The fire in Count Basie’s legendary “All American” rhythm section, “Papa” Jo Jones revolutionized jazz drumming, through his use of the ride cymbal as a time keeper, and through his highly musical–rhythmically varied and timbrally diverse–use of the drum’s hi-hat.

Jones was an inspiration to many budding drummers, and paved the way for the generations to come. A protege of his, Michael Carvin, remembers meeting him in this wonderful video.