It seems a minute ago since we farewelled the amazing Jaki Liebezeit of Can, commenting on the way that he set his own tempo.
A new style of groove that became known as motorik.
The sound of the autobahns.
But in his hands always subtly embellished with something more.

At the time we mentioned that some of the best drummers were free, loose and individual.
More percussionists really.
But some kept the beat right on.
And by that we mean right on.
And tight. 

Clyde Stubblefield was one of the latter.

He actually was the funk.
And he is one of the few drummers who has a signature beat.
“The Funky Drummer”

It's more famous than he was.

The James Brown tune is over 9 minutes long but it's famous for one little moment when it drops down to drums only.
You’ll hear it at 5:20 and JB is quite right when he says:
“Aint It Funky”!!

[Here, by the way, is how you play it]

Now that little beat has (according to Who Sampled) been re-used 1,300+ times and there are too many essential records based on Clyde’s work to list in full...
...but here’s a couple of good ones

Sweet Tee and Jazzy Joyce - It's My Beat

Public Enemy - Bring The Noise

Double Dee & Steinski - Lesson 2

Sinead O’Connor - I Am Stretched On Your Grave

Ed Sheeran - Shirtsleeves

Hell Clyde’s beat was even sampled on the Powderpuff Girls theme. Even if it was very sped up.

Just remember every time you count 1,2,3,4, there’s a drummer up there waiting to flex.

- TH