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Questlove

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Questlove, whose real name is Ahmir Khalib Thompson, is an American drummer, producer, DJ, filmmaker, music journalist and actor, born in 1971 in Philadelphia. He grew up in a musical family. His father sang as Lee Andrews in the doo-wop group Lee Andrews & the Hearts. His parents took him on tour, so he grew up behind the scenes of doo-wop shows. As a child he helped with the costumes and operated the lights. At twelve he stood in as drummer in his father's band and made his debut at Radio City Music Hall.

Music and breakthrough

He is the drummer and, with Black Thought, the frontman of the hip hop band The Roots. Since 2014 that group has been the house band of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, after the same role on Late Night. He produced records for artists including Elvis Costello, Common, D'Angelo, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Jay-Z, Al Green and John Legend. He was a member of the Soulquarians and one of the producers of the 2015 cast album of the musical Hamilton. He co-founded the websites Okayplayer and OkayAfrica, wrote eight books, taught at New York University's Clive Davis Institute and made a podcast, Questlove Supreme. He won an Oscar, six Grammys and a BAFTA.

Influence

Questlove shows how a hip hop drummer can lead a live band, with a broad musical memory ranging from soul to doo-wop. His work connects generations of musicians.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to a track by The Roots and notice Questlove's drumming. Try to hear how solid and yet relaxed the groove sounds.

Discography

Studio albums

In School of Rock

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Categories: Artists