Top 10 Greatest Percussionists of All Time

1. Tim Curle

   

   Tim Curle is so full of talent. While playing with Josh Groban, you will find yourself watching him perform as much as you watch Josh. He is a master of his craft. Let us hope that Josh knows that Tim is about the best asset he has ever added to his band and makes sure he doesn't lose him to another artist.

   Tim is the greatest. What a nice guy and great to watch. He has to know how to play so many things! He was a real asset on Josh Groban's last tour.

   Oodles of talent and such a really friendly, fun guy - an integral part of Josh Groban's concerts. Don't ever leave, Tim!

2. Ray Fean

   Ray continues to show his versatility as a crack percussionist with Celtic Woman. In addition to conventional drums, Ray excels on the bodhran and such diverse percussion instruments as spoons! He puts on a marvelous show!

   Ray Fean is the fantastic percussionist from the Irish group Celtic Woman. He has fans across the globe. If you've ever seen him in action, you know why he is nominated here!

   Touring with Celtic Woman ten months each year since 2005, Ray must be the hardest-working percussionist on the planet! Modest and great with fans, he deserves it!

3. Neil Peart

   

   Neil Ellwood Peart (September 12, 1952 to January 7, 2020) was a Canadian-American musician and writer best known as the drummer and primary lyricist of the rock band Rush. He received numerous awards for his musical performances, including induction into the Modern Drummer Readers Poll Hall of Fame... read more

   I saw Rush live seven times between 1980 and 2010. I was first captivated by the lyrics, but Peart's percussion skills drew me in to a much deeper level, to the point where I would find myself sitting still, focused on him, while completely enjoying the show.

   He was so much more than a drummer. His songwriting was so thought provoking, and his ability to match the percussion to the feel of each song was truly amazing. I invited a girlfriend to the Test For Echo concert for our first date... we've been married 28 years. The power of Peart!

   Neil Peart isn't just a drummer for a rock band. He's an incredible percussionist - perhaps the best that ever was. Even if you don't like the music, try and listen to all of the sounds he creates in a given song, such as Xanadu, or listen to a solo such as Rhythm Method.

4. Ray Cooper

   Ray is amazing. Is there a percussion instrument he can't play? The guy is a ball of energy, which makes watching him play live, especially with Elton, a great experience.

   He's also played with all of the top musicians and acts over the decades, which is a testament to his great skills.

   Ray is not only the best but also performs for the best! Most instances, he steals the show! His energy is contagious!

   At 72, he has the energy of a twenty-year-old and talent beyond anyone I have ever seen. Number one in my opinion.

5. Evelyn Glennie

   

   She is full of musicality and is truly special. She is one of the best solo percussionists of all time.

   I think it's amazing how someone who can't hear can really hear the beauty of music.

   Even though she cannot hear, she plays her music beautifully from her heart.

6. Sivamani

   He is the best ever percussionist from India. We love him so much!

   He is the best ever in the world. His skills blow everyone's mind.

   He brings people to the concerts.

7. Joey Jordison

   

   Joey Jordison was an American musician, songwriter, and record producer best known as the former drummer and co-songwriter for the heavy metal band Slipknot. He also played guitar in the horror punk band Murderdolls. Jordison co-founded the blackened death metal band Sinsaenum and was involved in the... read more

   If he is the greatest drummer, how come he's not the best percussionist?

   He is one of the reasons Slipknot rocks so hard!

8. Dave Holland

9. Sheila E.

   She should by far be in the Top 10. Stamina and perfection equal power!

10. Shawn Crahan

The Newcomers
11. ?

    Mitch Mitchell

    

    John Graham "Mitch" Mitchell was an English drummer best known for his work with the Jimi Hendrix Experience. His jazz-influenced style was a key component of the band's sound. Mitchell remained active in music until his death in 2008.

12. ?

    Ginger Baker

    

    Peter Edward "Ginger" Baker (August 19, 1939 - October 6, 2019) was an English drummer best known as the founder of the rock band Cream. His work in the 1960s earned him the reputation of "rock's first superstar drummer." Baker's distinctive style blended his jazz background with African rhythms, influencing... read more

The Contenders

13. Brad Dutz

14. Javier M. Barrios

15. Courtney Audain

16. Robin DiMaggio

17. Trilok Gurtu

18. Chris Fehn

19. Buddy Rich

    

    Bernard "Buddy" Rich was an American jazz drummer and bandleader. He is widely considered one of the most influential drummers of all time, known for his virtuoso technique, power, and speed. During his career, Rich was often billed as "the world's greatest drummer."

20. Jamie Muir

21. Ian Dogole

22. Veshesh the Percussionist

    Veshesh the Percussionist - check him out. He is a maestro. Brilliant. www.veshesh.com

23. John Henry Bonham

    

    John Henry Bonham (31 May 1948-25 September 1980) was an English musician best known as the drummer of the rock band Led Zeppelin. Born in Redditch, Worcestershire, Bonham, nicknamed "Bonzo," is regarded as one of the greatest and most influential drummers in history. Noted for his speed, power, fast... read more

    Any modern drummer can produce a heavy sound with a double-bass drum set and amplify their sound with complex equipment. But one man, and one man only, reached the apex of drumming ability, working with a single-bass drum and nonetheless inventing the technique of a triple-bass drum beat.

    Not only was Bonham an excellent drummer, but he was also an excellent teacher and father to his son Jason, who was able to fill his shoes at the 2007 Led Zeppelin reunion concert. That alone is evidence of the powerful force that was John Henry Bonham.

    What the hell is wrong with you people? No one deserves to stand in the shadow of Bonham. There are great drummers out there, but Bonham is the sole creator of modern percussion. This is not a point of discussion. It is a conclusion of history.

24. Roger Taylor

    

    Roger Meddows Taylor is an English musician, multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter born on July 26, 1949, in King's Lynn, Norfolk. He is best known as the drummer of the legendary rock band Queen and contributed to several of their major hits, including "Radio Ga Ga," "A Kind of Magic," and... read more

25. King Errisson

26. Ralph MacDonald

27. Will Champion

    

    William "Will" Champion is an English musician and multi-instrumentalist. He is best known as the drummer and backing vocalist of the alternative rock band Coldplay. Champion joined the band in 1997 and has contributed to all of their studio albums.