Drums can be a challenging but fun instrument to play. Any drummer can reveal that a musician requires solid timing, excellent coordination, and adequate physical endurance to play the drums well. Now, imagine having to play the drums while singing. It might sound like an impossible thing to pull off, but there are several musicians who can accomplish this feat like a pro.
Nonetheless, not everyone can pull this achievement off, which is why singing and playing the drums simultaneously is often considered one of the most remarkable feats in popular music. Let us share some of the elite drummers who are phenomenal singers in their own right.
1. Phil Collins
When talking about musicians who can sing their hearts out while playing the drums, the first name that will pop up in most people’s minds is Phil Collins. The musician is one of the most talented singers worldwide, but he actually got his first big break as the drummer of the band Genesis in 1970.
Collins mainly played the drums and percussion during his initial years with the band while providing backup vocals on Genesis’s various albums and live shows. In 1971, Collins collaborated with Steve Hackett, the lead guitarist of the band, to write a song titled “For Absent Friends”, where he was the lead vocalist. And the rest, as they say, is history. After leaving Genesis in 1977, Collins has gone on to perform such famous songs like “In the Air Tonight” and “Dance on a Volcano.”
2. Karen Carpenter
Some people have this misconception that drums are a man’s instrument. Of course, this could not be further from the truth. There are plenty of talented female musicians out there who can absolutely rock the drums. One of these talented women is none other than the other half of The Carpenters, Karen Carpenter.
Karen Carpet has been featured among the greatest singers of all time by Rolling Stone. However, she is also a fine drummer in her own right, having garnered plenty of praises for her drumming skills by contemporary critics and fellow musicians alike. She is famous for playing the drums while singing on many of The Carpenters’ hit songs like “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again” and “Love is Surrender.”
3. Sheila E.
Another female talent in this elite club of hybrid drummers/singers is the multifaceted Sheila E. Sheila was considered a drumming prodigy from a young age and was and still is renowned for her lightning-fast polyrhythmic playing style
Her remarkable talent probably should not come as a surprise, considering she comes from a family of luminaries in the music industry. During the 80s, she became widely known as the “Queen of Percussion,” thanks in large part to her stunning hits like “The Glamorous Life” and “A Love Bizarre.”
4. Ringo Starr
Everyone knows who Ringo Starr is. In fact, he is widely considered one of the best drummers in the music industry today. Known as the cool and carefree drummer of the legendary band, The Beatles, Starr is renowned for his peculiar drumming style.
If you have ever danced to the tune of any of The Beatles’ hit songs, such as “Twist and Shout”, “Here Comes the Sun”, and “Come Together”, Starr was the man responsible for those unmissable beats.
Aside from playing the drums, Ringo Starr has also performed as the lead singer for a few of The Beatles’ hit songs. This arrangement was part of the group’s effort to experiment with their sound, lyrics, and style. Some of the hits featuring Starr as the lead vocalist include “With A Little Help From My Friends” and “Yellow Submarine.”
5. Roger Taylor
Roger Taylor is a brilliant percussionist who hails from another world-renowned band, Queen. Apart from being the group’s drummer, Taylor is an outstanding singer known for his incredible falsettos. In fact, he was the one responsible for the highest notes in the harmonies of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” an all-time classic.
The ironic hit “I’m In Love With My Car” is one of the best songs performed by Roger Taylor, where he was the lead vocalist, with legendary singer Freddie Mercury providing backup vocals. After the band broke up due to the death of Mercury, Roger Taylor went on to become a brilliant solo artist renowned for playing all sorts of instruments, showcasing his versatility.
Conclusion
Singing while playing the drums is certainly not an easy feat. It requires an incredible amount of skills to maintain a good rhythm and tempo on the percussions while singing your heart out. However, the musicians featured in this article have proved that nothing is impossible when you are dedicated and devoted.
If you want to follow in the footsteps of these iconic hybrid musicians by learning how to sing and play the drum simultaneously, you can consider signing up for drums and vocal lessons. With the help of our qualified instructors at Studio72, we can help you hone your musical talent so that you can reach your full potential.
