13 Facts About Jabo Starks

Jabo Starks was one of the originators of funk drumming, and is one of the most sampled drummers.

Jabo Starks said he "learned a lot from listening" to music.

Jabo Starks graduated from Mobile County Training School in 1955, at the time a high school.

In 1959, Jabo Starks joined Bobby Bland's band and was the youngest member of the band.

Jabo Starks said band members Pluma Davis and Joe Scott taught him the importance of holding the drum rhythm steady and having other musicians lock-in with drums.

Jabo Starks said musically that was the best band he played with.

Jabo Starks recorded with other artists during this time such as Junior Parker and Joe Hinton, on songs "Driving Wheel" and "Funny".

Jabo Starks came primarily from a blues background whereas Stubblefield from a soul and jazz background.

Band members included bassist Bootsy Collins and rhythm guitarist Catfish Collins who along with Jabo Starks formed the rhythm section.

Jabo Starks was well versed in blues music in his early career.

Jabo Starks said over the years he learned little tricks to help him maintain his drumming skills.

Jabo Starks died on May 1,2018, at his home in Mobile, Alabama, at the age of 80 from leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome.

Jabo Starks was survived by his wife Naomi Taplin Starks, a daughter, a son, and two grandchildren.