Today we want to share with you some drummers that inspire us. The drummer is the backbone of a band. Some even say a band is only as good as its drummer, so having someone rocking the beat right is really important. These drummers are on the top of our list! They played on some of the best, funkiest and coolest music ever recorded. These guys definitely know how to hold it down!
Bernard “Pretty” Purdie
Bernard “Pretty” Purdie is one of Fusik’s favorites! One of the world’s most recorded drummers, the bulk of his work was recorded throughout the late 60s and 70s. The demand for his drumming is due largely in part to his impeccable timing and incredible groove that he calls the, “Purdie Shuffle”. He has recorded on some of the greatest funk and soul albums in history including James Brown’s, “Cold Sweat”(1967), “Say it Loud, I’m Black & I’m Proud!”(1969) and “Get on the Good Foot”(1972). He also worked as Aretha Franklin’s musical director from 1970-75 and laid down the beat for the classic, “Rock Steady” from Franklin’s album, “Young, Gifted and Black”(1972). Other notable associated acts include Steely Dan, King Curtis, The Rolling Stones, Miles Davis, Joe Cocker, Herbie Mann and Dizzy Gillespie to name a few.
Listen “The Purdie Shuffle”
Clyde Stubblefield
Clyde Stubblefield played the groove for , “Funky Drummer” which is considered to be the worlds most sampled record. Public Enemy’s, “Fight the Power”” and Sublime’s version of, “Scarlet Begonias” are some popular examples. The “Funky Drummer” groove is undeniably funky and will make you move no matter who you are!
Stubblefield drummed for James Brown in the 60s and 70s. He played on funk standards, “Cold Sweat”, “Mother Popcorn” , “Say it Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud”, “I Got the Feeling” and the album, “Sex Machine”.
Listen “Funky Drummer Mix”
Al Jackson Jr.
Al Jackson Jr. was the co-founder and drummer for Booker T. & the MG’s and a session player for Stax Records. He recorded in countless Stax sessions for incredible artists like Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Eddie Floyd and Wilson Picket. He also did some work with the great Al Green, laying down the super soulful beat for “Let’s Stay Together” and one of the best slickest intros of all time on the track, “I’m Glad You’re Mine”. Al Jackson Jr.’s life was cut short by a robber in 1975. He was only 39 but he managed to record a lifetimes worth of music. He was a true talent and gave us all a ton of grooves to move too!
Watch “Melting Pot”
The three gentlemen listed above were not only the backbone of their bands, but of Funk and Soul music all together. Their grooves have and will continue to influence and inspire musicians, music lovers and dancers worldwide.
-Fusik
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