Papa Jo Jones was without a doubt one of the most influential figures in Jazz drumming. A member of Count Basie’s All-American Rhythm Section, he helped guide jazz drums towards incorporating brushes, keeping time with the hi-hat, and much, much more.

Modern Drummer did a nice feature on him, which you can read here. Additionally, when master drummer Michael Carvin came by our studios to record his wonderful series on the 26 rudiments of drumming, he took a brief break to record his own remembrance of Jo Jones. You can watch it here.

Without Jo Jones, we wouldn’t have had Kenny Clarke, nor Roy Haynes, nor Max Roach…you name it. Be sure to check out the wonderful work of this legendary artist!