Buddy Harman (1930–2008) was a Nashville native and one of the most recorded drummers in music history, performing on more than 18,000 sessions. As the first staff drummer for the Grand Ole Opry, he helped define the “Nashville Sound,” bringing drums into the forefront of country music and transforming Nashville into a global music hub.

Harman’s versatile playing can be heard across countless hits, from Patsy Cline and Dolly Parton to Simon & Garfunkel. He contributed to Elvis Presley’s soundtrack recordings, played on the Everly Brothers’ “Cathy’s Clown,” and worked with icons like Roy Orbison, Tammy Wynette, Kenny Rogers, and Reba McEntire. In 1991, he was again appointed the staff drummer at the Grand Ole Opry.

Honored with multiple “Super Picker” awards and the Academy of Country Music’s “Drummer of the Year,” Harman also performed for four U.S. presidents. His powerful, driving style left a lasting mark on country, rock, and pop music, securing his place as one of the most influential drummers of all time.

Partial hit song discography:
Johnny Cash - Ring Of Fire, Walk The Line
Patsy Cline - Crazy
Roy Orbison - Oh, Pretty Woman, Only The Lonely, Crying
Tammy Wynette - Stand By Your Man
Everly Brothers - Bye Bye Love, Cathy’s Clown
Roger Miller - King Of The Road
Ray Price - Heartaches By The Number, Nightlife
Jerry Lee Lewis - What I Say
Brenda Lee - I’m Sorry
Jim Reeves - He’ll Have To Go
Lynn Anderson - (I Never Promised You A) Rose Garden
Johnny Horton - The Battle Of New Orleans
Jimmy Dean - Big Bad John