Michael Jackson's Drummer Jonathan Moffett Performs "Jam"

A few weeks ago we released Jonathan "Sugarfoot" Moffett performing "Beat It" by Michael Jackson and it's almost at 1 million views! To celebrate here's another tune that I'm sure you're gonna dig. "Jam" is the fourth single off Michael Jackson's 1991 album "Dangerous".
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About Jonathan:
Jonathan “Sugarfoot” Moffett has recorded and/or toured with some of the greatest pop artists of our time, including Elton John, Janet Jackson, The Jacksons, Cameo, Lionel Richie, George Michael, Kenny G, Doug Miller, Peter Cetera, Bill Meyers, and Cirque du Soleil, besides guest appearing at popular television shows like The Tonight Show, Good Morning America, Saturday Night Live, and The Arsenio Hall Show.
Among his biggest musical feats, none come close to his extensive work with the all-time greatest pop artists of the last 100 years: Madonna and Michael Jackson. Jonathan toured extensively with Madonna and recorded drums for several of her albums, including “True Blue” and “Like A Prayer”. As for the king of pop himself, Jonathan was his drummer for The Destiny Tour, Triumph Tour, Victory Tour, 1988 Grammy Awards with Michael, HIStory Tour, Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration, This Is It, & Cirque’s Immortal World Tour.
Follow Jonathan:
►www.jonathanmoffett.store
► / @jonathansugarfootmoffett
#drums #michaeljackson #drumeo #drumming #drumcover

[@DrumeoOfficial]

Don't forget to check out the grooves of Michael Jackson (Free Series) here ► www.drumeo.com/michael-jackson-grooves/

[@erbayakin6894]

😂😂😂😂😂👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@RewindThatLive]

This guy is Drumeo right now, such incredible footage!

[@henrikhyrup3995]

He's the ONLY guy who can say "Nope, the metronome was DEFINITELY off-beat!"

[@CottonInDerTube]

I bet he didnt even had a click on the silent parts. I wish i would be 1 percent that awesome.

[@natas0733]

It has been said that his pocket timing is used to calibrate atomic clocks.

[@RewindThatLive]

Listen to Blood Sugar Sex Magic album by RHCP too because that's a metronome album for sure, that's what made Chad Smith part of the drumming scene. Notice how Sugarcoat controls his hits on the cymbals and rarely uses them for fills, this is how drums should be played, respecting the music as originally created, no tricks and licks, just respect for the music, the only thing that matters!

[@g..._anthony27]

​@@natas0733 ♻️

[@TheFanboyHater]

No doubt Michael would only work with the best musicians. This is incredible, no bullshit, perfect timing and feel for the music. Masterclass.

[@purpleyou4963]

TheFanboyHater right

[@petrusgandamana]

Wooow Man...you are crazy Magnificent Drummer

[@rifem28]

You r great but the bass not the same as the original.

[@funone2no]

JOHNNY JACKSON was a Better Drummer.

[@AminNazari666]

@RedRose7997 he is drummer for MJ works.

[@nielaranda5980]

Drumming is not about fast hands or making adlibs, is about consistency and timing. This one of the best example of it.

[@natas0733]

His pocket rhythm is used to calibrate atomic clocks

[@RewindThatLive]

fast hands is so overdone at this point, you're just making more noise for no reason and destroying the mix. I couldn't agree more!

[@xsung5848]

His drumming so clean, doctors use it to sterilize wounds.

[@dominomasters104]

Raph DXB nice lol

[@jcd5979]

Hahaha 😂

[@JoaoVitor-ny1zs]

hehehehehehh perfect

[@woohaa27]

Im giving you a thumbs up and an eye roll at the same time🙄

[@kaloy1]

😂stolen comment😂

[@anatolyjose6555]

godlike choking combo starts at 1:52 😂

[@VocasoGK]

He did better (this is awesome too) on the full 1 hour course in Drumeo, in the very last part of the solo section if I'm not mistaken.

[@rehanperanginangin5040]

K

[@TheRealJohnSouth]

That was sick AF

[@theresadavis7604]

Blew my mind the first time I watched it 🤯🤯😳

[@tabitharosefreeman1793]

datbearded boi Lol @ Godlike 😂

[@el-bov8034]

The kung-fu cymbal-grabs are everything!! :)

[@amjan]

Go watch some Bobby Jarzombek then...

[@yoanmarti2937]

amjan Thanks

[@gearhead4005]

el-bo V tight ass beat. Nice work

[@Jason-hp7pu]

amjan Lars Ulrich is better than Bobby

[@vitorferreira8899]

amjan U are talking about the best drummer to ever touch a drumm set...

