Bobby Whitlock (organist/singer/songwriter in Derek & The Dominos, organist/singer on George Harrison’s All Thinks Must Pass album, member of Delany & Bonnie and Friends) states unequivocally that the best Rock ’n’ Roll drummer of all-time is Jim Gordon. When I recorded with Emitt Rhodes he told me the best musician that played on any of his albums was Jim. I’ve never heard better, and I’ve seen Mitch Mitchell, Ginger Baker, Bobby Columby (Buddy Rich thought highly of his playing in BS&T), Jim Keltner (John Lennon’s first choice, as well as Ry Cooder’s. By the way, in a Modern Drummer magazine interview Jim expressed his admiration for the playing of Roger Hawkins, saying he wished he---Jim---played more like Roger. Roger is also a very favorite of mine, along with of course Levon Helm), Keith Moon (just so you’ll know: Keith played all single-stokes---like Ringo, he didn’t know the 26 rudiments), Charlie Watts, Ringo, Terry Williams (Rockpile, Man, Dire Straits), Marky Ramone (laugh if you want, but in a Modern Drummer interview Tony Williams expressed his admiration for Mark’s drumming), and hundreds of others.
For those who love John Bonham: Listen to Earl Palmer’s intro to Little Richard’s song "Keep A Knockin". Sound familiar? Pull out your copy of whichever Led Zeppelin album contains their song "Rock ’n’ Roll". They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. ;-)
As for me, Steve Gadd imo strikes the perfect balance between the display of technique and it’s use in service to the music. Some will understand that statement, others won’t. No offence intended ;-) . In the genre I am these days most interested (Americana), nobody is better than Harry Stinson (Marty Stuart’s Fabulous Superlatives). Subtle, tasteful, musical. And he sings great harmony.
