The Best (Auto)biography Books About Drummers (2024)
What are the best books on drummers to stoke your inspiration?
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Learning to drum is as much about inspiration as it is about working on technique.
Many of the masters of drumming have led interesting lives full of chaos, art and characters, and many of them have documented their stories.
Here’s our list of the best books about drummers: biographies and autobiographies of some of the most influential and interesting drummers to grace the drum kit.
Turn to these for entertainment and inspiration.
Many of the books in this guide are available on Amazon Audible Plus which you can register for here, or you can get two free audiobooks by trying Audible Premium Plus.
Tony Allen: An Autobiography of the Master Drummer of Afrobeat
Tony Allen is known as the father of Afrobeat drumming, having been the trusted sideman of the legendary Fela Kuti.
In this autobiography, co-written by Michael Veal, Tony Allen recalls his early career and work with Fela Kuta as well as details of his life and development of the Afrobeat style on the drum kit.
The book is packed with anecdotes that paint a picture of this drumming legend’s progression through the context of living in Nigeria to become the founder of a drumming style that has inspired so many drummers since.
2. Ginger Baker - Hellraiser: The Autobiography of The World's Greatest Drummer
Ginger Baker is undoubtedly one of the most colourful characters to grace the drum set. He was a true archetype of the rock n roll lifestyle, troubled but brilliant.
In this autobiography Baker tells his story in his own words, covering his musical influences in jazz and the rhythms of Africa, as well as personal accounts of his issues with heroin, relationship troubles and his work with Eric Clapton and Cream.
In this book you’ll learn about the rock n roll lifestyle of one of drumming’s most interesting and complex characters, and pick up inspiration for your own development as a drummer along the way by tuning into Baker’s love for exploring new sounds and rhythms from around the world.
3. Stick it!: My Life of Sex, Drums, and Rock 'n' Roll by Carmine Appice
"Stick It" is a compelling memoir by legendary drummer Carmine Appice.
In this book, Appice shares his incredible journey through the world of rock and roll.
He delves into his experiences playing with iconic bands such as Vanilla Fudge, Cactus, and Rod Stewart's band, as well as hanging out with Hendrix, Led Zeppelin and teaching John Bonham to play drums.
Appice's engaging storytelling offers readers a firsthand look at the heyday of rock music and his influential role as a drummer.
4. Can I Say: Living Large, Cheating Death, and Drums, Drums, Drums by Travis Barker
"Can I Say" is the gripping and heartfelt memoir of Travis Barker, best known as the drummer of the rock band Blink-182.
In this autobiography, Barker delves into his turbulent life, including his early experiences, his rise to fame, and the near-fatal plane crash that forever changed him.
The book provides an intimate look into the world of rock and the challenges Barker faced, both personally and professionally.
His candid storytelling offers readers an inside perspective on his journey through music and survival, making "Can I Say" a compelling read for fans and those interested in the life of one of rock's most recognizable drummers.
5. Traveling Music: The Soundtrack to My Life and Times by Neil Peart
Peart, the iconic drummer and lyricist for the rock band Rush, takes readers on a remarkable journey through his life and travels in "Traveling Music."
The book is a compelling travelogue that interweaves Peart's motorcycle adventures across North America with personal reflections and stories from his life.
It's a touching and introspective exploration of the power of music and the open road.
6. Not Dead Yet: The Autobiography by Phil Collins
In "Not Dead Yet," the acclaimed musician Phil Collins provides an intimate and candid autobiography.
Collins shares his experiences as a drummer, singer, and songwriter, recounting the highs and lows of his music career with Genesis and as a solo artist.
The book offers a behind-the-scenes look at the life and struggles of one of the most successful and enduring musicians in the industry.
7. It's About Time: Jeff Porcaro - The Man and His Music by Robyn Flans
"It's About Time" is a heartfelt tribute to the influential drummer Jeff Porcaro, written by the renowned music journalist Robyn Flans.
This biography celebrates the life and work of the late Jeff Porcaro, who was a founding member of the band Toto and a highly sought-after session drummer (check out our article on the Purdie Shuffle, which Porcaro reprised famously as the ‘Rosanna Shuffle’).
The book delves into Porcaro's journey in the music industry, showcasing his exceptional drumming skills and contributions to countless hit records.
It provides an intimate look into his life and legacy, offering insights into the drummer behind the iconic beats that continue to resonate in the world of music.
8. Let The Drums Speak!: The Life Story Of The World's Most Recorded Drummer by Bernard Purdie
"Let the Drums Speak" is the life story of Bernard Purdie, a highly influential and accomplished drummer who has worked with some of the biggest names in music.
Purdie shares his incredible journey from his early days in the drumming scene to becoming one of the most recorded drummers in history.
The book explores his innovative drumming style and the impact he's had on the world of rhythm.
Also check out our article on Bernard Purdie and one of his most famous beats, the Purdie Shuffle.
9. Dear Boy: The Life of Keith Moon by Tony Fletcher
This biography is one of the most comprehensive accounts of Keith Moon's life and his wild antics as a drummer.
"Dear Boy" is a biographical account of the wild and tumultuous life of Keith Moon, the legendary drummer of The Who.
Written by Tony Fletcher, this book provides a comprehensive look at Moon's charismatic and often self-destructive personality.
It delves into his musical contributions, his chaotic behavior, and the lasting impact he left on rock and roll.
Also see Keith Moon make it onto our list of the best rock drummers of all time.
10. Born to Drum: The Truth About the World's Greatest Drummers - from John Bonham and Keith Moon to Sheila E. and Dave Groh by Tony Barrell
This book provides a broader look at the lives and careers of multiple drummers.
In "Born to Drum," author Tony Barrell takes readers on a global journey to explore the world's greatest drummers and their unique stories.
This book profiles an eclectic array of drumming talent, from rock and jazz legends to virtuosos from diverse cultural backgrounds.
It offers a rich tapestry of drumming styles and traditions, providing a comprehensive view of the world of percussion.
11. The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music by Dave Grohl
"Storyteller" is the autobiographical work of Dave Grohl, the versatile musician known for his role as the drummer in Nirvana and as the frontman of the Foo Fighters.
Grohl's book is a captivating narrative that shares his experiences, from his early days as a young musician to his journey through the world of rock and his rise to fame.
His storytelling talent and love for music shine through in this engaging memoir.
So there you have our list of great books about the drummers who have helped to shape the art of drumming that we love.
We hope you find inspiration in their stories of what made them as drummers, and entertainment in the rock n roll scrapes many have been involved in, and the deeply human stories that surround these legends.
For more, check out our look into the best rock drummers of all time. Or if you are looking for books that will sharpen your drumming skills here’s a list of books that will help. It’s jazz-leaning but many of these books are genre-spanning.
Happy reading!
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