Skip to main content
Music Radar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
(opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
  • Plugin Week 2023
  • Guitars
  • Amps
  • Pedals
  • Drums
  • Synths
  • Software
  • Pianos
  • Controllers
  • Recording
  • Buyer’s guides
  • Live
  • DJ
  • Advice
  • Acoustic
  • Bass
  • About us
  • More
    • Reviews
Magazines
  • Computer Music
  • Electronic Musician
  • Future Music
  • Keyboard Magazine
  • Guitarist (opens in new tab)
  • Guitar Techniques (opens in new tab)
  • Total Guitar (opens in new tab)
  • Bass Player (opens in new tab)
More
  • Plugin Week A-Z
  • Best free lo-fi plugins
  • Top EQ plugins
  • Music Gear Reviews
  • Free music samples
  • Best free music-making software

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

  1. Home
  2. News

Drummer's World Cup: the best Reggae, Ska and Funk drummers of all time

By Chris Burke
published 3 December 2012

The results are in for the fifth group of the first round

  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)
Clyde Stubblefield
Funky drummer tied at third
(Image credit: Neal Preston/Corbis)

Clyde Stubblefield

Perhaps James Brown's most famous drummer, and the man responsible for the 'Funky Drummer' beat, Clyde made a valiant claim for top funk drummer in this broad-based group that also included reggae and ska drummers.

But can he progress to the last 16 on the 'next most votes' rule? We'll know when all the results are in!

Page 1 of 4
Page 1 of 4
Sly Dunbar
Reggae master
(Image credit: Lynn Goldsmith/Corbis)

Sly Dunbar

One half of one of the most famous rhythm sections of all time, Sly & Robbie, Sly Dunbar beat other reggae greats such as Carlton Barret and Winston Grennan to tie at third with funk master Clyde Stubblefield.

Just missing out on an automatic progression to the last 16, it's down to how many votes are required for a wildcard pass to the next round.

Page 2 of 4
Page 2 of 4
Chad Smith
Funky Monk's the runner-up
(Image credit: Neal Preston/Corbis)

Chad Smith

The Red Hot Chili Pepper's man's mastery of funk and rock beats – and combining the two with the Californian alt-rock punk-funkers – made sure Chad was a comfortable second in the group.

He progresses to the next round with ease.

Page 3 of 4
Page 3 of 4
Stewart Copeland
Police drummer wins group
(Image credit: Lynn Goldsmith/Corbis)

Stewart Copeland

There was no real contest at the top of the group, with Stewart Copeland an easy winner in the end thanks to his mastery of the one-drop beat combined with awesome rock and pop chops.

Always a popular drummer, Stewart should be one of the favourites to do well in the next stage of the tournament.

Page 4 of 4
Page 4 of 4
  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)
Chris Burke
Social Links Navigation
0
  1. Mindful Harmony
    1
    Mindful Harmony is a free online chord progression composing tool based on the circle of fifths
  2. 2
    16 inspiring guitar chords that are great for clean tones
  3. 3
    Google says that its MusicLM AI model is the best text-to-music generator yet, and the audio examples might just prove it
  4. 4
    Rick Astley hires Blurred Lines lawyer to sue rap artist over vocal impersonation
  5. 5
    It may be cold outside, but you can still get the hottest deals at Sweetwater
  1. Boss DS-1W
    1
    Boss DS-1W Waza Craft distortion pedal review
  2. 2
    Google says that its MusicLM AI model is the best text-to-music generator yet, and the audio examples might just prove it
  3. 3
    Rick Astley hires Blurred Lines lawyer to sue rap artist over vocal impersonation
  4. 4
    EVE Audio introduces new two-way studio monitor SC2070
  5. 5
    Watch Twisted Sister reunite with Mike Portnoy on drums and blaze through three classics at the Metal Hall Of Fame

MusicRadar is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab).

  • About Us (opens in new tab)
  • Terms and conditions (opens in new tab)
  • Privacy policy (opens in new tab)
  • Cookies policy (opens in new tab)
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers (opens in new tab)

© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.