Drumlines have traditionally played a big role in the African-American community of Memphis. Not only were such groups part of junior high and high school band programs, but they were also sponsored by community centers, drill teams and majorette organizations. Similar African-American drumlines can be found in other cities around the country, suggesting that the popularity of percussion bands in Black communities is not unique to Memphis. At least one theory about this activity is that the use of western drums and the association of them with patriotic or military functions or school and community functions allowed African-Americans in the South to continue African cultural practices that would have otherwise been suppressed. The drumline known as Percussion Perfection is a group of young men from various Memphis neighborhoods, but, unlike most drumlines, they are not sponsored by any school, church or community center. They appear unexpectedly in public spaces and events in Memphis, playing for tips from their listeners. Their unexpected appearance at the Memphis Music and Heritage Festival was especially appropriate, as their drum cadences and intricate dance moves are a fundamental part of the Memphis heritage.
Drummers
3rd Annual Ole Skool Majorette and Drummer Jamboree, Memphis
The Ole Skool Majorette and Drummer Jamboree was held Saturday night at the Cook Convention Center in downtown Memphis. Unlike many of the jamborees I have been to this year, this one was more like the good jamborees I remember from my youth, with the majorettes working out to drummers’ beats instead of compact discs. The event opened with Triggaman and Bugs Can Can (AKA The Showboys) leading everyone in gangsta walking to the old-school anthem “Triggaman.” 4/21/12 #MemphisRising
Star Steppers and Drummers at a Majorette Jamboree, 2012
The Star Steppers and drummers perform at a majorette jamboree in South Memphis at New Life M.B. Church, February 11, 2012
United Christian Percussionists, Grambling Homecoming 2011
#084 United Christian Percussionists Drumline.MOV (by jdoggtn7)
The United Christian Percussionists from Shreveport, LA march in the Grambling Homecoming Parade, October 22, 2011
Tallulah Madison High School’s Soul Rockers of the Mid-South at Grambling Homecoming 2012
#083 Madison High School (Tallulah) Band.MOV (by jdoggtn7)
The Madison High School Band from Tallulah, LA marches in the Grambling Homecoming Parade, October 22, 2011
Shreveport’s Beat The Streets Drumline at the Grambling Homecoming Parade 2012
#082 Beat the Streets Drumline.MOV (by jdoggtn7)
The Beat The Streets Drumline from Shreveport marches in the Grambling Homecoming Parade, October 22, 2011
Tulsa Douglass High School Band at the Grambling Homecoming Parade 2012
#076 Tulsa Douglass High School Band.MOV (by jdoggtn7)
The Douglass High School band from Tulsa, OK marches in the Grambling Homecoming Parade, October 22, 2011
Lancaster (TX) High School Band at Grambling Homecoming 2012
#067 Lancaster TX High School Band.MOV (by jdoggtn7)
The Lancaster High School band from Lancaster, TX marches in the Grambling Homecoming Parade, October 22, 2011
James Sexton-Drum Solo at Memphis Music and Heritage Festival 2011
#40 James Sexton-Drum Solo.MOV (by jdoggtn7)
Memphis drummer James Sexton takes a solo during the Memphis Music and Heritage Festival September 3, 2011
Terrance Houston Drum Solo with George Porter Jr. at the Levitt Shell 2011
Terrence Houston Drum Solo.MOV (by jdoggtn7) The “Guardian of the Groove’ takes a solo at the George Porter Jr. concert last night