Overview
This audio presents a chronological overview of the evolution of drumming and the drum set from 1865 to 1964, highlighting key technological, cultural, and musical milestones. It explores how social changes, musical trends, and technological innovations shaped drumming styles, equipment, and the drummer's role in popular music.
Early Drumming and Civil War Era (1865)
- African-American emancipation enabled major contributions to American music and drumming’s evolution.
- Drummers started combining multiple percussion instruments for theater and vaudeville, leading to new techniques like double drumming.
- Marching band music dominated, characterized by straightforward, rudimental rhythms.
Ragtime and Immigration Influences (1890s)
- Ragtime emerged with syncopated, danceable rhythms influenced by African-American musicians.
- Influx of immigrants brought new instruments and drum/cymbal making technology, enriching American drum sets.
- Early drum kits were called "traps" (short for contraptions) due to assorted add-ons from various cultures.
Bass Drum Pedal Innovation (1909)
- Ludwig family patented the modern bass drum pedal, making foot-operated bass drums standard.
- Early pedals sometimes included mechanisms to strike cymbals simultaneously.
- Drum hardware became more portable to accommodate traveling musicians.
Brushes and Quieter Playing (1912)
- Drummers adopted wire brushes (originally fly swatters) to play more quietly with acoustic bands.
- Brushes evolved from merely stick substitutes to tools for creative effects and new textures.
Birth of Jazz and Drumming’s Role (1917)
- New Orleans musicians fused marching, ragtime, and "trap" instruments, creating the first jazz drumming style.
- Jazz recordings popularized this hybrid drum set and playing approach.
The Roaring 20s and Prohibition (1919)
- Jazz became associated with speakeasies and underground nightlife during Prohibition.
- Arrangements and bands became more sophisticated, paving the way for big band music.
- Drumming techniques included ending fills on beat four due to ensemble balance concerns.
Drummers as Foley Artists and Sound Effects (1920s)
- Drummers in theaters and radio provided sound effects for silent films, requiring diverse setups and creativity.
- The advent of "talkies" in 1927 ended many drummers’ Foley careers, paralleling later shifts with drum machines.
The Big Band Era and Technological Advances (1930s)
- Big bands dominated; drum sets grew with added toms and the introduction of the hi-hat.
- Drumming shifted from a marching-based two-feel to four-on-the-floor swing style.
- Hi-hats enabled new timekeeping and expressive possibilities.
Star Drummers and Tom-Tom Innovations (Mid-1930s)
- Gene Krupa popularized the drummer as a soloist and helped standardize tunable tom-toms.
- Drumming personalities like Buddy Rich and Chick Webb emerged, influencing future generations.
Bebop and Modern Jazz (1940s)
- Jazz musicians pushed for creative freedom, leading to bebop’s emergence in Harlem.
- Drummers moved the timekeeping from bass drum/hi-hat to larger ride cymbals, allowing more melodic and interactive playing.
Rhythm & Blues and the Backbeat (Late 1940s)
- Rhythm and blues evolved from big band, emphasizing smaller groups and heavier grooves.
- The shuffle and persistent backbeat (snare on 2 and 4) became standard, enabled by electric amplification.
Double Bass Drum Innovations (1952)
- Louie Bellson introduced double bass drumming in big band settings, gaining prominence in recordings with Duke Ellington.
Birth of Rock and Rockabilly (1954)
- Rockabilly blended country, blues, and rhythm & blues, with slap bass and brushed drums central to its early sound.
- Drums integrated more into country music, influencing the trajectory of rock.
Rock and Roll’s Mainstream Explosion (1954–1956)
- “Rock Around the Clock” and artists like Bill Haley, Little Richard, and Chuck Berry brought rock and roll to mass audiences.
- Drumming shifted toward a straight-eighth feel and symbol crashes on beat one; drummers identified as "rock and roll drummers."
The British Invasion and Modern Drum Set (1964)
- The Beatles’ Ed Sullivan Show appearance sparked widespread adoption of the matched grip and drove drum kit sales.
- The standard modern drum set layout was established and televised performances inspired a new generation of drummers.
Historical Awareness and Musical Versatility
- Understanding drumming history enhances musical creativity and adaptability.
- Influential drummers drew on diverse past styles; knowledge of historical techniques improves employability and versatility in modern contexts.
Recommendations / Advice
- Study historical drumming styles to expand creative options and enrich modern playing.
- Embrace a broad toolkit of techniques to succeed across various musical settings and genres.