Stan Lynch - The Best Singing Drummer?

[JakeK]

Listening to songs from "The Live Anthology" as well as various videos of the band from '77-'91, I've noticed the amazing talent Stan Lynch had that drove Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers forward. Tom noted in several tracks that Stan was a fine harmony singer and probably one of the best singing drummers around. Unlike Ringo, who kept things simple for when he had to sing, Stan would do a Keith Moon-type drumming, but still was able to sing.

Stan's high energy drumming is showcased in this video:

[libratune]

As far as lead singing goes, I think Dave Clark would be in the running for The Best Singing Drummer competition, as well as Don Henley and (possibly) Phil Collins.

These are just off the top of my head. I'm sure there would be others.

If you are talking about backup/harmonizing singing drummers, that's a different story. I wouldn't know where to begin.

[JakeK]

Stan is the only harmony/backup vocal drummer I'm aware of. I don't know the list of lead singers drummers, but I am aware of Don Henley (who, strangely enough, used all the Heartbreakers on various songs of his solo career) being a singing drummer. He's pretty good at it, but I'm aware that he shifts into guitar or will appear onstage with maracas, a tambourine or even with no instrument.

[Clint]

Levon Helm.

[simer4001]

Come on! Don't forget Mickey Dolenz!

[johnnysain]

[sloop_john_b]

Levon Helm.

Not even a question IMO. The best.

[admin]

I have always thought that Sheila Escovedo is a great drummer with a fantastic voice. There are many live clips of her on you tube as well as this number.

[jps]

Hmm, our drummer doesn't dress that nicely.

[twangs]

I vote for Karen Carpenter

[pocaloc]

I agree with Levon Helm.

[collin]

No way.........without a doubt, the best singing drummer is Gary Lewis:

[winston]

Are we focusing mainly on drumming or singing? Because if it's singing no competent drummer has a better voice than Don Henley IMO.

[xpitt]

After Freddy Mercury passed away Roger Taylor should have done the job instead of Paul Rodgers. Thats one fantastic singer !

[rickosound]

Talkin' about Stan Lynch singing? Gotta watch this!
(The song actually starts around 3:10.)


Tom and Matthew