James Brown
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 "Jabo" Starks: "Superbad"
Longtime James Brown drummer John “Jabo” Starks died on May 1, a little more than a year following the passing his brother-in-drums, Clyde Stubblefield. It’s nearly impossible to overstate the contributions these two gentlemen made to the art of rhythm-making,…
On the Beat with David Stanoch: Where Old School Meets New—The Timeless Rhythm of Clyde Stubblefield
On Saturday, February 18, 2017, we lost a singularly unique artist, Mr. Clyde Stubblefield, known to musicians worldwide as “The Funky Drummer.” Check out the August 2017 print and digital versions of Modern Drummer for a look at Clyde’s life,…
Mike and Mike Podcast Episode 102: Choosing Drumheads, Clyde Stubblefield, Ludwig Acrolites Shootout, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike share their thoughts on how to choose the best drumheads for different situations. The featured artist is legendary James Brown drummer Clyde Stubblefield. Up for review is a pair of Ludwig Acrolite snares (a…
Clyde Stubblefield
In his September, 1999, cover story on John “Jabo” Starks and Clyde Stubblefield, funk and soul architect James Brown’s famous tandem drum team, writer Ken Micallef wrote, “Clyde’s groove exists in the perfect space all drummers seek but hardly ever…
Givin’ the Funky Drummer Some
Modern Drummer magazine’s September 1999 issue featured famed James Brown drummers Clyde Stubblefield and John “Jabo” Starks on the cover in a dual interview. We’ll be presenting Clyde’s half of the piece in an upcoming post; here we share quotes…
In the Studio: Seeing Sounds, Part 3: Funk (September 2013 issue) UPDATED
September 2013 In the Studio Seeing Sounds Part 3: Funk by Donny Gruendler Funk drumming is synonymous with masters like James Brown’s Clyde Stubblefield, Tower of Power’s David Garibaldi, P-Funk’s Tiki Fulwood, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Chad Smith.…
Billy Cobham Update
Billy Cobham is a living legend of the drumset, revered for his ultra-dramatic, muscular, and bar-raising work with fusion pioneers the Mahavishnu Orchestra. Since the ’60s Cobham has appeared on over 300 recordings, including those by pop and rock icons…
Bernard Purdie: Funky Hit Maker For The Ages
Bernard “Pretty” Purdie was born on June 11, 1939 in Elkton, Maryland, the eleventh of fifteen children. Bernard took an interest in rhythm at a very young age, and by the time he was fourteen he’d purchased his first real…
Steve Reid: Flow Master
(February 2009 Issue) Steve Reid has performed and recorded with more artists than most drummers have shed sticks. From James Brown and Miles Davis to Jackie McLean, Four Tet, Fela Ransome Kuti, Chaka Khan, and the Barnam & Bailey Circus, Reid…
