The Genius Of Jonathan "Sugarfoot" Moffett

[@DrumeoOfficial]

Thank you, Sugarfoot, for sharing your legendary talents! 🙏 What a great living legend! What's your favorite Michael Jackson drum groove? Inside Drumeo, you can remove the drums from all your favorites and play along. Click here to try it free for one week 👉www.drumeo.com/trial

[@SpiderDan2099]

Thank you Sugarfoot! Thank you Drumeo!

[@georgeabrahamofficial]

I play along with drums and was inspired by Sugarfoot. One of my favorite Michael Jackson songs is the Thriller grooves, especially the Hi-Hat part. What I've learned is how hard to play some bass drums & more grooves. I just wanna say thank you very much Jonathan Sugarfoot for inspiring me to become a drummer! May God Bless you always! 🙏🏻 😊 ❤

[@alaskan_bergwanderer]

'Billie Jean' was one of my most favorite tracks to play when I would fill in for a local cover band, and I always appreciated just how tight you needed to be as a drummer to make that steady beat convincing and getting people to respond to it. Now, DO NOT get me wrong, I am nowhere near the level of Sugarfoot (NOWHERE), but I definitely appreciate his approach of playing with feeling rather than playing busy...I even apply that to when I play metal music. As weird as that sounds...haha

[@Sergedrumming]

Drumeo can you make a video about Stan Lynch the drummer from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

[@sistagirllondon]

ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING video!!

[@JonathanSugarfootMoffett]

Thank you, Drumeo for making this wonderful video! I feel truly honored! ❤ Also, thank you, Brandon! I had fun!

[@Chimunculous]

Thank you for taking the time to teach us on Drumeo, and more importantly thank you so much for a lifetime of your incredible music and inspiration! I'm a complete beginner at the grand old age of 42 and I've already fallen in love with drums.

[@whiskersb5296]

Thanks for making these videos on drumeo. They’re amazing.

[@SpiderDan2099]

💯🥁🥰

[@Chris.Rhodes]

You sir, are a legend. My hat is tipped to you, thank you for making my childhood that much more enjoyable growing up to your melodies and music. Absolute respect. 🙏

[@nomo4u886]

Legend

[@The_KlaVra]

You know you are good when Michael Jackson trusts you to keep the beat AND add your own flavour to it.

[@EstevanDrummer]

And also Elton John and Madonna, mindblowing

[@Pt0wN973b0iI]

Mr.Jackson liked Mr.Mofeett cause Mr.Mofeett added an helped Mr.Jackson in his dance. A hard thing to do for drumers and dancers.

[@onesong2001]

Jackson didn't know how to express the ideas in his head. disagree? watch the This is It rehearsals.

[@creeperkiller9795]

@@onesong2001Jeez you really are more obsessed with Michael than most MJ fans, since you think you’re all that, post yourself playing better than foot

[@apieceofdirt4681]

I don’t know the name of that Drumeo dude but I don’t care for him. Every famous drummer he features he’s got to have their identical drum kit setup. It just seems disrespectful.

[@leokimvideo]

Imagine your job in a live show is having to emulate the perfect timing and impossible beats of a drum machine. Magic happens when adding human flare and individual style. That's what makes Sugarfoot a top tier drummer.

[@onesong2001]

Imagine if you played the drums. You could possibly have some credibility in what you're saying.

[@creeperkiller9795]

@@onesong2001I play drums and I think Sugarfoot is one of the bests for that very reason. You clearly don’t know anything about music

[@MusicLuv80]

how come he never recorded album with michael jackson?

[@onesong2001]

@@creeperkiller9795 I play the drums, bass guitar, 6-string guitars and keyboards. You clearly haven't listened to any great drummers.

[@ibtunesoriginals2629]

​​@@onesong2001you make Lars Ulrich look good

[@cromulence]

Everything about Moffett's playing is amazing, but the chokes are what get me. They are just SO clean. Truly one of a kind.

[@jeffball6656]

Not just a genius of a drummer but a super nice person. Nothing but positive things to say about Jonathon.

[@adambloodfist3368]

When he sits down, he's just so powerful and precise. It's insane.

[@tjallingdalheuvel126]

Some people are just built different and are running on an atomic clock.

[@lw_official4689]

Micheal was such a perfectionist and there could have not been a more perfect drummer for him. The sheer perfection of both sugar foot’s drum chops and Micheal Jackson’s showmanship is something the world will likely never see again.

[@brudzool]

Ricky Lawson was just fine for several tours too.

