Profiles: Rodney Holmes

Some two weeks ago, the news of Rodney Holmes‘s passing shook the music community. Let’s take a look at the life of this outstanding drummer.

Holmes was born in the Bronx and grew up in a musical family. He started playing drums in the fourth grade of elementary school, when he joined the school band. At that time, he was immersed in funk music, influenced by drummers such as James “Diamond” Williams (Ohio Players), Fred White (Earth, Wind & Fire), and Ramon “Tiki” Fulwood (Parliament-Funkadelic). While still in high school in Westchester, New York, he decided to become a professional musician. At age 17, he studied with drummer Frankie Malabe at the Drummers Collective in New York. After graduating from high school, he received a music scholarship to Long Island University, but influenced by drummers such as Max Roach, Art Blakey, Kenny Clarke, and Tony Williams, as well as Billy Cobham, Steve Gadd, and John Bonham, he decided to immediately embark on a professional career.

His talent quickly caught the attention of keyboardist and composer Clyde Criner, who taught at Long Island University and the New England Conservatory. Criner became his mentor and formed a band with the young drummer. They recorded two albums: “Behind the Sun” (1988) and “The Color of Dark” (1989) for RCA/Novus. This took place shortly before Criner’s death in 1991.

After ending his collaboration with Criner, Holmes worked with Victor Bailey and Jean-Paul Bourelly. He recalled his artistic collaboration with the latter as follows:

“It was a trio and the music was a weird mix of blues, jazz, rock and funk, which is something I had never really heard before. And Jean-Paul sang, too. It was very Hendrix-inspired and a lot of people were excited about it. The first bassist was Jared Nickerson; later on it was Reggie Washington. It was a great band. […] I owe a lot to Jean-Paul. He gave me a venue in which to try different things.”

He spent the next two years with the smooth jazz group Special EFX. As his musical tastes increasingly gravitated toward more open forms of jazz, Holmes joined the Zawinul Syndicate, the band led by keyboardist Joe Zawinul, known for his work with Weather Report. In an interview with Modern Drummer magazine, he had this to say:

“My level of concentration was raised in that band. Joe is very demanding. He wants his band to be like a basketball team where he would be able to pass the ball to anyone at any moment and feel comfortable and confident. And it really was like that. Anything could happen at any moment on stage with Joe. He works with hand signals a lot, so l really had to concentrate and keep my eyes open, being very aware of what he was doing, what Gerald [bassist Gerald Veasley] was doing, and what percussionist Bobby Thomas was doing. In terms of groove, Joe always wanted it to be strong and different. So I was able to incorporate some new concepts within the groove, rather than just taking it out. I incorporated the cowbell a lot more, and I worked on independence a lot – while at the same time supplying that hard groove that Joe demanded.”

During that time, he also met guitarist Mitch Stein, which later led to the formation of the electric trio The Hermanators. While on tour with Zawinul, Holmes met Carlos Santana, who was familiar with Holmes’s playing thanks to his collaboration with Criner. The two agreed that they had to play together someday. Eventually, Holmes was invited to join Santana’s band for a tour with Bob Dylan in 1993. This experience opened up new opportunities for him to perform on the most prestigious rock stages. However, since he also had other offers and wanted to explore further aspects of jazz, he joined the Brecker Brothers. In 1994, he was invited to the SWR New Jazz Meeting.

His collaboration with Carlos Santana, which continued from 1997 to 2000, earned Holmes high acclaim in the music industry and several Grammy Awards. Among other tracks, he was featured on the hit “Smooth” from Santana’s album “Supernatural“. The Brecker Brothers’ album “Out of the Loop,” on which he also played, won a Grammy Award.

During his career, Holmes collaborated with the likes of: Wayne Shorter, Bill Evans, Michał Urbaniak, Randy Brecker, Victor Bailey, Daryl Jones, Alphonso Johnson, Mike Mainieri, Steps Ahead, Rob Thomas, Steve Lukather, Al Jarreau, Paul Gilbert, Steve Kimmock, Michael Gregory Jackson, Bob Thompson, Leni Stern, Bob Belden, Don Byron, Philip Catherine, Jeffrey Lopez, Eijiro Nakagawa, Michael Zilber, David Gilmore, Monday Michiru, Benny Rietveld, George Colligan, or Francis Mbappé.

He was endorsed by the follwing drum brands: Meinl Cymbals, Tama Drums, Evans Drumheads and Vater Drumsticks.

Rodney Holmes died on July 11, 2026, after a battle with cancer.

