Drum fills are a short, often improvised, rhythmic break in a song where the drummer plays a pattern different from the main beat. It typically happens between sections of a song.
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History of Drum Fills in Music
Early origins (Pre-20th century)
The concept of embellishments or rhythmic flourishes existed long before modern drum kits. In early music traditions across cultures, percussionists used rhythmic variations to mark transitions, enhance performance dynamics, or respond to dancers and singers. In classical music, snare drums and timpani were used to create dynamic accents and flourishes. The improvisational flourishes in African drumming, for example, were essential in ceremonial music and can be considered precursors to modern drum fills.
Jazz era (1910s to 1940s)
The modern drum fill as we know it began to take shape in the early 20th century, largely thanks to jazz music. Jazz drummers played an integral role in defining how drums could interact with other instruments. Gene Krupa, often credited with elevating the drum kit to a soloist instrument, popularized the use of drum fills that were more than just background rhythm. His fills in songs like “Sing, Sing, Sing” (1937) were bold, energetic, and helped transform the drummer into a dynamic performer.
In bebop and swing music, drummers like Max Roach and Art Blakey pushed the role of drum fills further. They used fills not just to transition between sections, but also to engage in a call-and-response dialogue with other musicians, creating spontaneous rhythmic interplay. The improvisational nature of jazz drumming influenced future generations of drummers across various genres.
Early Rock ‘n’ Roll and R&B (1950s to 1960s)
The advent of rock ‘n’ roll and R&B in the 1950s brought about a new approach to drumming and fills. Songs became shorter, more structured, and often centered around danceable rhythms. Drummers like Earl Palmer (who played on songs for Little Richard and Fats Domino) used simple yet effective fills to drive transitions and energize the music.
n the 1960s, Ringo Starr of The Beatles popularized drum fills as a key element in rock music. While not technically complex, Starr’s fills were melodic, memorable, and served the song. His fill in “Come Together” is an iconic example of how a simple phrase can add to the identity of a track. Other drummers, such as Charlie Watts of The Rolling Stones and Keith Moon of The Who, were known for their distinctive fills that helped define the rock sound.
Rock and Prog-Rock evolution (1960s to 1970s)
The late 1960s and 1970s saw the evolution of drumming with the rise of more technical styles of music like progressive rock. Drummers like John Bonham (Led Zeppelin), Neil Peart (Rush), and Bill Bruford (Yes, King Crimson) incorporated intricate, explosive drum fills that became integral to their bands’ sound.
John Bonham’s massive fills, like in “Whole Lotta Love” or “Moby Dick,” showcased how a drum fill could carry an entire section of a song. His style combined power and precision, and his fills often featured triplets and complex patterns across the toms and bass drum.
Neil Peart was known for his technical proficiency, crafting fills that were often as composed as the rest of the song. He brought a cerebral and orchestrated approach to drumming in progressive rock, incorporating odd time signatures and complex polyrhythms. Songs like “Tom Sawyer” are built around Peart’s iconic fills.
The funk and disco era (1970s to 1980s)
Funk music, led by drummers like Clyde Stubblefield (James Brown) and Bernard Purdie, put a focus on tight, syncopated rhythms, with fills that enhanced the groove without detracting from it. Stubblefield’s drumming on “Funky Drummer” and “Cold Sweat” provided some of the most sampled drum fills in hip-hop and pop music.
Disco also employed drum fills to enhance its four-on-the-floor beat. Simple yet impactful, disco drummers like Tony Thompson of Chic used fills to seamlessly transition between song sections, building anticipation for the chorus or breakdown.
Electronic and digital era (1980s to present)
As electronic music developed in the late 1970s and 1980s, drum machines and samplers became essential tools for producers. Drum fills created with devices like the Roland TR-808 or LinnDrum began to dominate genres like hip-hop, dance, and pop music. Electronic drum fills were often shorter and more repetitive, though no less effective. In the world of electronic dance music (EDM), fills became crucial in build-ups and transitions before a drop.
Hip-hop also redefined drum fills through the use of samples. Producers like DJ Premier and Dr. Dre would often sample drum fills from old records and repurpose them into new beats. This gave birth to a new type of drum fill that was not played live but created through production techniques.
Modern drumming (2000s to present)
In modern music, drum fills continue to play a vital role across genres. Drummers like Travis Barker (Blink-182) in punk rock and Danny Carey (Tool) in progressive metal are known for their fast, intricate fills that add complexity to their songs. In more experimental genres like jazz-fusion, drummers such as Mark Guiliana and Chris Dave explore polyrhythms and odd-meter fills that push the boundaries of traditional drum playing.
In popular music, drum fills have become increasingly varied, from minimalist fills that build tension in indie rock (e.g., The National) to more explosive and dense fills in metal and hard rock. Thanks to digital recording and editing techniques, drummers can now craft fills that would be difficult to play live, expanding the possibilities of what a drum fill can be.