Who Was the Drummer for the Traveling Wilburys?
The Traveling Wilburys were a supergroup formed in 1988, consisting of some of the greatest musicians of their time. Comprised of Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison, and Tom Petty, this band was a powerhouse of talent. However, when it comes to identifying the drummer of the Traveling Wilburys, it becomes a bit more puzzling.
The Traveling Wilburys were known for their collaborative and fluid nature, with each member taking turns on different instruments. While they had a primary drummer for most of their recordings, they also had guest drummers who contributed to their diverse sound.
The primary drummer for the Traveling Wilburys was Jim Keltner. Keltner was a seasoned session drummer who had worked with artists like John Lennon, Eric Clapton, and countless others. His incredible drumming skills and versatility made him the perfect fit for the Wilburys. Keltner’s drumming can be heard on most of the band’s iconic tracks, including their hit singles “Handle with Care” and “End of the Line.”
However, the Traveling Wilburys also had guest drummers who made appearances on certain tracks. Phil Jones, another highly regarded session drummer, played drums on the song “Heading for the Light.” Additionally, Ray Cooper, known for his work with Elton John and George Harrison, played percussion on several tracks.
Now, let’s delve into some common questions related to the drummer of the Traveling Wilburys:
1. Who played drums for the Traveling Wilburys?
The primary drummer for the Traveling Wilburys was Jim Keltner, with guest drummers such as Phil Jones and Ray Cooper making appearances on certain tracks.
2. Did the Traveling Wilburys have a permanent drummer?
While the Traveling Wilburys did not have a permanent drummer, Jim Keltner was their primary drummer for most recordings.
3. How did Jim Keltner become the drummer for the Traveling Wilburys?
Jim Keltner was chosen to be the primary drummer for the Traveling Wilburys due to his reputation as a highly skilled session drummer and his previous work with members of the band.
4. Which Traveling Wilburys songs did Jim Keltner play drums on?
Jim Keltner played drums on most of the Traveling Wilburys’ songs, including their hit singles “Handle with Care” and “End of the Line.”
5. Did any other drummers play with the Traveling Wilburys?
Yes, besides Jim Keltner, Phil Jones and Ray Cooper also played drums or percussion on certain Traveling Wilburys tracks.
6. What other bands or artists has Jim Keltner worked with?
Jim Keltner has worked with numerous artists, including John Lennon, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, and George Harrison.
7. Did the Traveling Wilburys perform live with a drummer?
The Traveling Wilburys never performed live, so there was no need for a live drummer.
8. How influential was Jim Keltner’s drumming in shaping the Traveling Wilburys’ sound?
Jim Keltner’s drumming played a significant role in shaping the Traveling Wilburys’ sound. His precise and versatile drumming style brought a unique dynamic to their music.
9. Was Jim Keltner involved in the songwriting process of the Traveling Wilburys?
While Jim Keltner was primarily a session drummer, he did contribute to the collaborative songwriting process of the Traveling Wilburys on occasion.
10. What made Jim Keltner the perfect fit for the Traveling Wilburys?
Jim Keltner’s extensive experience as a session drummer, his ability to adapt to various musical styles, and his chemistry with the other band members made him the perfect fit for the Traveling Wilburys.
11. Did Jim Keltner continue to work with the Traveling Wilburys after their first album?
Yes, Jim Keltner continued to work with the Traveling Wilburys on their second album, “Vol. 3,” released in 1990.
12. Were there any other notable drummers associated with the Traveling Wilburys?
While Jim Keltner remains the most notable drummer associated with the Traveling Wilburys, guest drummers Phil Jones and Ray Cooper also made significant contributions to their sound.
13. How did the Traveling Wilburys’ unique approach to drumming contribute to their success?
The Traveling Wilburys’ approach to drumming, with different drummers on various tracks, added to their eclectic sound and showcased the individual talents of each drummer, making their music even more captivating to audiences.
In conclusion, Jim Keltner was the primary drummer for the Traveling Wilburys, with his drumming skills and versatility leaving an indelible mark on their music. While other drummers like Phil Jones and Ray Cooper made guest appearances, it was Keltner’s contributions that helped shape the iconic sound of this legendary supergroup.