and performing schedule that garnered a reputation for Skillet as one of the hardest working rock bands in history.

Jen did all of that and more.

She's amazing. Her charisma and attitude give her a very compelling stage presence, she is a skilled artist that illustrated their latest single and album covers, and she has generated a gigantic new fanbase for Skillet that has played a part in what they are today.

And she is a complete BEAST on the drums. She usually does a solo in concert between songs ...more

She's had the biggest influence on my life than you'd ever imagine. Even more than Amy Lee has. She's inspired me to smile a little and with a little hard work, you can move mountains. Ever since I've known about Jen, I've wanted to be a drummer.

She is just great... She had a HUGE influence on Skillet and this band exists since a very long time. And she began in this band with ONLY 18 years old. Seems like she was born behind drums, she is amazing

Not only does she play amazing, she also sings and is one of the two main vocals of Skillet together with lead singer John Cooper!

She is not that energetic and fast like some above, but an excellent drummer none the less.

I personally think meg is an astounding drummer, she hits the skins hard and effectively.