William Emanuel "Billy" Cobham is widely regarded as one of the greatest drummers in the history of jazz fusion. Born on May 16, 1944, in Panama, he grew up in New York City and was soaked in the rich musical traditions of the Caribbean as well as the groundbreaking jazz movements of the 20th century. Cobham's explosive technique and complex time signatures became his trademark during the peak of the fusion era in the 1970s.

Cobham's career blossomed after he played with the Miles Davis group, contributing to the groundbreaking album "Bitches Brew." But it was his work with the Mahavishnu Orchestra, alongside guitarist John McLaughlin, that established Cobham as a drumming powerhouse. His 1973 solo debut, "Spectrum," is a seminal fusion record that continues to influence drummers across various genres. Over the decades, Billy Cobham has released a plethora of albums showcasing his virtuosity, characterized by his powerful, intricate drumming and his ability to merge genres. His more recent works, including the "Drum'n Voice" series and live recordings from performances in Montreux, New York, and Dallas, bear testimony to his enduring talent and continued evolution as a musician. With a career that spans over 50 years, Billy Cobham remains a dynamic force in the world of drumming and jazz fusion.

Genres

Jazz

Jazz Drums

Jazz Funk

Jazz Fusion

Related Artists

Tony Williams

Al Di Meola

Herbie Hancock

Steve Gadd

Lenny White

Vinnie Colaiuta

Chick Corea

John McLaughlin

Jack DeJohnette

Simon Phillips

Weather Report

Pat Metheny

Latest Release

FUSION

Billy Cobham•

Dennis Chambers•

Stanley Jordan

Album - 25 Tracks - Released August 14, 2024