6. Carl Palmer

Born - 03/1950 | Nationality - British | Genre - Prog Rock

Carl Palmer is unquestionably one of rock's best drummers ever. He's a brilliant technician and showman who also has super speed and dynamics in abundance. Starting drums at age 11, he never looked back and was already a well respected working drummer by age 16.

Initially he was influenced by jazz drumming legends like Buddy Rich, Joe Morello, and Art Blakey among others, but Carl developed his own technique and feel which he has used with great success in many different bands.

Argueably, Carl's best work was with rock group Emerson, Lake, & Palmer in the 1970's. The group's mixture of art rock, jazz, electronica, pop, and rock 'n' roll allowed Carl to use his wide range of drumming skills to the full. He combined showmanship, inventiveness, and good old rock intensity to produce a style that was to-the-point and interesting, but never predictable. His drum solos were also explosive and full of creative ideas and touches.

It's not suprising that the features of Carl's playing that make him one of the best drummers ever are his technique and creativity. His influence isn't as far reaching as some other drummers, but it should be. He's a real drummer's drummer.