Bruce Hornsby has had an amazing array of artists on drums throughout his career. Take a look at this list of drummers:
Played by:
John Molo on:
- The Way It Is (album)
- Scenes from the Southside
- Night on the Town (album)
- Harbor Lights (album)
- Hot House
- Spirit Trail
- Greatest Radio Hits
Michael Baker on:
Matt Chamberlain on:
Shawn Pelton on:
Land Richards on:
Bonnie Bonaparte on:
- Here Come the Noisemakers
- Big Swing Face (album)
- Halcyon Days (album)
- The Essential Bruce Hornsby
- Lost and Found on the Spirit Trail
Sonny Emory on:
- Greatest Radio Hits
- Halcyon Days (album)
- Skaggs/Hornsby
- Levitate (album)
- Bride of the Noisemakers
- Rehab Reunion (album)
- Absolute Zero (album)
- Non-Secure Connection (album)
Jack DeJohnette on:
Bruce Hornsby on:
J.T. Bates on:
Chad Wright on:
Drums: an overview
Drums are a core part of the percussion family, providing rhythm, dynamics, and texture to music across nearly every genre. As one of the oldest known instruments, drums create sound by striking a membrane or drumhead, typically with sticks, mallets, or hands. They are essential in establishing rhythm and drive, making them foundational in ensembles, orchestras, and bands worldwide.
Origins of the drum
Drums have ancient roots, with archaeological evidence showing that drum-like instruments date back to prehistoric times. Early drums were crafted from animal skins stretched over hollow logs or clay pots, found in cultures across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Their primary purpose was for ceremonial and communication purposes, as their powerful sounds could carry over long distances.
The modern drum kit, as seen today, emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the United States. Jazz drummers started to consolidate multiple drums into a single setup to provide rhythm for jazz bands, leading to the creation of the “trap set,” which combined bass, snare, toms, and cymbals into a single instrument arrangement.
Development and use
The drum set continued to evolve throughout the 20th century as new musical styles emerged. During the 1930s and 1940s, swing and big band drummers like Gene Krupa popularised larger drum kits and incorporated flashy fills and solos. The 1950s and 1960s brought rock and roll, which saw drummers like Ringo Starr and John Bonham developing iconic rhythms and styles that influenced rock drumming for decades.
Electronic drums entered the scene in the 1980s, introducing synthesized drum sounds that were favoured in genres like pop, electronic, and hip-hop. These drum machines and electronic pads allowed for endless customisation of drum sounds, opening new avenues for drummers in music production and live performance.
Varieties and playing techniques
Drums come in various types, each with distinct sounds and uses. Acoustic drum kits typically include a combination of bass drum, snare drum, toms, hi-hat, and cymbals. Additional elements like cowbells, tambourines, and woodblocks can add unique sounds to a kit. Playing techniques vary widely, including stick techniques, brushes, and hand drumming, each bringing different textures suited to jazz, rock, or world music.
Electronic drum kits, used in modern music production and live performance, allow drummers to trigger digital samples and effects. Hybrid drum kits, which combine acoustic and electronic elements, are also popular, giving drummers even greater flexibility.
Contemporary use
Today, the drum set is integral to virtually all musical genres. In rock, jazz, funk, and pop, drummers provide rhythm and dynamics, while in electronic and experimental music, they blend acoustic and digital sounds for innovative textures.
Drums continue to evolve with advances in electronic technology, recording techniques, and production effects. Their role as the heartbeat of music makes them an irreplaceable instrument, giving rhythm, depth, and character to musical styles worldwide.
See Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 greatest drummers of all time.