Drummers that take the reins at lead vocals cross different genres and eras. It gets a bit confusing when describing full-time vocals versus lead on select tracks. This is just a look at a few of the acts.
Ringo Starr of The Beatles
Also a goofy, but lovable cut-up, Ringo and his fellow-Fab Four friends changed music history. Ringo also changed drumming.
According to Steve Smith, one of Modern Drummer Magazine’s Top 25 Drummers of All Time, “Before Ringo drum stars were measured by their soloing ability and virtuosity. Ringo’s popularity brought forth a new paradigm in how the public saw drummers. We started to see the drummer as an equal participant in the compositional aspect. One of Ringo’s great qualities was that he composed unique, stylistic drum part for the Beatle’s songs. His parts are so signature to the songs that you can listen to a Ringo drum part without the rest of the music and still identify the song.”
Ringo took the vocal helm on such Beatles songs as “Octopus’s Garden,” “Yellow Submarine” and the classic “With a Little Help From My Friends.”
Mikki Dolez of the Monkees
His curly mop-top and contagious grin mellowed out a bit for “Pleasant Valley Sunday,” “Last Train to Clarksville,” “I’m a Believer” and more. Mikki has since kept busy performing in London and the occasional Oldies tour. Interestingly, Dolez's real name is Georg Michael Dolez.
Karen Carpenter of The Carpenters
Along with brother Richard, she performed in the multi-Grammy winning duo, The Carpenters. This wholesome duo is best remembered for such hits as “They Long to Be Close to You” and “We’ve Only Just Begun.” Richard once recalled that Karen thought of herself as “a drummer that sang.” Karen died in 1983 due to complications caused by anorexia nervosa.
Don Henley of The Eagles
Formed in 1971, The Eagles are one of the most successful rock bands of all time. Henley wrote or co-wrote many of the group’s signature hits, as well as sings lead: “Desperado,” “The Best of My Love” and “Hotel California.” Henley has himself achieved platinum success with such hits as "Boys of Summer" and "Dirty Laundry." Incidentally, Lisa Marie Presley did a cover of "Dirty Laundry" in the early 2000s.
Phil Collins of Genesis
Collins has sold over 150 albums world-wide, both as a part of Genesis and his solo work. It’s been said that after Peter Gabriel left the progressive rock band in the mid 70s, Collins helped re-invent and ignite the English band into an international hit. His work with the band is noted most with the 1978 hit “Follow You, Follow Me.” The creators of "South Park", Trey Parker and Matt Stone often parody Collins, mostly from losing for best song in the 1999 Oscar race. His "You'll Be in My Heart" song was featured in the Disney film "Tarzan."
Peter Criss of KISS
Also known as “The Cat,” Criss sings leads in the high-energy rock band’s hits “Black Diamond,” “Hard Luck Woman” and the often-love-to-hate hit, “Beth.” While he is often overshadowed by Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, Criss officially left the band in 1980. He released a solo album in 2007, "One for All."
Sheila E.
Real name Sheila Escovedo of California enamored Prince with both her beauty and talent. She can be heard on the vocals of his “Erotic City.” She is widely-known for her 1984 hit “Glamorous Life.” Ms. E can currently be found touring and performing, fusing her jazz sounds at festivals and theaters.
Drummers Occassionally Singing
Several drummers took the occasional lead at vocals while behind the kit. Worth mentioning include Debbie Peterson of the Bangles, for her work on "Going Down to Liverpool" and "Be With You"; Andy Sturmer of the San Francisco band Jellyfish; Kelly Keagy of Night Ranger mostly known for the 1980s smash hit "Sister Christian"; Levon Helm of The Band; Randy Seol of Strawberry Alarm Clock.
Select Group
While many singers might have drumming skills in their arsenal of talents, the number of true-singing drummers is a select group. These special artists are able to juggle the beat and keep the songs alive.
