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Questlove






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Note: Some MD articles are only available in pdf format. Those articles do not appear in this list. Subscribers to Digital and All-Access can view every Modern Drummer issue in their available formats. Browse all MD issues from our archive here.
September 2022:
Modern Drummer 2022 Readers Poll Winners

It is time to announce the winners of the 2022 Modern Drummer Readers Poll. Congratulations to all of the winners, and thanks for your artistry and contributions towards the history and evolution of modern drumming. Thank you for your recordings, concerts, clinics, shows, books, videos, articles, and everything else that …


July 2021:
2021 Readers Poll Results

Celebrate Your Choices for the Extraordinary Drummers of the Past Year It’s that time again for the Modern Drummer staff to thank the community for making possible our annual Readers Poll. Your enthusiasm for all things drumming, your knowledge of drum culture, and your well-considered votes are what have steered …


December 2018:
Questlove's latest book and more

RECORDINGS Skyharbor Sunshine Dust Indian progressive metal titans release a gripping new album on the heels of successful tours with Babymetal, the Contortionist, and Deftones. Equal parts ethereal atmospherics, thick and chugging grooves, and soaring vocals, Skyharbor offer some of their finest work to date on their third full-length release. Expertly …


December 2013:
George "Spanky" McCurdy
George "Spanky" McCurdy

His infamous “off time” approach has been the source of many a drummer’s woodshed frustrations. An eye-opening DVD now offers insight. But, as with so many players who live on the front lines of innovation, true understanding becomes clear only when you trace the origins of his art.



Posted: February 19, 2019

Gayelynn McKinney
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Gayelynn McKinney of Aretha Franklin in On The Beat

Hey, hey MD readers! Let me introduce myself. My name is Gayelynn McKinney. I recorded with a ground breaking, all-female jazz group called Straight Ahead for Atlantic Records. While touring with that group, I had the opportunity to be featured in Modern Drummer’s Bonzo Twentieth Anniversary edition. (January, 1996).


Posted: November 24, 2017

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On The Beat with Jacobi Gunter: Doing What I Love To Do!

Hello Modern Drummer universe, I am Jacobi Gunter from Columbia, SC and this my inaugural post. I am so hyped yet humbled to share my phenomenal journey with you all here “On The Beat.” I’ve been told that my first performance was at eighteen months old, but my earliest memory …


Posted: March 6, 2017

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, Featured
Nick Zamora On Tour With the Suffers

Drummer Nick Zamora’s driving feel, blazing yet apt chops, and Motown-inspired grooves are supporting the Houston, Texas, soul collective the Suffers on their current March tour. Since forming in 2011, the ten-member group has enjoyed a steady rise in popularity, thanks in part to television appearances on such shows as …


Posted: February 8, 2017

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, Web Exclusive
Legendary Bassist Nathan East on His New Album Reverence

On Nathan East’s second solo album, Reverence, he once again steps into the spotlight as bandleader. Produced by East and Yamaha Entertainment Group of America founder Chris Gero, it’s no surprise that shortly after its debut (less than one month ago), the album hit the number-one spot on both the …


Posted: January 4, 2017

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On the Beat with Pat Petrillo: Catches Up and Talks New Music and Products

What’s up, Modern Drummer readers? This is my first “On the Beat,” and I’m happy to catch you up on what’s been happening (for the past thirty-plus years, ha). We won’t go back that far, but I will fill you in on the variety of things I’ve been up to …


Posted: December 3, 2015

Category: 2015 Holiday Gift Guide, Feature Stories, Lists
Seven Four-Piece Shell Packs for Under $400

In this second installment of our 2015 holiday gift guide, we’re taking a look at some great four-piece shell packs for under $400. All but one kit still requires hardware, cymbals, and a throne. However, they each offer plenty of bang for the buck, featuring solid construction and reliable tone, …


Posted: September 17, 2015

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On the Beat With Thaddeus Dixon of Meghan Trainor: Drummer Versus Producer

Hi, my name is Thaddeus Dixon and I’m the drummer for (“All About That Bass???) Meghan Trainor. I’ve been playing drums for Meghan since January 2015 and it has been an absolute pleasure and an amazing year. Not only have I been playing drums for her but also I’ve been …


