Being an ardent fan of big band music in the USA, which part of this extravagant music arrangement do you like the most? The saxophone part or drums? While some consider the wind instruments to be the most enchanting section, others simply adore the blasting drums of the big band music. Although a lot has been said and written about the saxophonists and cornetists, the drummers never got their due despite playing an important role in enriching the big band music. Yes, swing music was indeed way past its prime in the 1940s, but even during this short span, the drummers were successful in stealing the spotlight and hearts of people. Here, we talk about the most popular and talented drummers of the swing and big band era.
Gene Krupa – An inspiration to many successful drummers out there, Gene Krupa is called the very first rock drummer for the right reasons. Also, according to the Modern Drummer Magazine, Krupa is called the pioneer of the modern drum-set. He carved out a place for himself by performing back-to-back successful solos in 1930. Given his mastery over the instrument, Krupa made drum playing look stylish and effortless. In fact, the popularity of Benny Goodman’s band should rightly be credited to this prolific drummer of those times.
Buddy Rich – Due to his mind-boggling hand speed and unprecedented playing technique, Buddy Rich gave stiff competition to Gene Krupa. Having started his career as a phenomenal sideman with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and Frank Sinatra, Buddy Rick was quick to gain a trail of followers of his own. In fact, he is the first drummer from America who inspired the then next-gen drummers from the UK. If you are interested in exploring his discography, you can turn on the big band radio stations and embark on a musical journey.
Sid Catlett – Recognised as one the terrific drummers of the big band era, Sid Catlett navigated his way successfully into the bebop genre. Not only was Catlett the first choice of Louis Armstrong for playing drums in his band, the drummer would also occasionally be invited by Benny Goodman for playing in his group. Along with that, Catlett also recorded and performed with renowned musicians like Fletcher Henderson and Benny Carter. After his brief association with Duke Ellington’s band, he transitioned into bebop by joining Dizzy Gillespie’s band.
Chick Webb – Best known for launching Ella Fitzgerald as a solo singer, Chick Webb was a bandleader and also an influential drummer of his era. He took the ‘swing’ style of drum playing to the next level and paved the way for the musicians of the next generation. Chick Webb started playing at professional gigs when he was just eleven years old. Initially, he worked with local jazz bands, Webb quickly proved his worth as the drumming idol and collaborated with other musical stars like Duke Ellington and Benny Carter. His early death was indeed a great loss for the swing world and the music industry in general.
Art Blakey – Although he is popular for his association with bebop musicians and singers, Art Blakey’s emergence to prominence occurred during the early 1940s with Fletcher Henderson’s big band. Apart from being a notable drummer, Blakey also created his band named ‘The Jazz Messengers’ that carried a strong sense of swing elements. Even to this day, he is best known for his unrivaled techniques of swelling press roll and hard bop groves.
Final Words – So, are you a big fan of any of the drummers we mentioned here? Want to enjoy their discographies today? Tune into the best big band radio, and do your bit to keep alive the essence of swing & big band music. At Swing Street Radio, we play the greatest swing hits by the inspiring artists of those times. From the drummers and saxophonists to the vocalists or arrangers, you can enjoy everyone’s musical artistry only on this radio station! Download the app now!
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