[@RodrigoRaez]

An incredible drummer, a groove master, a human metronome, a real sugarfoot: who wouldn't admire such a gigantic musician? Thanks Drumeo for this wonderful episode.

[@relp78]

He never over plays and is a human metronome! Love watching his videos!

[@Alex-Grt]

I love the fact he actually really complimented Brandon 😇 shows how chill this dude is with something he mastered first, also a very big approval Brandon!😎 cheers

[@behindthen0thing]

seems like a legit nice guy

[@lefumamothibeli]

Jonathan is a true legend. He contributed immensely to the music entertainment industry. I did not know he played drums in many of my favorite songs. I enjoyed it so much when growing up. I also play drums as my dad also did. Thank you for all the hard work and dedication you put into your art. Thank you, Brandon, for making this video. You, too, are a star man!

[@Bonzosbadgeholder]

Brandon, your "Genius" series videos are incredible. So thorough and so interesting. This may be your best one! These are great documents that future drummers will always be able to reference for inspiration. Great work!!!!!

[@bearclawshooster2173]

Oh my cripes sake you have to be ai by now

[@IAmInfinitus208]

I love the fact Sugarfoot would always engage the kickdrum to give a musical cue to MJ's dance to emphasize more power to it on every downbeat, best example is Billie Jean on his live tours!

[@tripledeluxedday]

It has that Low End.

[@hharrowflat2773]

What a wonderfully humble person. Jonathan, you have a gift - thank you for sharing it with the world. God bless you.

[@tripledeluxedday]

your Mom said that too.

[@jamespfeffer2941]

My nine-year-old son has his first drum performance tonight. They are playing “Billie Jean.” So I showed him the master. I am grateful for the video. Thank you!

[@TheRealDemonKlyd]

Very wise man and advice here, great showmanship. What a wonderful time to keep learning this wonderful instrument that is the drums.

[@SalRubino82]

MOFFETT knows how to hold back better than anyone.He is a Fantastic pop drummer.He does what’s needed nothing more nothing less.The simplicity is anything but and rather rare when we are watching these you tube maniacs.A lot of misplaced talent out there and this man just stays perfectly grounded.He played for the biggest names out there yet he is so humble I’m envious.SugarFOOT!!!!

[@Spectacurl]

I’m always surprised about him. The precision of a drum machine, but the feeling that only a human can add. Is such an unique playing style. Usually you do one or the other

[@onesong2001]

nonsense comment

[@SpiderDan2099]

Okay, so I learned that Mr Sugarfoot played on 'Don't Stop the Music' 😮 which explains why I love that funky jam so much!! ❤ 😊

[@prongATO]

On emotion, the first time I played with a band and really felt what it was like to be in-the-pocket, it was emotional and addictive. There is a feeling you get with your playing and there’s nothing else like it.

[@hugolafhugolaf]

His Beat It vid on here is an absolute classic. A seemingly simple 4/4 song, but he is so tight, yet so groovy, it's a demonstration in professionalism.

[@apmahardhika]

its tge best explanation, so tight yet so groovy

[@SweetSpot909]

the smooth criminal one is better

[@hugolafhugolaf]

@@SweetSpot909 No

[@bpbrowning78]

Makes my heart happy and sense the world is ok when we can honor Jonathan Moffett in such a way. Legend

[@tripledeluxedday]

yeah gay.

[@bpbrowning78]

@@tripledeluxedday 😂 Knob

[@RavenWhite-r3i]

I’ve been listening to this man for most of my life! How I was not hip to this genius, I will never know! But I absolutely know now! Thank you, for tightening me up !🤗

[@magister8084]

I remember in the early 90s, MTV used to play George Michael's "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" a lot, featuring Elton John. I liked the song, but I kept watching the drummer because he drumed and also moved in an incredibly professional way. I didn't know who that guy was for decades. Now I do. Thank you!

[@onesong2001]

"I kept watching the drummer because he drumed and also moved in an incredibly professional way" = bizarre

[@magister8084]

@@onesong2001haha :D

[@poindextertunes]

@@onesong2001you might wanna lay off the instrument practice and work on your social skills for awhile 😅

[@onesong2001]

@@poindextertunes You might want to stop being a snowflake but then again, you might not.

