Art Blakey

The hard bop giant whose Jazz Messengers became the greatest finishing school for jazz, mentoring generations of musicians.

Arthur Blakey was an American jazz drummer and bandleader whose Jazz Messengers served as a proving ground for generations of jazz musicians including Wayne Shorter, Lee Morgan, and Wynton Marsalis. His powerful, polyrhythmic style defined hard bop drumming, and his signature press roll became instantly recognizable. Blakey led the Jazz Messengers for over 35 years, constantly reinventing the band while maintaining its driving, soulful sound.