In a hurry?  

If we had to choose our absolute favourite drummer who sings, our shortlist would be…

• Phil Collins  
• Karen Carpenter  
• Ringo Starr

Drummers who sing 

1. Phil Collins (1951 – )

It’s only right to begin with Phil Collins, a drummer who inspires so many of us to sing behind the kit. Best known as the powerhouse behind Genesis, Collins stepped into the spotlight in 1981 with a solo career that helped shape pop and rock throughout the ’80s and ’90s. 

Throughout his career, he’s had plenty of hits, including “In the Air Tonight” – the one with that drum fill. He started as a drummer, and then learned to sing out of necessity, going on to become one of the most recognisable voices in British music. 

If you’d like to learn more about some of Phil Collins’ discography, check out our guide to the best Phil Collins songs. His gear has evolved over the years, but a particular mainstay of his live setup between 1989 and 2007 was the Gretsch USA Custom.

If you’re after a similar tone and feel, the Gretsch Catalina Maple 22″ 7pc Shell Pack offers that same warm, punchy character that defined much of his sound. There’s no doubt that, as both a vocalist and a drummer, Phil Collins has defined what it means to be a performer. But he’s famously said, “I’m not a singer who drums a bit, I’m Phil Collins, and I am a drummer.” 

2. Karen Carpenter (1950 – 1983)

Karen Carpenter wasn’t just a phenomenal singer; she was a drummer through and through. She began her career behind the kit, playing jazz before forming The Carpenters with her brother. Her voice had an astonishing three-octave contralto range, but it was her skill behind the drums that often surprised people the most. 

In the mid-’70s, Playboy magazine named her “the 5th Best Drummer”, ranking her above Led Zeppelin’s John Bonham. Offended, Bonham reportedly challenged her to play one of Zeppelin’s tracks, doubting she’d last more than five minutes. So, on live television, she performed “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You” by Led Zeppelin, singing and drumming at the same time. 

Carpenter helped change perceptions of what women could do in music and inspired countless players to follow her lead. She was an excellent singer, but an even better drummer.  

3. Ringo Starr (1940 – )

As The Beatles’ backbone, Ringo Starr helped define the sound of modern drumming and did it with musicality and subtlety. He wasn’t one for technical flash, but instead served the song every time. That’s what made his drumming so influential. 

He also took the mic more often than many remember. Tracks like “Yellow Submarine”, “With a Little Help from My Friends”, and “Octopus’s Garden” all feature Ringo on lead vocals, and he carried those performances live. Later, with his All-Starr Band, he often stepped out front to sing while another drummer handled the kit. 

Ringo’s most iconic drum sound came from his Ludwig kits finished in Black Oyster Pearl. He favoured the Super Classic and Downbeat kits. There’s something special about a drummer who could engage a stadium with just a mic and sticks at the ready. 

4. Roger Taylor (1949 – )

In a band that has gone down in history for its operatic style, Roger Taylor wasn’t just Queen’s drummer; he was one of the band’s defining voices. He could deliver soaring falsetto harmonies and powerful lead vocals, shaping Queen’s sound from behind the kit and the microphone. On tracks like “I’m in Love with My Car”, he took the lead entirely. 

He also provided backing vocals on hits like “Radio Ga Ga” and contributed as a songwriter throughout Queen’s eclectic ’70s albums. As a drummer, his open hi-hat technique on the backbeat became something of a signature. 

Live, his voice was essential to recreating Queen’s layered studio sound. When it comes to gear, Taylor has been a big fan of Ludwig drums, particularly the Classic Maple, which played a key role in shaping his thunderous tone. The Ludwig Classic Maple Series continues to deliver that same dynamic punch today. 

5. Don Henley (1947 – )

The Eagles rose to fame by blending rock and country influences, and Don Henley’s voice, drumming, and songwriting played a central role. He sang lead on some of their biggest hits, including “Hotel California” and “Desperado”, and helped shape the band’s sound.

Though he is usually remembered as a singer, Henley’s contribution behind the kit was just as vital. With the Eagles, he sold over 150 million albums, won six Grammy Awards, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. As a solo artist, he added 10 million more sales and multiple awards to an already remarkable career. 

6. Levon Helm (1940 – 2012)

Few drummers have shaped the sound of American music quite like Levon Helm. As the drummer and one of the lead vocalists for The Band, he delivered really gritty, passionate performances, all while keeping time with impeccable feel. His singing could be rugged or delicate, depending on what the song needed. 