Posted: May 13, 2015

Category: News, News and Events
News: Mini-Documentary Follows Questlove as He Brings the Funk to Havana, Cuba

Okayplayer Films followed Roots/Tonight Show drummer and Okayplayer founder, Questlove, as he journeyed to Havana, Cuba, where he engaged in extensive cultural research by digging up some classic Cuban-made vinyl and by visiting the legendary EGREM studios, where most of those classic sessions were recorded. Questlove also showed partygoers how …


Posted: December 5, 2014

Echosmith Drummer Graham Sierota
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Drummer Blog: Echosmith’s Graham Sierota Talks The Tonight Show, “You Ought to Know??? Concert, and HALO Awards

Hello! I recently had the craziest week yet. All my friends were in a classroom while I was in New York City during the craziest time of our band’s life….


Posted: December 5, 2014

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Drummer Blog: Echosmith’s Graham Sierota Talks The Tonight Show, “You Ought to Know??? Concert, and HALO Awards

Hello! I recently had the craziest week yet. All my friends were in a classroom while I was in New York City during the craziest time of our band’s life….


Posted: September 19, 2014

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Drummer Blog! Eric Jackowitz on Playing Different Styles With Caleb Hawley

Playing Caleb’s tunes is a pleasure. The first record is more Motown inspired, and his second record has a more funk/synth/Prince-y vibe, so I’ve been getting to let out my inner Ndugu Chancler/Steve Jordan/Questlove….


Posted: May 15, 2014

Category: News, News and Events
Questlove and Bobby McFerrin to Perform Together 

Blue Note Jazz Festival and Jill Newman Productions are proud to present “Mumbo Jumbo: Bobby McFerrin & Questlove In Musical Dialogue,” on Friday, June 13, 2014, with one show. This rare performance marks the first official full show to solely feature McFerrin and Questlove in collaboration.


Posted: March 24, 2014

Category: Clinics and Events, News, News and Events
Initial Lineup Announced for 2014 Blue Note Jazz Festival

With over 150 performances at more than fifteen venues throughout New York City, the 2014 Blue Note Jazz Festival will be held Sunday, June 1 through Monday, June 30. Ticket information and a current schedule of events and locations are available on the official website, www.BlueNoteJazzFestival.com….


Posted: March 3, 2014

Category: Drummers, Multimedia, Videos
VIDEO – Trey Anastasio Band Drummer Russ Lawton

Check out this video clip of the band Soule Monde, featuring drummer Russ Lawton and keyboardist Ray Paczkowski, both members of the solo group led by Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio. The clip was filmed in July 2013 at the Slide Brook Lodge & Tavern in Warren, Vermont, a favorite haunt …


Posted: February 26, 2014

Category: Drummers, Multimedia, Videos
VIDEO – Korn’s Ray Luzier and Special Guests Play “Sluggo’s Revenge??? at Guitar Center’s 2014 Drum-Off Finals

Watch Korn drummer Ray Luzier’s exclusive performance of “Sluggo’s Revenge??? from Guitar Center’s 2014 Drum-Off Finals, held this past January 18. Ray’s band featured Jeff Kollman on guitar, Billy Sheehan on bass, and DJ/producer Sluggo.


Posted: February 21, 2014

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, Multimedia, Videos
VIDEO – Chad Smith’s Bombastic Meatbats With Steve Lukather Play “We All Swing the Tuna??? at Guitar Center’s 2014 Drum-Off Finals

Check out this video of the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Chad Smith leading his band the Bombastic Meatbats at Guitar Center’s 2014 Drum-Off Finals, held this past January 18. The band, which also consists of guitarist Jeff Kollman, keyboard player Ed Roth, and bassist Kevin Chown, was joined onstage by …


Posted: February 20, 2014

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, Multimedia, Videos
VIDEO – Steve Ferrone and Questlove Play “Pick Up the Pieces??? at Guitar Center’s 2014 Drum-Off Finals

Check out this video of longtime Tom Petty drummer Steve Ferrone and the Roots’ Questlove playing “Pick Up the Pieces,??? from Guitar Center’s 2014 Drum-Off Finals, which were held this past January 18. The song was the biggest hit for the Scottish funk group Average White Band, which Ferrone played …


Posted: August 1, 2013

Category: Clinics and Events, News, News and Events
Guitar Center Launches Its 25th Annual Drum-Off Competition

Guitar Center’s Drum-Off launches its 25th annual search for the next great undiscovered drummer.


