Sam "Mr. Double Shuffle" Lay was an innovator no doubt.

There is a young guy here in Chicago who deserves some recognition - Kenny Smith. You may recognize his Dad Willie "Big Eyes" Smith. He played with Muddy among others and is a good drummer in his own right. I just enjoy hearing Kenny because he is a young guy with taste. A good drummer should compliment, not overpower, a band. Then with a few flourishes here and there they make their mark. That is Kenny.

Another similar example is Cedric Burnside. His grandpa was RL so maybe that is where these guys learn to be blues drummers instead of rock. Rock drumming is fine but it doesn't quite swing like blues.

Thanks for bringing up the subject. You are right. They don't get the attention they deserve.

How about bass players? I just did an RIP for a good one - Willie Kent but for my money Johnny B. Gayden is the baddest cat on the block. His work with Albert Collins made his music even better. I wonder what he is up to these days?