The Classic Drummer Hall of Fame

As we celebrate our 10th Anniversary, Classic Drummer Magazine is honored to announce the establishment of its Classic Drummer Hall of Fame. While drumming has had an impact on cultures since prehistory, not until the 20th century was the power and versatility of a complete set of drums put in the hands of a single player. Of the millions who’ve sat behind a kit with the intent of expressing themselves musically, a few have actually helped create new musical forms, energized a generation, elevated their art, and perhaps even become household names in the process.

As a publication, Classic Drummer has had the pleasure of covering these influential players for a decade. As drummers however, we’ve all been listening to them, discussing them, reading about them, and trying to play like them most of our drumming lives. The Classic Drummer Hall of Fame invites our readers to select and pay tribute to those who have meant so much to music and those who appreciate it. Below is a list of 50 of music’s most influential classic drummers of the 20th Century. While many continue to be vital musical forces to this day, all are known for their contributions throughout an era that begins with the introduction of the modern drum set and ends as the 1900s began to wind down. We invite you to vote for the 12 players who, in your opinion, should be The Classic Drummer Hall of Fame’s first inductees.

Each year we will be recognizing a new group of outstanding Classic Drummers and building a physical archive of their work and artifacts. We have also provided a write-in option for those who feel strongly about a great player that doesn’t appear on the list of 50. Classic Drummer Magazine thanks each of these musical giants for their extraordinary gifts and appreciates the thoughtful opinion of every voter.

Hall of Fame Inductee Photos