Clyde Stubblefield

The heartbeat behind the hardest working man in show business, Clyde “The Funky Drummer” Stubblefield laid down the drum tracks behind some of James Brown’s greatest hits.

Stubblefield’s tenure with the band during the mid to late 60’s meant his playing supported some of Brown’s most important work, as the group was transforming the sound of rough edged R&B and Soul into the beginnings of Funk. His impeccable groove can be heard on tracks like “Mother Popcorn”, “Say It Loud (I’m Black and I’m Proud)”, and the eponymous “Funky Drummer”. The drum break from that song went on to become one of hip-hop’s seminal samples, earning Stubblefield the unofficial title of “World’s Most Sampled Drummer”.

Born in Chattanooga, TN, Stubblefield has lived and worked in Madison, Wisconsin since the 1970’s, and plays a weekly gig with his band at the King Club in downtown Madison. He also maintains a band with friend and fellow James Brown Alumn John “Jabo” Starks.
Latest CD:“Find the Groove”