Since 1978, Modern Drummer fans have been getting a chance to vote for their favorite drummers across a myriad of genres, from jazz fusion to metal, up-and-coming talents to all around superstars. Each year Modern Drummer publishes the results of its readers poll, which, in addition to highlighting top drummers from all genres of music, inducts one drummer into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame.
Categories
Another exciting year of drumming has passed, and it's time for the 2023 Modern Drummer Readers Poll. Congratulations to all of the winners! Thank you for your drumming and contributions towards the history and evolution of modern drumming. Your recordings, concerts, clinics, shows, books, videos, and articles, are a true inspiration to us all. Congratulations to all of the runners-up (who are listed alphabetically in every category) as well. As many have said, it's truly an honor just to be nominated. Thanks to all of Modern Drummer's readers and fans of talented drummers and notable music who voted in this year's poll.
News
Stay updated on news about the 2023 Reader's Poll, including a brief profile on each of this year's winners.
2023 Readers Poll: CJ Thompson Wins "Hip-Hop"
The winner of the "Hip-Hop" category in Modern Drummer's 2023 Readers Poll is... CJ Thompson! Thompson has spent a great deal of the last year playing for Charlie Puth, but his collaborative streak is definitely noteworthy: In the last year,…
2023 Readers Poll: Dave Weckl Wins "Jazz Fusion"
The winner of the "Jazz Fusion" category in Modern Drummer's 2023 Readers Poll is... Dave Weckl! The Modern Drummer Hall of Famer has had yet another prolific year, and remains a significant inspiration to drummers everywhere. He's stayed busy throughout the last…
2023 Readers Poll: Elijah Wood Wins "Country and Americana"
The winner of the "Country and Americana" category in Modern Drummer‘s 2023 Readers Poll is… Elijah Wood! Elijah Wood enjoyed a busy and successful year playing the drums for Shania Twain on her "Let's Go!" tour, and they bring vigor…
2023 Readers Poll: Kristina Rybalchenko Wins "Social Media / Streaming"
The winner of the "Social Media/Streaming" category in Modern Drummer's 2023 Readers Poll is... Kristina Rybalchenko! With 773k Instagram followers and 998k on TikTok, Rybalchenko significantly boosted her profile this year by consistently sharing her prowess behind the kit. She’s…
Past Winners
Take a look back on some highlights of Modern Drummer's previous Reader's Poll winners over the years.
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,…
Modern Drummer 2021 Readers Poll Winners
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…
Modern Drummer 2020 Readers Poll Winners
HALL OF FAME Nicko McBrain Past Hall of Fame Winners 2019: Dave Grohl 2018: Clyde Stubblefield 2017: Peter Erskine 2016: Vic Firth 2015: Ian Paice 2014: Carmine Appice 2013: Bernard Purdie 2012: Phil Collins 2011: Jim Chapin 2010: Hal Blaine…
Modern Drummer 2019 Readers Poll Winners
The Foo Fighters’ tandem drummers had another huge year in 2018, with Taylor Hawkins powering the band throughout
