For me, It wasn't Baker because the guitar caught my attention. Wasn't Starr because the harmonies and their song writing was very strong. It was then between Moon and Bonham. Bonham won. Of course appreciated all afterward.

I was influenced by guys you probably never heard of, players like, Richard (Pistol) Allen, the drummer for the Funk Bros., or Hal Blaine on the Beach Boy records, I was introduced to Papa Jo Jones playing early on and his drumming was an inspiration to me. I learned the drums (second hand) from Bobby Columby. So I can't click on any of the guys above as being influential to me personally. I can say this though:

1. Keith Moon was a showman extraordinairre! I always thought the Moon Man was too busy a drummer, but I loved to watch him play! He was an amazing drumming phenomenon.

2. Ginger Baker, along with guys like Mitch Mitchell and Bobby Columby introduced a jazz sensibility/approach to playing Rock & Roll. The drums became a 'melodic instrument' (an integral part of the melody,) in their hands.

3. John Bonham single-handedly invented Heavy Metal drumming. Bonzo could create the tastiest and at the same time, heaviest drum grooves of any drummer at the time. You knew when it was John playing!

4. Ringo was a simple and very tasty player. I never considered him a "great drummer" and I don't think Ringo considers himself a "great drummer." Ringo was lucky enough to play with the single most influential rock band of the 20th century. He single-handedly catapulted the Ludwig Drum Company into the number one spot almost over night. But, 'great, or influential drummer?' I don't think so.

Interesting survey. I'll be curious to see the end results. I think I can safely predict that John Bonham will garner more votes than the rest. Just my guess is all.

John

I can't choose one. I have to say all four influenced me. Although my playing ability doesn't approach any of them, I use ideas that still rattle around in my head that came from Baker, Bonham, Moon and Starr.

I actually met Ginger Baker several years ago. I told him what an influence and inspiration his playing was for so many of us. He gave me such a surprised look. I wish he'd given me that late 60's A ride with the rivets!

There's a whole slew of drummers I didn't list. And yes i've heard of Hal Blaine, Papa Jo Jones, etc.

I didn't list jazz drummers or later drummers because that wasn't the question I was asking. Honestly the first drummer who influenced me was Ringo because I was young and that was the first time I actually noticed the drummer, but the second drummer to influence me was Max Roach and then Buddy Rich, and then Blakey and then eventually Bonzo.

But I was just curious about these 4 drummers because these are the names I hear more often. Whenever I meet a drummer I always ask "who were your influences?" A lot of the same names come up, but these 4 seem to come up a lot.

I think Ringo had the greatest influence on making kids from my generation want to play drums....

Ringo was the Krupa of my era... A Star(r) drummer that is... pun intended.

After that... there were a bunch of great drummers to model for kids who committed to the art.

:2Cents:

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8OikFB8IGA[/ame]

I chose Ringo, as I think he's probably the one who prompted the most kids to pick up sticks and play the drums. But they were all great, each in their own way.

John henry Bonham for me. All of the drummers in this pole have been huge influences too me.

I agree. As far as inpsired the most people to at least try drumming, no doubt it's Ringo. Always will be. Proof is tha Ludwig is still in business making great drums. And most coveted vintage kit is still black oyster pearl, no? I can't afford one myself.

I would have to go with Bonham.

When I was in jr. high, Bonham was the only one of these drummers who was still in a commercially successful band, and therefore he was the one who was the most visible to me.

Moon was dead, and Ringo and Baker were legends, but I didn't consider them "current", regardless of how great they were.