[@cgafken]

Gotta give a shout out to the legend John Blackwell Jr. (R.I.P.) for exposing me to the greatness of Sugarfoot. I can only imagine how happy he would be to see the recognition one of his heroes is finally getting 🥁 ❤🎼

[@onesong2001]

moffet is not in the same league as blackwell

[@the_rustydoornob1164]

He honestly taught me how to play with feel, watching his vids with u guys transformed my drummed by comparison, love y’all and off love sugarfoot cuz he’s awesome 🤘🤘🤘

[@fernandomarques3064]

I can´t think of a better nickname than yours, Jonathan, for you treat your bass drums as babies; you can do anything to them, and they accept it. But what I like the most is your ability to "feel" and "control" the flow of your drum speech; it is highly controlled, as well as technically perfect. You beat all those drum machines, and always add new perspectives. You are a Master, no doubt, and what an astonishing drumming. My compliments and deepest respect.

[@stevenobrien595]

The Madonna shuffle bass drum multiples is just killer. My fav groove by him.

[@greenriverviews6819]

oh man, broke my heart to hear the story of that last hug he gave Michael Jackson

[@joanmarcpino]

This man is a legend, I always enjoy his playing, is very inspirational. God Bless You Jonathan

[@stevenandrean2661]

Old soldier never died. 🤟🤟🤟

[@sweettand2957]

I have loved this man's performances for many years and never knew who he was...he is so amazing!!!!!! My love for drums has been reignited

[@TheFloatingBartender]

I loved this guy already. Watching this, somehow I love him even more. What a power house, legend all the above. Thank you for all you contributed to the grove man. Love ya dude 🙌🙌🙌

[@arichster]

I'm not a drummer but my late brother was and my uncle was a from teacher. And a family friend was a drummer for Sinatra. This walks me back through some holy ground and brings me to a place where I hear things I never heard before. Wonderful video about a rare talent and beautiful sweet man. Thank you.

[@mrjazzkarabass]

Legendary drummer and musician!!! He is part of history pop music!!! Thank you!!!

[@nildabarbosa1579]

Thank you Drumeo for the interview to "Sugarfoot" never knew about him since today and the genius he is with his drummers and didn't also know that he was part of Michael Jackson's music.!

[@Hurricane1990]

This man has timing so perfect, you could set a metronome to it. You can tell the host was rushing his beats and how Sugarfoot just stays locked in.

[@onesong2001]

what professional drummers do you know who can't keep time?

[@arcuz7862]

@@onesong2001 None. All these brainless drones act like it is some outstanding talent to not mess up on the timing.

[@onesong2001]

@@arcuz7862 They're Michael Jackson fans so they don't know anything about music

[@xavierpierre1676]

his play style is so clean i love it every song is very specific and perfect in every way

[@hooyah_whit7054]

Sugarfoot's bass drum work and pocket is my ultimate inspiration. Taking the groove of an original recording, adding a little spice to it and making it your own without taking away from that original song is how I've always played. Thank you Mr. Moffett for sharing your craft with us!!!!!🤘😎

[@hotboybiggronn6220]

As a fellow New Orleanian and a huge fan of drums, I can easily say that Sugarfoot Moffet is a New Orleans ICON and a Legend to me.

[@VodeniMedved]

It may look arrogant, which turns people off, but let's not be fooled. This man is the master of the drums. He plays a clean rhythm that doesn't deviate. Pure control from begining to the end. Almost all songs that he plays have a recognizable rhythm, the drum doesn't drown in the song, it elevate and decorates it. You can air drum on any of the song shown here which is real indication of the drummers skill.

[@donuteyes]

honestly, it doesn't look arrogant (to me). it's well-deserved confidence in his skills.

[@onesong2001]

there are many drummers better than moffet

[@MrRonald1231]

As kid growing up in the late 80s, all the way through to the 90s, id always wondered who was behind the drums on MJ's band. Little did I know it was a Drum Magician, A Human Drum Machine...A Legend... His one of a kind...Sugar Foot. Thank you Drumeo for making a documentary on this great musician.

[@badumtss89]

Thank you so much, Brandon and Sugarfoot! You guys are the best!

[@lsimmons24]

My goodness. The drum God himself. Thank you for giving this man his flowers. Amazing talent and work ethic.

[@tripledeluxedday]

You really think that he would be a force since most the time he isnt even mixed into the mains.

[@TellyPower]

Wow I didn’t realize how many people he toured with! Crazy talented, and softly spoken. So talented and humble x

[@jamesvioleen]

God bless Jonathan. wish him health and happiness for many years to come. such a cool and wonderful human being

[@AndreZA979]

What a great overview of one the best drummers career ever!

