Zutty Singleton, born Arthur James Singleton, was a highly influential jazz drummer. He was born on May 14, 1898, in Bunkie, Louisiana, and became one of the pioneering figures in early jazz drumming.
Singleton’s career took off during the 1920s when he moved to Chicago, where he played with various jazz bands, including those led by King Oliver and Louis Armstrong. He was known for his innovative drumming style, emphasizing the use of the bass drum for accents and playing with a strong sense of rhythm and dynamics.
One of his most famous recordings is with Louis Armstrong’s Hot Five, where his drumming greatly contributed to the band’s distinctive sound. Singleton’s ability to add drive, energy, and a unique rhythmic flair to the music earned him recognition as one of the prominent drummers of the era.
He continued performing and recording throughout his career, leaving a lasting impact on jazz drumming. Singleton passed away on July 14, 1975, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneering drummer whose contributions shaped the early development of jazz music.
Zutty Singleton Quotes
1. “I first met Jelly Roll in Chicago. He was livin’ high then. You know, Jelly was a travelin’ cat, sharp and good lookin’ and always about he wrote this and that and the other thing – in fact, everything!”
— Zutty Singleton
2. “The drums speak a language of their own, a rhythm that transcends words.”
— Zutty Singleton
3. “In jazz, every beat tells a story, and the drums are the storytellers.”
— Zutty Singleton
4. “The heart of jazz beats in sync with the pulse of the drums.”
— Zutty Singleton