[@Fister_of_Muppets]

For all you kids watching: This is what a true professional drummer looks like. The tightness and timing of this guy playing is absolutely superb, maybe one of the best ever.

[@stephanjauze2695]

Genius!!!

[@prabu.gurukar1043]

GENIUS PAR EXTRAORDINARY 👏 👌 🤣 🙌 ☝😄😁😁😁😁👍👍👍😀😀😀👍

[@juniorthornton3819]

Talent like that doesn't come from watching it's from god born blessed with it.

[@nikosdalamitras9673]

What did you expect?He us Michael Jackson's drummer!Of course he is gonna be great!

[@Fister_of_Muppets]

@@nikosdalamitras9673 so we shouldn't compliment him because he is great? Lol what?

[@Mrgop]

He's been coming to my store for years and I just found out who he is! One of the nicest people you could hope to meet!

[@prabu.gurukar1043]

@ Bill , what's your store? is it musical instruments? If yes pls tell your location details etc

[@nandaglez1924]

Where is your store??

[@JazzyGirlyy]

He aint bout to tell yall lol

[@woahtherebuddy5173]

@@JazzyGirlyy fr bro,

[@chopzmasta07]

1:54 - 2.00 no fly is safe in Jonathan's house

[@bvg83]

repsandgrooves 🤣🤣🤣

[@vradamusic]

Faster than bruce lee

[@rockiki4409]

Funny!!!!

[@martinmccomb5462]

@@vradamusic No, but I think Bruce would like his technique; he is very straight-forward and there are no wasted movements. Everything he does has a purpose. Very precise and controlled at all times. So yes, somewhat martial arts-like I guess.

[@johnyaovidzikunu2277]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@MrDzala]

I think what even more crazy is that he could perform all of these songs live to this level for an hour + during the tour. That's just an unbelievable level of consistency.

[@AndyGrahamProductions]

I love how he almost looks bored while kicking so much ass. Genius.

[@JustinMcVicar]

Nah he's just in a pure flow state. He's practically meditating.

[@RewindThatLive]

Dangerous album is so underrated, JAM has so many percussive elements that you have to play around, this guy is the master!

[@gabrieljohannson6777]

1:39 - 2:15 is epic. Moffett is one of the great funk drummers we have seen hands down. There can be no doubt to that.

[@THE-HammerMan]

Gabriel Johannson Do you even know what "funk" is? I don't think so..Moffett is a BEAT drummer pure and simple, and one of the best ever. But Funk is not what he does- although he no doubt could. He's like a human metronome, his timing is so good; which although a great thing for "Beat" drumming(aka "dance beat drumming"), it's not the style for Funk. It lacks the flair, feeling and soul needed for Funk. It is in a nutshell too "flat". Moffett's a BEAT machine! That's ONE reason why he's NOT on Rolling Stone's 100 list of top drummers- and rightfully so, and not on ANY other "greatest" list either. He's impeccable, and I love his individuality and unique presence on the drum kit...one that has Tom's and cymbals that have never- ever - been used(sadly)! Take two-thirds of his kit away and he could do everything he ever has done, or will ever do. But the man is so cool-- GOTTA Love The Guy!

[@JuanceMusicOK]

Matthew, yo creo que Gabriel te rompió el culo con sus más de 200 likes vs 3 likes tuyos jajaja

[@NocturneThrone]

@@THE-HammerMan Meg white is on the list…

[@THE-HammerMan]

@@NocturneThrone Yep. Very talented. Too few women on that list! Karen Carpenter was like #6(?) on Drum World magazine's top ten living drummers(male or female) when she sadly passed away. Says a lot for how talented she was. Voice like an Angel too...

[@THE-HammerMan]

@@JuanceMusicOK So?

[@matheushenriquebozio551]

i've never felt so safe in my life listening to a drummer before

[@cc_1983]

Those cymbal chokes are phenomenal and he’s not even looking he knows his shit. This is incredible. No overcrowding and that works best esp in areas where big Tom fills are lost anyway. I love the fact that he plays like a human drum machine - the tightness and effect of a drum machine but a human

[@RewindThatLive]

Yeah drummers know where everything is so when you start sweating on stage and have to close your eyes from the sweat burn in your eyes its all muscle / location memory. Stage lighting is like a sauna for drummers and without a industrial fan you're roasted after one set.

[@R-L-I]

Well it is said that Michael Jackson was a perfectionist, is it that hard to believe he would only select the BEST musicians? This guy proves it.