Here’s the official word from his family:

“We are heartbroken and devastated to share that Rodney passed away on Saturday, July 11th, surrounded by his family and loved ones. Rodney inspired people around the world through his extraordinary musicianship, phenomenal drumming, brilliance, intelligence, kindness, infectious sense of humor, and genuine love for humanity. Rodney was a multi-Grammy Award-winning artist, who performed, toured, recorded, and collaborated with many of the world’s finest musicians throughout his remarkable career.

Entirely self-taught, he was not only a world-class drummer, but also an accomplished composer, producer, and creative visionary whose influence will continue to be felt for generations. Rodney was a rare talent, possessing the exceptional ability to perform at the highest level across virtually every genre of music.

Rodney was a true rock star in every sense of the word – both on and off the stage. He lived with passion, generosity, and authenticity, bringing laughter and inspiration to those fortunate to know him and experience his music. His legacy extends far beyond the notes he played; it lives in the countless lives he touched.

Rodney was deeply grateful for the unwavering love and support he received throughout his career from his family, friends, fellow musicians, fans, and followers. We ask that you help us honor and celebrate his life by continuing to listen to his music, watch his performances, and carry forward his passion that he poured into every beat.

Thank you for keeping Rodney’s spirit alive through the music he loved so dearly.

Cancer sucks and it is a cruel disease. While our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing that Rodney’s music and the love he shared with the world will live on forever.

Groove on, Brother Rodney“

Tributes started pouring in immediately.

Hudson Music: “Seeing the very sad news that drum great Rodney Holmes passed over this past weekend. Cause was cancer. He had a great career, playing for many years with The Brecker Bros. as well as Randy Brecker solo projects and tours, recorded on the Santana Supernatural record including the massive hit-Smooth, and was the long-time drummer in the Steve Kimmock Band. Born in the Bronx,NY he was our longtime friend. RIP Brother…“

Vater Drumsticks: “We are saddened to hear the news of Rodney Holmes’ passing a few days ago.  Working with Rodney and seeing him perform was truly an honor. Rodney was a tremendous spirit who will sorely be missed, but his musical brilliance will live on with his catalog of incredible work.“

Meinl Cymbals: “Meinl Cymbals would like to offer its deepest condolences to all who knew and loved Rodney Holmes. Rodney was a long time member of our Meinl family with whom we shared many experiences, whether it was working together during the Meinl Drum Festival, at PASIC, on drum clinics, filming in the studio, or creating signature cymbals, we always had a warm and friendly relationship with Rodney. It goes without saying that his musicianship and artistry were world class. But just as important, if not more-so, Rodney was an incredibly kind, thoughtful, and gentle person. Rest in peace Rodney and thank you for everything.“

Tama Drums: “Yesterday was a difficult day as we learned of the sudden passing of our dear friend, Rodney Holmes. A longtime TAMA artist and brilliant musician, Rodney was an incredible person whose joy and kindness touched everyone around him. His legendary talent spoke for itself, yet throughout all his successes he carried himself with quiet poise and heartfelt sincerity, all the while remaining truly humble.”

Evans Drumheads: “The EVANS Drumheads family is deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Rodney Holmes. Rodney was an incredible musician and such a kind and genuine person. We’re sending our condolences to his family, friends, and fans around the world. His mark on the drumming world will be felt for generations. Rest in peace, Rodney. Our deepest condolences to all of Rodney’s family and friends. Rodney, you will be profoundly missed.“

Randy Brecker: “Hello Folks…. Am in the midst of a great China tour, but this tragic news just came in, and need to share it… Am beyond shocked and saddened… Rodney Holmes was my drummer for over 40 years & part of so many things…“

Dave Weckl: “RIP Rodney Holmes… Shocked to hear this news… He was such a wonderful player and a great guy… He came to me somewhere in the mid 80s for a drum lesson. He sat down and played for about five minutes. I literally told him there was nothing for me to show him, and to go home. Lol.. So we hung out and talked for a while. Not long after that Rodney was on the scene, killing it… Sending love and condolences to family and everyone that knew and loved him. My friend George Whitty, who played with Rodney quite a bit, posted this over on his page. Thought I would share. Some really great playing from Rodney, and all, with the guys from the Brecker Brothers band, 1994.“

Will Lee: “I’m shattered to have a lost a real ally. Rodney Holmes was a “groove ninja” that was so much fun to explore rhythmic avenues with. We had a blast traveling together and playing with Randy Brecker and the Brecker Brothers Band Reunion over this past decade-and-a-half. I’m gonna miss him so much and my heart goes out to all that loved him.”

Sources:

https://downbeat.com/news/detail/in-memoriam-rodney-holmes-19662026
https://meinlpercussion.com/en/artists/rodney-holmes-a1260.html
Wikipedia