Earl Young. Image via www.hdwalls.xyz.
How many drummers know how to evoke heartbreak on their kit?
How many of them know how to make their drums and cymbals express wistful longing? How many know how to make their tom-toms evoke a heavy heart (instead of a heavy hand)? How many of them know how to build a groove that will say what the song is supposed to say, always connecting the listeners with the singer’s words and melody?
How many of them even know Earl Young’s name?
Far too few.
But millions of listeners around the world have been transported by his sublime drumming.
Thank you for reading.