[@kstonurai9350]

Yep sugarfoot on drums Steve Stevens on guitar MJ on vocals 😍😍❤️🙏

[@stefaniebrown9241]

Most definitely!

[@milkdee2065]

It’s like watching Bruce Lee on the drums! ✊🏾

[@philosophiaentis5612]

Milk Dee It does make sense.

[@ruvenesh7668]

Hahaha 🤣

[@5000rgb]

I like the kung fu noises at 1:52

[@wutamamama]

My man

[@visheshl]

Actually man, crazy

[@Daniel-gy6ze]

The way he moves his head when his playing is kinda cool, he's kinda chillin while he play, no fancy whatsoever fills and just pocket drumming. Learning a lot from the featured artists here in drumeo!

[@kidslatethegreat]

Yoooo from 1:53-1:58 is CRAZY!! I clicked this video for this song and he KILLED IT like I knew he would!! Practice really makes perfect man, LEGENDARY 🙏🏿✊🏿👑

[@luciansunset1]

Really drum kung-fu. Amazing

[@ellenmason3833]

I rewatched that shizz easily 10 times and still don’t believe what I saw! RESPECT. Mad respect.

[@doxskew2221]

Hes like a drumming ninja

[@ChazzCoombes]

MJ was a perfectionist no wonder he had this guy for his drummer, omg.

[@Madmaxthundrdome]

Sugar foots timing is incredible and such a joy to observe. Truly an artist at any age at any right, I mean let’s be serious Michael Jackson’s compositions where so often very complex, dynamic, and sugar foot just kept stepping up and slammed it!!! One of the most unappreciated drummers ever. But for me and many many others I’m sure.!! Outstanding 🥁🤩😎🤙

[@hongwonsuk5057]

He is like a martial arts grand master. Amazing!

[@terrypaul2693]

The way he ended that was like .... And that's how you play drums ... Masterclass over!!! This man is beyond flawless. Even if you're not interested in drums, this is enough to make you feel like ... The hell did I just watch? Just stunning the way he plays.🙌🏼

[@RewindThatLive]

you could watch this guy for hours while you practice and learn your place behind the kit, these are literally on demand masterclasses!

[@MrSiloterio]

FYI: Moffett was with Michael and the Jackson brothers during the infamous Pepsi commercial shoot in 1984 when Michael suffered from second-degree burns from the blazing pyrotechnics. He noticed the flames on Michael's hair at one point during the shoot and dropped his drum sticks and ran to help him just as some crew members did the same. God bless this man.

[@grosenberg68]

I love watching this guy, he's a brilliant drummer. His groove is so great because it's just a tiny/infinitesimal fraction behind the beat which makes it sit in the pocket (Bonham was similar). But you just know he has mad chops in his bag of tricks, but his maturity as a player comes through. He knows exactly what to play, and more importantly...what NOT to play. You don't get gigs with Michael Jackson and Madonna by overplaying and being flashy.

[@rhealynplan5070]

Yeah he has control.of everything..not like other drummers they are just messy and eager

[@rhealynplan5070]

Yeah he has control.of everything..not just like some random drummers who are messy and eager

[@W_Swide]

If this guy do a solo it will be the best solo all time

[@pessi.zapler]

Couldn’t agree more

[@learnngwell]

Jamtastic! Look Drumeo, I’m not the biggest fan of everything you do, but you are providing an invaluable service to the history of drumming by bringing in so many top artists like Sugarfoot, letting us hear their thoughts, and especially, recording their performances for the eternities. These drummer-focused features will one day make up a museum of drumming. Wouldn’t we all appreciate it if we had more well-produced videos like yours of the now-gone drumming greats? I applaud you for the way you are using your commercial teaching platform to archive and record the most important drummers of our time, for all time. So, thank you!

[@gerardoneri5115]

Well said brother!!!!

[@kikazdrumer]

Gerardo Neri what he said ☝️

[@ChucklesMcChuckleson]

I've never seen a drummer with such precise timing and control. What he is doing is not easy, nor is the pace of the song slow. But he makes it look both easy and slow.

[@eduardofagundes4793]

Perfection. Just like every single song Michael put out.

[@solohour]

JM is a beast, but whomever advised him to continually use “Michael Jackson’s Drummer...” in EVERY title of EVERY video was misinformed. His name can definitely stand on its own.

[@burntvirtue]

The Solopreneur Hour Podcast with Michael O'Neal Right but every song is a Michael Jackson song so...

[@jaminguy2795]

He's playing Michael Jackson songs lol.

[@epifaniocortez]

why not?being michael jackson's drummer is an honor and his pride

[@fuzzerify]

Michael Jackson ? You mean , Mofett's singer ?

