Art Blakey

Art Blakey was a powerhouse American jazz drummer and bandleader who helped shape the hard bop style alongside musicians like Horace Silver. Known for his aggressive, polyrhythmic technique, his thunderous press rolls and commanding hi-hat timing drove ensembles toward a deep, blues-and-gospel-inflected groove central to the hard bop movement.

In 1954, Blakey co-founded The Jazz Messengers, leading the group for over three decades. The collective functioned as a premier incubator that refined and promoted exceptional young talent. While artists like Lee Morgan, Wayne Shorter, and Wynton Marsalis already possessed professional experience before joining, Blakey’s mentorship famously elevated their careers to legendary status. Blakey’s legacy rests on foundational recordings like Moanin' and his role as a master jazz mentor.