Benny Goodman
Modern Drummer is the world’s most widely read drum magazine, is dedicated entirely to the art of drumming and caters to the needs of amateur, semi-pro, and professional drummers.
John F. Williams: Studio Pioneer
Greatness in music is greatness in character. No more fitting epitaph could pay tribute better than this statement on the loss of drumming great Johnny Williams. TO READ THE FULL STORY: LOG IN Digital Access $4.99 /month or $49.99 /year…
Mousey Alexander — Drumming And Courage
In 1957, I was scheduled for an audition with Benny Goodman’s band at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City. The drummer with Benny was a man by the name of Mousey Alexander. Mousey was a well-known professional drummer…
Dottie Dodgion
Don’t make the mistake of asking Dottie Dodgion what it’s like being a female drummer. “I’m so tired of that,” she’s likely to answer. “I’ve been asked that a million times, and being a woman really has nothing to do…
Shelly Manne
Many of the things that drummers take for granted today would never have come about if someone hadn't dared to try it first; if some pioneer hadn't crossed over into unexplored territory; if some drummer hadn't found a new way…
In Memoriam - Cozy Cole 1909-1981
Drum great Cozy Cole died on January 29, 1981 at the University Hospital of Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio. Cozy ColeHe was born William Randolph Cole in East Orange, New Jersey in 1909. TO READ THE FULL STORY: LOG IN…
On The Clinic Trail With Roy Burns
After a lifetime of vast musical experience, Roy now devotes most of his time in the capacity of clinician for the Rogers Drum Company, a job which takes him to cities all across the country. He's very much in demand…
From The Past: Chick Webb
The story of Chick Webb is more than the story of a dynamic drummer of the swing era. It's the story of a gallant little man who overcame physical deformity, hardship and pain. TO READ THE FULL STORY: LOG IN…
From The Past: Big Sid Catlett
Sid Catlett, to those unfamiliar with the name, was considered one of the greatest jazz drummers of the 30's and early 40's, and is still recognized as one of the most significant forces in the evolution of the art of…
Gene Krupa 1909-1973
"I'm happy that I succeeded in doing two things: I made the drummer a high priced guy, and I was able to draw more people to jazz." TO READ THE FULL STORY: LOG IN Digital Access $4.99 /month or $49.99…
Reflections on Gene Krupa
In 1939, I first met Gene. I started at the Hickory House in 1938. So Gene and I had been friends for over 30 years. I guess that everything that has been said about the man has been said before…
What Do You Know About...Connie Kay
Widely admired for his long tenure with the influential Modern Jazz Quartet, Connie Kay made equally important contributions as a house drummer for Atlantic Records in the early 1950s, when he laid down a long list of historic tracks that…
What Do You Know About…Frank De Vito
His story—which includes work with some of the most iconic artists of all time—is a timeless lesson in providing exactly what’s needed, and being open to whatever fate sends your way. TO READ THE FULL STORY: LOG IN Digital Access…