[@kayc.5213]

@@fuzzerify ...Do you enjoy being a jackass

[@mikeboo14channel68]

All MJ song really beautiful

[@erivaldoaguiar7197]

Tenho 52 anos e nunca escrevi um comentário no youtube. Mas eu não posso deixar de fazê-lo neste momento a este baterista que simplesmente esta apresentação e espetacular.

[@FLAME-yu8hb]

Concordo contigo. Esse cara é um absurdo.

[@petermclean2351]

Amazing, just amazing! It's like he played a show with MJ yesterday. The way he catches those cymbals, oh yeah baby!

[@denniskoore]

4:04 Straight up Badassery

[@83cat]

just like a samurai that put his sword back to position

[@aaronallen8594]

Flying high with those cymbals

[@russ6541]

shark man Jared Dines reference??

[@aaronallen8594]

Perhaps

[@russ6541]

shark man o_O

[@jaymallo7859]

His timing amongst many other things is impeccable

[@akashsp729]

A drummer is who is not only perfect in playing fast items or playing a fill or a quick fill.A drummer is who who is having all these abilities I think this is the man who is having all qualities of drumming, Michael Jackson is lucky guy who got this extraordinary drummer . All heartfull love and respect from INDIA ❤❤👏👏🌹🌹

[@khalilsulaiman8451]

I loved this lesson and performance! Not overly technical, but it truly shows how drums can take the music to another level. Beautifully placed accents, perfect tone on the kit, shining cymbals that cut through and emphasize Michael's vocals. It's amazing!

[@natashareed5909]

Listening with my eyes closed feels like I am at a live Michael Jackson concert. I never had the pleasure to see him live but did have opening night tickets in 2009 to This Is It ☹️ Thanks for keeping his spirit alive! ♥️ Big Michael Jackson fan from Ontario, Canada 🇨🇦

[@richygotmoneymoney2403]

Natasha Reed thats sad you had tickets?

[@natashareed5909]

Rich Yoyo Yes, opening night tickets!

[@richygotmoneymoney2403]

Natasha Reed wow thats sad

[@lieseart8902]

I never got the chance to see him too. I was only 3 years old when he passed. I'm jealous of those who were able to go to his concerts. 😔 I'm such a big fan of Michael and I wish one day I'll see him in the afterlife.

[@johnsonchen7127]

The high hat and silent holder is killer, amazingly timing.

[@MrReallyHard]

This guy is absolutely incredible and mesmerizing to watch play.

[@spooty75]

Such a fantastic drummer! So very precise! And I cannot get tired of those kung-fu cymbal grabs!

[@nemesisheatseeker3438]

1:52 me when someone tries to take my food

[@manuelalvarezolivarez6653]

Hahahahaha thats why i paid internet

[@el34glo59]

Lol

[@takaonies]

Skills cannot be bought with money but gained with practice or gifted by nature, or both. I can’t just imagine how much effort he had put to master drums back then and still keeps the best so far.

[@generationxgarage]

This man is a legend. And as well as a machine.

[@tigerhater1]

If I knew Jonathan Moffett, I'd ask him to move into my house so he could play this "jam" when I wake up every morning. Absolutely incredible, Mr. Sugarfoot!

[@SalsaBailaProductions]

Clock work

[@carolmirelez170]

His coordination is amazing!

[@mikegreen3680]

Amazing 🤩 As much as we focus on his drum kit mastery, don’t miss his SILENCING TECHNIQUE on those cymbals either. I’ve never seen that done quite this way before! 🥁🥁🥁

[@j1shin]

What a show, awesome!

[@dinkorojas805]

WHAT A MASTER ...flawless, awesome. fantastic drummer!! la cago, la cago !!

[@danilaird8360]

I love how he hits those cymbals in back of him!

[@user-zp4uf3sz1x]

최고예요!!!

[@hafizrailey5557]

3:58 that smirk. What a cheeky bugger. 😂

[@ernstgreiner5927]

It's allways a pleasure to watch a master at work!

[@richardflower5378]

There's something therapeutic about watching him play. Class

[@ms.alrashed4379]

I wake up everyday listening to this one, it provides me with a gigantic energy & love 💕 . Thank u Jonathan, I love u

[@sergeswire1949]

Wonderful timing :3

[@henryantrim88]

could watch this guy all day!!

[@toheedasif9968]

rose are red grass is green i love michael jackson jonathan is the coolest drummer ever seen

[@Fultonfalcons86]

Sugarfoot is one of the very best drummers in the world !!!! his timing is flawless...........