Drumming-wise, he wasn’t particularly flashy. Instead, his playing was all about groove and character, which made all the difference, especially considering he often sang at the same time. Helm’s voice, layered alongside Richard Manuel and Rick Danko, created harmonies that felt almost otherworldly. 

Before the term existed, Levon was playing what we now call Americana. His sound was shaped by vintage Ludwig and Gretsch drums; their thin shells and wooden hoops gave him that signature warmth. If you’re chasing the same classic texture, the Gretsch Catalina Club is an excellent place to start. 

7. Dave Grohl (1969 – )

Dave Grohl may not sing and drum at the same time these days, but he’s one of the few artists who has truly mastered both. 

After the loss of Kurt Cobain, Grohl stepped away from the drums to work out where he wanted to go next. What followed was the creation of Foo Fighters, where he took on lead vocals and guitar. 

He endorses Zildjian and has his own pair of signature sticks, a reflection of the power and precision he brings to the kit. 

8. Grant Hart (1961 – 2017)

As the drummer, vocalist, and co-songwriter for Hüsker Dü, Grant Hart helped lay the groundwork for American punk and post-hardcore throughout the 1980s. His playing was fast and intense, and he regularly sang lead while driving the band from behind the kit. 

Hüsker Dü released six studio albums in just five years, all while touring relentlessly. Hart’s songwriting was full of raw emotion and melody, and his voice cut through with urgency, giving weight to every lyric. 

After the band’s breakup in 1987, Hart went on to create with Nova Mob and continued work as a solo artist.

9. Micky Dolenz (1945 – )

Micky Dolenz may have started as an actor, but he quickly became the heart of The Monkees. In 1965, he was cast as the band’s drummer for the TV show “The Monkees.” He’d never played drums before, but he picked it up quickly, learning to play while singing lead on many of their biggest hits. 

What makes Dolenz particularly interesting is his unorthodox playing setup. Though right-handed, he played the bass drum with his left foot because of a childhood weakness in his right leg, a bold adaptation, especially for the 1960s. It gave his playing a unique feel that matched the band’s quirky style. Over seven decades, Dolenz has remained a captivating performer, moving between music, television, and theatre. 

10. Taylor Hawkins (1972 – 2022)

We’ve mentioned Foo Fighters, and it would be wrong for us to complete our list without the legendary Taylor Hawkins. Taking on the drum seat in a band fronted by Dave Grohl, a world-class drummer himself, was no small task, but Hawkins made it his own.

He never studied formally, joking that his chops were “stolen and fake”, yet his playing always felt genuine. His sound was rooted in classic rock, drawing inspiration from legends like Queen and Stewart Copeland, influences that shaped both his drumming and his solo work. 

In Taylor Hawkins and the Coattail Riders, he stepped up as lead singer, showing his powerful vocals and love for 1970s rock.

11. Shelia E. (1957 – )

Sheila E. is a powerhouse of rhythm, style, and sheer musical talent. Known as the “Queen of Percussion”, she is a world-class drummer and vocalist who has worked with legends like Prince, Marvin Gaye, and Beyoncé. Her breakout solo success came with “The Glamorous Life” and “A Love Bizarre”, both showcasing her ability to lead from behind a timbale or drum kit. 

Sheila’s playing is full of energy, precision, and creativity. And she sings while playing intricate percussion parts, a skill few can pull off. Her music draws on Latin, funk, pop, and jazz influences, pushing genre boundaries throughout her career. 

She has had a long-standing partnership with DW Drums, who have developed signature kits and customised gear for her, including hydraulic timbale stands and internal mic systems. If you’re inspired by her dynamic approach, the DW Performance Series is a great place to start for pro-grade tone with show-ready flair. 

12. Aaron Gillespie (1983 – )

Aaron Gillespie is best known for his work with Underoath, in which he combines hard-hitting metalcore drumming and soaring, melodic vocals. As frontman of The Almost, he stepped out from behind the drums, taking on lead vocals and rhythm guitar. 

Gillespie favours creative grooves over technical showmanship. His clean vocals paired with Spencer Chamberlain’s screams helped shape Underoath’s signature sound, one that influenced a generation of post-hardcore and metalcore bands. 

Beyond Underoath, he toured with Paramore and built a solo career as a singer, songwriter, and producer. His gear choices reflect his bold style: Gretsch drums and Meinl Byzance cymbals, including the Meinl Byzance Foundry Reserve 24″ Light Ride and the Meinl Byzance Vintage 22″ Crash. 

