The Most Influential Drummers of All Time

Janet Weiss (Sleater-Kinney)

A seriously powerful and catchy drummer, Janet Weiss was the third person added to the legendary alt-rock group Sleater-Kinney. Fronted by Corin Tucker and Carrie Brownstein, Janet Weiss led the band in rhythm, lending an ample platform for the leads, but remaining as aggressive as possible without sounding overzealous. Weiss has been active in Bright Eyes, the Shins, the Jicks, and many more groups. Weiss also works as a drum teacher for young women.

Bill Stevenson (the Descendents, Black Flag)

In 1977 at the age of 14, Bill Stevenson co-founded the Descendants, a pre-emo pop-punk band that has stood the test of time. He was also present on what’s considered as Black Flag’s most creative or “weirdest” albums; My War, and Slip It In. Every punk drummer wanted to sound like Stevenson, and he didn't even realize he was doing anything particularly special. He was just a guy who never practiced and enjoyed coffee and snickers bars before his sets. 

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The More You Know

  • When Prince was a kid, his father put him on stage at a James Brown concert where he danced with the singer until security took him off the stage.
  • When Pixie’s drummer David Lovering wasn’t drumming, he performed as a professional magician.
  • Stevie Ray Vaughan was the guitarist on David Bowie‘s Let’s Dance album
  • Creedence Clearwater Revival has the most No. 2 Billboard hits—without ever hitting No. 1.
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Post originally appeared on Upbeat News.