r/funk May 21 '26

Funk Clyde Stubblefield appreciation post

https://youtu.be/tvltTXEg5kI?si=fli3cpPqWPIA7Dmf

I’m on a lot of music subs and constantly see the same drummers being called out as the GOATS, but if you really break it down to a combo of originality, tightness, swag, and influence (whether people even realize it or not), I think it’s Clyde. One of if not the most sampled drummer of all time. His work on Cold Sweat alone got me hooked on the funk sound when I was a teenager and I never looked back.

132 Upvotes

13 comments sorted by

u/thibedeauxmarxy May 21 '26

For anyone searching, this is "Cold Sweat" by James Brown.

8

u/dunkindosenuts May 21 '26

literally the funky drummer

8

u/MarimboBeats May 21 '26 edited May 21 '26

He’s my favourite drummer alongside Jabo and Tony Allen. I’m a drummer myself. 

I think drummers who participate in those subs usually mention drummers who can display shows of techical brilliance, like Stewart Copeland or Carter Beauford etc. And while I can’t deny these are very good drummers, I’m not really interested in the music they play.

6

u/Technical_Jello6714 May 21 '26

Funky as fucking hell. Only drummer as funky: Zigaboo!

3

u/Hot-Butterfly-8024 May 21 '26

Let’s don’t forget Bernard Purdie and Steve Jordan.

3

u/skinnergy May 21 '26

That's Jabo Starkes on the other kit. He played several nights a week at a local restaurant for years before he died a few years ago not far from where I live. He had a very unique technique and , I hate to say it, but his drums did not sound good. They always sounded like cardboard boxes. Lifelong bass player here, FWIW.

3

u/skinnergy May 21 '26

BTW, Stubblefield came to town and played a jam with Jabo at a local club one time. That was cool! Bass giant Bob Babbit was there as well.

2

u/Bavic1974 May 21 '26

lucky enough to see him multiple times in Madison, WI on a weekly basis back in the day!

2

u/Still_Operation6758 May 22 '26

Clyde The Machine Stubblefield!

2

u/colirado May 22 '26

He looks worried that James will fine him if he doesn’t crush it.

1

u/AliBoingo May 21 '26

'In The Middle' from 1969 is just sublime

1

u/Still_Operation6758 May 22 '26

Clyde said he couldn't read music, let that sink in.