[@guillaumed7788]

Thank you for this awesome and fascinating video ! Mr Jonathan Moffett is a legend ! I didn't know how he influenced songs in concert of so many stars !! God bless him and his talent

[@BrandonToews]

This is gonna be a good one 🔥

[@alwinderooij2634]

I'm in awe of Mr. Moffett's knowledge and skill. Remarkable and what a privilege to learn more through these videos. Thank you Drumeo!

[@richardsedivy9765]

Beyond the crazy cymbal setup and 3-5 bass drums (which is cool). This man had extraordinary timing and could keep beat perfectly for hours. He could just play a snare a hi-hat, a bass drum and 1 cymbal and still be amazing. What a great drummer

[@1zanglang]

I remember some interview Johnatan gave, and he was asked about the scandals Michael Jackson was dragged into. And Moffet's answer showed what kind of man he is. He talked about his bond and friendship with Michael, and said that all the bad things about him were not true. Even if Michael was gone, Moffet proved he's a man with high morality and life principles. I wasn't much of a fan of Michael Jackson, but his immense talent and work together with such great musicians like Sugarfoot, got my respect and apreciation, for him and for the great artists who joined him in his career.

[@brudzool]

Well then, if moffett says he didnt do it....i guess it isnt possible.

[@onesong2001]

🤣@@brudzool

[@mikeparkin7262]

He is truly a inspiration to me. Thanks so much sugarfoot for what you do.

[@ReadyUpGo]

A new inspiration for me to learn who this drummer is after digging his beats for so many years. Thank you for the video. Bravo!

[@Ven66]

I've indeed learned that precision and emotions can be merged, and it's an amazing thing

[@FFmybest]

He just has this charisma in his presence, in his sound which is so motivating, and inspiring.

[@hitomi7922]

The brief comparison between Brandon and Jonathan's playing was really eye opening. Listening to it, you could feel something was a little off with Brandon's version but it was hard to tell what it was until Jonathan mentioned it. I had a better appreciation for all the drumming nuisances after that.

[@chriswelljack4910]

I heard it there were a hole in it it was so obvious because he was missing parts of that kick drum that ties it all together

[@Six3rdy]

Aye man......I got MAD respect for Brandon now. He took an L for all of us. Lol. As much as I hate to say it, he did have some ways to go on that groove; the feel wasn't quite right. A tad uneven. (I didn't notice the missing drum beats. Brandon did better than I could've in that regard. But I did notice that it was a touch uneven.) Sugarfoot did his thing for certain, but Brandon took that L to set him up for it. I gotta respect that. At least, that's my take. 😅

[@rodneyhammond5291]

Just saw Jonathan Moffett play drums for Kool and the Gang a little over a week ago in Las Vegas. He gave new energy live to some Kool and the Gang classic songs.

[@robertpender9647]

And oh how could I forget thank you for all the drummers out here we learned so much from you thank you

[@probablynotleo4340]

He looks so gangster but speaks so softly, seems like a really nice person.

[@blakewilliams3702]

Jonathan’s play is magical!

[@willambush7030]

SUGARFOOT , IS GREATEST AN HUMBLE PERSON THAT I HAVE EVER HEARD SPEAK . THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR MANY YEARS OF MUSIC..

[@danyulwilliams9823]

Jonathan “Sugarfoot” Moffett is one of my drummer 🥁 🥁 🥁 🥁 idols!!! He’s so talented on the drums and he’s got great techniques and inspires many people!! 😊😊❤❤❤😊❤🥁

[@onesong2001]

who are the others?

[@onesong2001]

you dont have any others do you

[@danyulwilliams9823]

@@onesong2001 Questlove is another one

[@onesong2001]

@@danyulwilliams9823 He's alright

[@Crazy_Humorous]

One thing I learned from him? I'm not a musician, but he is a NINJA on the drums! I just love it, he left me amazed! He is a legend!

[@davidbalan6571]

Let's raise our sticks to the talented Leon " Ndugu chancler for his incredible drumming on the timeless hit " Billy Jean " by the king of pop , Michael Jackson .

[@felixweber6593]

He played on one of my all time favourite songs : "Like A Prayer" by Madonna... superb groove and superb drum parts... Thank you Sir.

[@arayapokey]

LOL I was just about to comment at 10:00 you were doing a great job of emulating Sugarfoot, but no one can play like him, and then surprise!

[@taurussho86]

This makes the hair on my back stand up. I was a percussionist in school and loved every bit of playing on drum sets. Brings me back.