[@olegaguirre8597]

1:51 lmao 😂 Savage 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@kaydensumalpong2885]

I remember in childhood my mom was a big fan of MJ. While mom was enjoying MJ dancing, singing, a kid me was listening to his drumming the whole time and that time i suddenly told my mom i want to be a drummer.

[@mrtc29]

Literally the best ending to a track ever. Totally boss mode

[@josejaviersolanonuques5020]

Less is more!

[@TheRadFactor]

Not in every genre. But in Funk, hell yeah.

[@Oilid]

The cymbals playing are way too clever to be human. Sugarfoot is an extraterrestrial!!!! 😍😍😍

[@ErikS-]

2 years on and still viewing this performance Something must be really REALLY good in it!

[@Giuditta1982]

1:55 😱 Damn... you kill it, man!!! 😍😍😍

[@batacoPANTERAabbott]

Wasn't expecting those ninja chokes at all!. Awesome and tight.

[@namenamename390]

Jonathan: "Cool new song Michael, I like the demo! Just one question: how many cymbals do I need to play during this song?" Michael: "Yes."

[@robertjennings7433]

Outstanding! ….man this guy can groove.

[@joenoah9906]

I had the honor of meeting Ricky Lawson before he passed away who was also one of Michael Jackson's drummer. Talented musician and missed by many.

[@phoenixblack1220]

I’ve watched this like at least a dozen times and gets better each time! Ungodly amazing!!

[@wongdave64]

No wonder the call him Sugarfoot! That baseline all the way through regardless of the complexity of the rest. Off the hook! Bravo!

[@srividhyaful]

What a credit Mr. Jonathan Moffet deserves to take for his repertoire, drumming for the best songs and albums of the century & forever..His consistency, clarity, coherence, sharing stage and recordings with the KING..Mr. Michael Jackson! He should have been top notch..JAM in particular, the drums is out of the world! His sincerity, dedication & mastery has paid Him off!

[@danny88dh]

I love this dude! So relaxed and accurate he owns this jam!!!!!

[@LunyMilky]

Awesome groove. Michael did a lot of great music!

[@Juan_Burgos]

The Kung Fu crash grabs are amazing! Great performance too!

[@kimjune86]

My god! Expert! God level!!!

[@gabebabe1]

OK this is even freakier than his other Drumeo performances - he is without a doubt the best groove drummer on the planet and the sound is so awesome. Makes me want to dance.

[@Elena-er7zp]

MJ hired Moffett because he could sound exactly like the recording. Oh it took three drummers and a computer for that song in the studio? No worries. We need only one Sugarfoot on stage.

[@luvohsen]

JAM!! ❤️ ho!!!!!! Why am I dancing?!🤩👍🏻

[@JennieLynneRhaine]

One of the best things I’ve ever found up in here. Saves me regularly

[@jhonkhan8153]

Masterpiece

[@jeanniefontanella3030]

Love to watch him. He is truly amazing and that is why MJ picked HIM...

[@HarshSharma-om9ec]

Michael will be Happy

[@villevenetjoki7633]

That head goes fastly from side to side with face so calm ... :) ... super skill wow.

[@davidtsmith33]

And there it is folks. 10/10.

[@davedalessandroDalessandro]

Im glad u started posting these videos ive learned alot just from watching how u play them thank you!

[@markvann9347]

Definitely a master... I still remember music class as a kid... I was born tone deaf apparently, so I literally failed every test but percussion scored a 💯 ... My teacher looked at me and said wow, you're gonna be a drummer. Lol

[@pdrse]

just incredible

[@donnybrascocoliogne819]

Love this guy...Drumming sound so clean n crisp....M.J was a Perfectionist and hence why he chose the best 👏👏👏

[@tguitars5056]

Love your drumming Jonathan its No wonder Michael Jackson hired you! Id be honored to work with you and im sure Michael was too. Have a good summer!

[@dedepermana8738]

All about timing Perfect

[@emilsunter3596]

Sugarfoot, got the cleanest chops! And the behind the back Cymbal Hand Grabs…Super Smooth Style!

[@Pauluz_The_Web_Gnome]

1:56 That is not a drummer, That is a NINJA!

[@32NinerBravo]

Michael Jackson says “I’m Bad” but my drummer is “Badass”

[@raihanulIslamrana]

😂

[@ELsplitterz]

I take back all the negative things I've said about nylon tips. Sugarfoot is killing it!! 🔥🔥

[@HATARI777]

oh boy, i loveit ! Thank you #SUGARFOOT ! #goosebumps I love you, GOD BLESS

[@karthikmartin6561]

Legend...