13. Josh Dion 

Josh Dion redefines what it means to be a singing drummer. As one half of the electro-soul duo Paris Monster, he doesn’t just hold down rhythm and melody; he blends them seamlessly. Drumming with his left hand, playing synths with his right and delivering expressive lead vocals, he functions as a full rhythm section and front man all at once. 

Dion began performing professionally at just eight years old and joined the UConn Jazz Studies program by twelve. Over the years, he has worked with an eclectic range of artists, including Candy Dulfer, Pat Martino, and Bob James. But it’s with Paris Monster that his hybrid style truly stands out. 

A performance of “A Vision Complete” captures his approach: tight grooves played with one hand, synth lines layered with gritty textures, and soulful vocals tying it all together. He’s possibly one of the most forward-thinking drummers today. 

What about multi-instrumentalists? 

There are plenty of drummers who can also play other instruments. We’ve already mentioned a few, including Dave Grohl, Don Henley and Phil Collins, but here are a couple more who are also multi-instrumentalists.

Stewart Copeland (1952 – )

The Police drummer Stewart Copeland mixes punk, reggae, and jazz into his drumming. That might be his main thing, but he’s also pretty handy on keys, banjo, and brass, especially trumpet for certain parts. He often brings those instruments into his studio work, mostly for overdubs to help shape the sound he’s after. 

Travis Barker (1975 – )

Travis Barker is easily one of the biggest names in drumming right now. He might have punk roots, but he’s way more versatile than people give him credit for. He also plays piano, guitar, bass, and trumpet, which was actually one of the first instruments he picked up as a kid. All of that comes in handy when he’s writing or working in the studio, whether it’s with a band or on his own. 

Ashton Irwin (1994 – )

Ashton Irwin might not be on everyone’s radar, but he’s one of my favourite drummers. He plays for 5 Seconds of Summer and is mostly known as their drummer, but he’s also solid on guitar and bass. In 2020, he put out a solo album called Superbloom, on which he played guitar and drums. 

Tommy Lee (1962 – )

We’ve all heard of Tommy Lee. He was the power and energy behind Mötley Crüe’s sound, with a stage presence that commanded the room and an explosive playing style. Most people think of him purely as a drummer, but he can also play the piano. He actually played the keys on Mötley Crüe’s power ballad “Home Sweet Home.”

Mike Portnoy (1967 – )

You probably know Mike Portnoy as one of the most accomplished drummers out there. On top of co-founding Dream Theater, he has played with Avenged Sevenfold, The Winery Dogs, Sons of Apollo, and Liquid Tension Experiment. He is in the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame, which says a lot, but did you know he is also pretty handy on bass, keyboards and percussion? 

He played bass as the fictional “Max Del Fuvio” in Nightmare Cinema and on some Liquid Tension Experiment tracks. He even swaps instruments with bandmates during live shows, sometimes playing parts of Eddie Van Halen’s “Eruption” on guitar. Just another reminder of how ridiculously musical he is. 

FAQs 

Who is the best singing drummer of all time? 

There’s no single undisputed “best,” but Phil Collins is probably the most widely recognised singing drummer of all time. Between his work as drummer and lead vocalist in Genesis and his solo career packed with chart-topping hits, it’s hard to argue with his impact. Plenty of other singing drummers have made their mark, but Collins really stands out for how much he influenced the mainstream. 

What drummers became singers? 

Phil Collins and Don Henley are two of the best examples of drummers who didn’t just stay behind the kit. They took the mic and led the band. Both started as the backbone of their groups, but their voices ended up being just as defining. 

What bands have drummers as lead singers? 

Some bands have had drummers take on lead vocals, like The Band with Levon Helm and the Eagles with Don Henley. What made these groups great was how they put drummers right at the front, handling both the rhythm and the vocals without missing a beat. 

Final thoughts 

While there are loads of drummers out there in a league of their own, you’ve got to admit that the drummers who sing are on a whole other level. Being able to lock in intricate grooves while remembering lyrics and melodies is seriously impressive.

The drummers on this list prove that rhythm and melody can work hand in hand. From punk energy to classic rock staples, these artists show just how much vocal and percussive talent can overlap. Each one brings something different to the table, so it’s worth seeing whose approach lines up with your own taste or musical goals.

Personally, I think it’s a skill worth picking up if you’re into singing. It makes you a real asset to any band.