Thanks are due to the many drummers who patiently answered my questions, including some true wizards and gentlemen of the drum kit—Ginger Baker, Jack Bevan, Clem Burke, Ndugu Chancler, Phil Collins, Steven Drozd, Tom Grosset, Omar Hakim, Col Hatchman, Ben Hillier, Ralph Johnson, Richard Jupp, Joey Kramer, David Lovering, Boo McAfee, Nicko McBrain, Ross McFarlane, Nick Mason, Russ Miller, Rowland Rivron, Kliph Scurlock, Chad Smith, Ash Soan, Roger Taylor, Paul Thompson, Butch Vig, Joey Waronker, and Steve White—and some phenomenal female drummers—Jess Bowen, Julie Edwards, Cherisse Osei, Debbi Peterson, Anna Prior, and Patty Schemel. Belated thanks are also due to Sheila E. for giving me an interview back in 1984.
Special thanks go to Dr. Marcus Smith at the University of Chichester for his assistance and scientific expertise; to drummer and Tom Tom editor Mindy Abovitz for her brilliance and enthusiasm; to my friend Mel Bradman for permission to use two amazing interviews; to Ginette Baker, Rose Eken, Ross Harris, Jean Smith, and Overend Watts for their exceptional insights and stories; and to my drummer friend Michael Burgess for some inspirational conversations.
I’m also very grateful to Denise Oswald, editor and drummer, for her meticulousness. And none of it would have happened without Robin Morgan and Carrie Kania, who helped me start the beat in the first place.
The rest of you know who you are.