Posted: November 28, 2012

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Billy McCarthy of Ferocious Drummers

As a drummer myself, I had a burning question, “Why is it we’ve never heard from the drummer’s personality and character on and off the stage????


Posted: April 18, 2012

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Shai Hulud’s Matt Covey

Hey guys, this is Matt Covey of Shai Hulud, the Suicide Dolls, and the Flaming Tsunamis. And the Hempsteadys. And the Franklin Brothers…and Young Pandas. About three and a half years ago, I was shocked to find myself on the road playing drums for a truly pioneering band….


Posted: March 21, 2012

Category: News, News and Events
Zildjian Launches Drummer Love Europe

On the heels of its highly successful US Drummer Love contest, Zildjian has decided to launch Drummer Love Europe, bringing the event to the U.K., Ireland, France, Germany, Spain, and Russia. The contest runs from April 2 through July and includes video submission, voting, and tour components. Ultimately, six lucky …


Posted: March 21, 2012

Category: News, News and Events
Questlove Helps Bring Music Back to NYC Public Schools

Questlove of the Grammy Award winning hip hop collective The Roots will guest DJ the Music Crossing Borders Take A Tour Gala benefit.


Posted: February 16, 2012

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Ryan Berty of SOJA

If you had told me at age fifteen that I would grow up to be a professional drummer, I would have thought you were crazy. Playing drums seemed like the last thing I would be able to do. Fast-forward fifteen years, and who would have thought that some kids from …


Posted: November 30, 2011

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Chris Durling of Scars on 45

Hi, everyone, I’m the drummer for British indie-pop quintet Scars on 45. We’re a new band, along the lines of Fleetwood Mac, Coldplay, Death Cab for Cutie, and Snow Patrol. We signed with Chop Shop/Atlantic in the U.S.A. before we had any label interest back home, so we basically spend …


Posted: August 24, 2011

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Ryan Peel

What up, MD readers! My name is Ryan Peel, and I’m a drummer/singer-songwriter from Memphis, Tennessee. I just released my debut single, “Even If,??? and I’m getting ready to release my follow-up EP in September…


Posted: August 1, 2011

Category: News, News and Events
Guitar Center’s Drum-Off, World’s Largest Drumming Competition, Kicks-Off

Guitar Center has announced the launch of the 23rd annual Guitar Center’s Drum-Off the nationwide search for the next great undiscovered drummer.


Posted: July 1, 2011

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
MD Readers Poll 2011 Results

Welcome once again to the MD Readers Poll, where the greatest drummers on the planet are honored by the most educated drum fans around. Let’s get right to it: the envelope, please….


Posted: May 10, 2010

Category: Drummers, Issues
June 2010 Issue of Modern Drummer Featuring The Roots’ Questlove

See what’s in the June 2010 Issue of Modern Drummer Featuring The Roots’ Questlove….


Posted: April 20, 2010

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson: Quest’s Best

(June 2010 Issue) Hip-hop’s greatest band might be spending most of its energies rehearsing and performing on Fallon. But the Roots’ new album proves they’re still an awesome force in the studio. Here Quest, in his own words, gives us the inside dope on his best recordings. Common featuring Erykah …



Posted: June 24, 2021

Category: The Modern Drummer Podcast
The Modern Drummer Podcast Episode 39: David Frangioni with Nandi Bushell

Episode 39: David Frangioni interviews Nandi Bushell + Dawson’s Shop Talk review on the Roland – VAD306 Compact Electronic Drumset. In this episode MD CEO David Frangioni interviews 11-year-old UK social media sensation, drummer and multi-instrumentalist Nandi Bushell, sponsored by Roland. Nandi and her father John walks David thru how …


Posted: January 19, 2018

Modern Drummer Podcast with Mike and Mike
Category: Mike and Mike Podcast, Multimedia, Podcasts
Episode 126: Weak Hand Exercises, Questlove, Meinl Pure Alloy Hi-Hats, and More

In this episode, Mike and Mike share some of their favorite exercises for developing strength, speed, and control with the weaker hand.