3 Classic Drummers That Are Amazing Singers Too

It’s difficult to sing and play drums at the same time if you’re a musician, especially a drummer. It requires a lot of skill, coordination, and endurance to keep the beat while singing a tune. Adding voices to the mix is no easy task because drumming is a physically taxing activity in and of itself. It’s similar to being a professional athlete, striking a balance between endurance and accuracy.

However, only a few musicians have perfected this amazing talent and elevated it to a new level. The rest of us are in awe of the way singing drummers blend melody and rhythm, making them unique treasures. Here are three of the greatest who have made this seemingly insurmountable undertaking appear simple.

Phil Collins
Because of his command of melody and song structure, Phil Collins is regarded by many as one of the finest musicians of all time. His remarkable ability to sing and drum at the same time, which he has honed on innumerable live venues, is one facet of his gift that frequently goes unnoticed.

His rendition of “In the Air Tonight,” in which he audibly switches to the drum set without missing a beat, is arguably the most famous example of this. Seeing Collins manage two crucial aspects of the performance simultaneously elevates the already iconic song to a new level. He is regarded as one of the most important drummers in music history, which is understandable.

Karen Carpenter
Karen Carpenter is celebrated not just for her stunning vocal range and control but also for her rare ability to sing while drumming—a combination that’s no easy feat. What makes her talent even more remarkable is her knack for tackling fast-paced, energetic drum patterns, all while delivering pitch-perfect vocals.

A standout example of her brilliance is her performance on Your All-American College Show at just 18 years old. At that moment, she flawlessly handled a lively jazz drumming style while nailing the melody and lyrics with ease. Decades later, drummers are still marveling at her skill, wondering how she pulled off such an extraordinary dual performance.

Don Henley
Unquestionably one of the best musicians of the 20th century, Don Henley’s skill is elevated to a new level by his ability to simultaneously drum and sing. Henley’s iconic rendition of “Hotel California” demonstrates that he could easily perform as a one-man band if he so desired.

In a 1977 live rendition of the song, Henley displayed his nearly unearthly musical abilities by balancing drumming and vocals with ease. His flawless performance of both sections demonstrates Henley’s extraordinary aptitude, especially considering how complicated “Hotel California” is. It’s a fantastic performance of music.