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Drums have been proven to be one of the hardest instruments to master, requiring an array of skills, rapid hand and foot movements, and perfect coordination. Add singing to the mix and that takes it several notches higher in the difficulty scale, and there is always something special about those who have mastered the art. When the power and energy of the drummer are combined with the melodic soul of the singer, magic happens and this has been proven time and again by artists from every genre who became skilled drummers and singers in their own right.
10/10
Don Henley – Eagles
One of the founding members of the Los Angeles American rock band Eagles, formed in 1971, Donald Hugh Henley is best known for his exceptional skills as a drummer and vocalist. His most popular songs include ‘Witchy Woman’, ‘Hotel California’, and ‘Desperado’, among others. After the Eagles broke up, Henry embarked upon his solo career. His debut album ‘I Can’t Stand Still’ was released in 1982 and he got inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Eagles in 1998. He went on to win two Grammys and multiple MTV Video Music Awards.
9/10
Dave Grohl – Foo Fighters
The founder of Foo Fighters, David Eric Grohl, is best known for his exceptional skills in drumming, playing guitar, singing, and songwriting. He was the drummer of the band Nirvana from 1990 to 1994, and rose to international fame with their second album ‘Nevermind’ (1991). After the death of Nirvana’s lead singer in 1994, David decided to form his own band, Foo Fighters, and their first album was released in 1995. He was included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of both Nirvana and Foo Fighters. David was also an award-winning journalist and served as the assistant to Senator Robert Taft Jr.
8/10
Phil Collins – Genesis
Apart from being a drummer and lead singer of the rock band Genesis, Phil Collins is also known for his being a producer and actor. He had massive success after he began his solo career in 1981, and he scored seven US and three UK number-one singles. Some of his major successful singles include ‘One More Night’, ‘Against All Odds’, ‘In The Air Tonight’, and ‘Another Day in Paradise’.
7/10
Levon Helm – The Band
The American drummer and actor Mark Levon, professionally known as Levon Helm, who rose to fame as one of the three lead vocalists for “The Band”, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. Some of his popular songs include ‘The Weight’, ‘Up on Cripple Creek’, and ‘The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down’, among others. He received multiple Grammy’s and was ranked No. 91 in Rolling Stone magazine for 100 Greatest Singers of All Time. After being diagnosed with throat cancer in the 1990s, he lost his singing voice.
6/10
Micky Dolenz – The Monkees
An exceptional drummer, singer, actor, and TV producer, Micky Dolenz became popular during his days in the 1960s pop-rock band, The Monkees. His first own rock band was named Mickey and the One-Nighters.
5/10
Karen Carpenter – The Carpenters
The American drummer and singer Karen Carpenter was best known for playing in the Carpenters band with her brother and gained popularity with her three-octave contralto vocals. The artist struggled with anorexia and finally succumbed to it.
4/10
Peter Gabriel – Genesis
The English musician, producer, and activist, Peter Gabriel is best known for his days in the progressive rock band Genesis. His first solo single success was ‘Solsbury Hill’ and was certified triple platinum in the UK for the album ‘So’. The most successful single of his career was the nine-time MTV Awards winner ‘Sledgehammer’. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016.
3/10
Roger Meddows Taylor – Queen
The legendary English multi-instrumentalist, who rose to fame as the drummer for the band Queen, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001. He was an adroit songwriter and was the contributor to numerous songs of Queen’s albums, three of which went on to become UK number: ‘Innuendo’, ‘Under Pressure’, and ‘These Are the Days of Our Lives’. He also gained popularity for his unique falsetto vocal range.
2/10
Taylor Hawkins – Foo Fighters
The American drummer Taylor Hawkins was best known as a member of Foo Fighters, and recorded nine studio albums with them. People came to know about his vocal skills through his side-project Taylor Hawkins and the Coattail Riders. Voted the “Best Rock Drummer” in 2005, Taylor was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021. A reputed and well-versed music artist, he played guitar, piano, and drums and provided vocals during his time in the band.
1/10
Ringo Starr – Beatles
Professionally known as Ringo Starr, and best known as the Beatles drummer, Ringo achieved international fame with them, and showed off his exceptional vocal skills in songs like ‘Yellow Submarine’ and ‘With a Little Help from My Friends’, ‘Octopus’s Garden’, and ‘Don’t Pass Me By’. ‘Back Off Boogaloo’ was his most successful UK single. Drummers continue to be influenced by his style to this day.
These music legends have earned an unshakable pedestal for themselves in the world of music and continue to inspire millions even today.
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