23. Dennis Chambers
Dennis Chambers, like a few other artists on this list, is a product of the Parliament-Funkadelic school of music. He joined the band in 1978, when he was barely 18 years old, and remained with them until 1985, when he left. Many gospel and hip-hop drummers are said to have been inspired by Chambers’ flamboyant beats, and Rolling Stone magazine compared his timeless drumming technique to that of Buddy Rich (who is also on this list!). Since the 1990s, Chambers has toured the world with artists such as Carlos Santana, Steely Dan, and John McLaughlin, in addition to releasing solo albums.
23. Dennis Chambers
22. Janet Weiss
While a member of the Pacific Northwest punk band Sleater-Kinney, Janet Weiss played a significant role in the feminist riot grrl movement of the early 1990s. Several critics have described her drumming as “primal and forceful.” “Music, in my opinion, is the most urgent of all artistic expressions. Perhaps it’s because I’m physically active… I’m a thug who bangs on things. Our music has a tangible solidity to it. When it comes to being a member of the band Wild Flag, Weiss says, “we’re using every part of our bodies.” Since leaving Sleater-Kinney, Weiss has performed with a variety of bands, including The Jicks, Bright Eyes, Quasi, and others.
22. Janet Weiss