Landon Hall: Building Community Through Rhythm

“You know the drum was the first instrument besides the human voice.” -Billy Higgins

Drumming, one of humankind’s earliest musical expressions, has a varied and rich history that spans centuries and cultures. Its significance in human culture is profound, as it has played a fundamental role in entertainment, ritual, and communication. The origin of drumming can be traced back to prehistoric civilizations when instruments similar to drums were used over six thousand years ago in Egypt and Mesopotamia. Drums in the primeval era were made from natural materials such as animal skins stretched over wooden frames. Back then, drums were utilized for different purposes, including cultural celebrations, military communication, and religious ceremonies.

Particularly in Africa, drumming has been an integral part of the region’s multiple cultures for hundreds of years. African drumming played a vital role in conveying messages and communication. It was a significant aspect of religious and traditional ceremonies, where beats and rhythms were believed to connect humankind with the spiritual realm. After Africa, drumming soon came to the United States during the transatlantic slave trade. After drumming reached America, it gave birth to new musical styles such as rock and roll, blues, and jazz. Furthermore, the invention of the first drum kit in the United States during the early 20th century contributed to the creation of modern genres and contemporary music such as hip-hop, pop, and rock.

Drumming’s significance transcends the boundaries of music and serves as a medium of social cohesion, storytelling, and cultural preservation. Drums are contemporary music’s main foundation and heartbeat as they set the rhythm and tempo. An individual can spark movements, express their feelings, and intensify moments through drums. Drum solos have become prominent in jazz and rock, demonstrating drummers’ creativity, ability, and talent. Additionally, drumming has various health benefits, which include reduced stress. Drums are often utilized in team-building exercises and music therapy because they promote cooperation and communication.

In short, the history of drumming is evidence of its enduring importance in humanity’s life and culture. From communication and prehistoric rituals to contemporary therapy and music, drumming has remained dominant in our lives, integrating individuals of different cultures and backgrounds through its rhythmic language. It emphasizes humankind’s need for sound and rhythm, making it a critical part of our shared history. Even though drummers such as Baby Dodds, Gene Krupa, and Dee Dee Chandler are considered the pioneers of drumming, musicians like Landon Hall are currently carrying the torch for the musical style and the Pop, Rock, and Country genres. Because of talented and skillful musicians like him, drumming is a significant and exciting musical force in the music industry.

Landon Hall, a multi-talented American artist, created Diemond Star and the Music City Drum Show. Hall was very passionate about music from the age of three playing on pots and pans. Hailing from Overland Park, Kansas, he received his first drum set on his ninth birthday, through which he taught himself to play.  By the age of 11, he was already playing drums for a local megachurch and continued this throughout high school. His talent is not limited to drums; he also knows how to play guitar, piano, and bass. Hall’s career began as a drummer in various bands, including the rock group De La Torre, led by Anthony De La Torre, where he gained international recognition. His drumming versatility spans multiple music genres, from Country and Rock to Pop, and his recorded drum tracks have reached radio stations worldwide.

Collaborating with renowned figures like songwriter and producer Desmond Child, he’s gained valuable experience. Soon after, Hall’s visibility extended to television when he was featured on shows like 100 Things to Do Before High School on Nickelodeon and appeared on networks such as HBO, Netflix, ABC, Lifetime, truTV, Syfy, and CBS. In his illustrious career, he has performed in front of packed audiences and shared stages with notable names like Katey Sagal, Bon Jovi, Chad Smith, Leo Dante, and Aerosmith, to name a few.

In addition to his music career, Hall founded the Music City Drum Show to bring together the drumming community in the Greater Nashville area and beyond, offering drum displays, sales, networking opportunities, and clinics. He also established Diemond Star in 2013, a company specializing in versatile drumsticks, including shock-absorbing models, to enhance drummers’ comfort during extended music sessions through precision engineering techniques and tools.

Hall, with his artistic talents, dedication, perseverance, and craftsmanship, has positively impacted our society emotionally, ethically, and culturally. Landon Hall excelled in music and entrepreneurship at a very young age, establishing a standard for aspiring musicians. The presence of gifted individuals like Hall in the music industry suggests a promising future for its growth.