7. Gene Krupa
One of the all-time greatest drummers, Neil Peart, once said the next thing about Gene Krupa – “…was the first rock drummer, in very many ways”. Peart even explained that Krupa was one of the drummers that could both “command the spotlight” and “be celebrated for his solos”.

Krupa’s playing influenced many people, even Keith Moon and John Bonham. The fact that he came before them gives him different kind of reverence in the drum community.