[@solonadetoro3705]

I love the way you play the drums I as a woman always found the drums to be my instrument of choice but never ever had the chance thank you for sharing your experience and talents with me and all your fans god bless you always

[@melaniesmith1313]

Moffatt is one of the absolute greats. This was a wonderful documentary.

[@bradleythorburn]

Jonathan Sugardoot truly is a legend I love when Drumeo has him on and this video is exceptional

[@rickybahar9134]

As a singer and entertainer myself I feel so blessed to get the opportunity to see the legend behind the hits i grew up on... Thank you Drumeo for the video🤝 Massive blessing and shootout to youll🫶 Blessings Ricky Bahar from Sri Lanka

[@LauraC-ek4wd]

What a master, I'm totally in awe, Jonathan is totally on another level ❤

[@theomnitorium7476]

I heard many producers these days say that you don't need drummers anymore because you can just programm them. But I'm sorry, you can't programm this. You'll never be able to. The natural groove, intuition and improvisation. All these drum machine parts sound 100% better when he plays them. You can't programm the human feel.

[@TheCHAGO77]

What makes music so special so magical is that has to do with emotions and feelings therefore machines Will never achieve that.

[@theomnitorium7476]

@@TheCHAGO77 Agreed

[@dwaynejordan6750]

I once had a Argument with a Damm Fool that tried to tell me "Drum Machines" could Replace "Drummers"!!! I just told him He was a Damn Fool and walked off so that No one would be confused about which one was the Fool 😂😂😂

[@keepinitreal1373]

I really enjoyed this video. Sugarfoot Phenomenal in his performances!! I’ve always been in love with the drummers. HE IS REALLY GIFTED!!♥️♥️

[@juliusaureletohitoho8458]

Sugarfoot has something special no one can explain. Maximum respect ❤❤❤

[@moritzdrums]

Jonathan is so such a interesting and admiring person. Drumeo please do more videos with him.

[@DannyGadish]

they do a video on him every day

[@ryanpottle]

Your spirit and your music is very moving! Thank you for sharing these gifts!

[@SpiderDan2099]

*Update* What I really learned, within an hour of watching this video I went to my storage unit and pulled out the rest of my kit 😅 I need to spend time with it 😊 so it can become an extension of me ❤ My drum room is unfinished, so no soundproofing for now, sorry neighbors 😂 but Jonathan 'Sugarfoot' Moffit says I need to spend time with my drums! 😊 I never argue with a wise man! Will make the balance of my 30 day Drummer class a bit cooler than the practice pads! Thanks Drumeo, Thanks Domino, Thanks Sugarfoot!!!

[@nonamemcgee1295]

You know your special when ur job is to keep it simple and perfect for the singer to shine but you also shine and then be considered a legend

[@tonyl.]

Always loved his playing….just learned about more folks he worked with…and we all know why…his skills are undeniable !!

[@RamonOchoaMusic]

I love his sticks. The 2S nylon tip side just works for me playing loud music. I was so glad when he introduced them last year since the original Pro-Mark signature sticks had been discontinued for a number of years. When you sort the Drumeo videos by the most popular he’s the top three in number of plays.

[@mb7196]

I just realized Sugarfoot was probably the first big drummer I ever saw live. I saw the Victory tour which was my first ever concert. Crazy!

[@xavierpierre1676]

What this whole time i didnt know much about him but the fact he has a few bass drums tuned different and plays them melodically is insane i love him already. i know anyone mj keeps around for ever is insanely talented

[@brando4212]

Moffett single handedly made me want to play drums again. Groove over fills. Does it make people dance? Does it ramp up to the last chorus? Do the hi-hats have different accents? It's all art and expression. Great long-form video giving credit to a great musician.

[@RudyAdad012]

Michael Jackson believed in your talent. the way you play the Drums in the song is very compatible with the beat of the music. you are an asset to world music that we will never forget. I really appreciate your talent. Greetings support from Malaysia.

[@anitacoffey]

I loved this. Sugarfoot, you are some of the good in the world. Thank you for sharing your amazing gift with us.

[@MuzicianApp]

What a great insight into a drumming legend. Thanks for sharing.

[@meranae]

Jonathan Moffett is a true Master of the beat. He elevates the music.

[@jonnyturtleneck7153]

Melodic drumming with drum machine precision. This guy is unreal. Wow.

[@EricNoi-m5]

This man is a ninja in drumming 🥁 Salute!

[@crazyarse]

True talent, amazing job on the making of this video, thank you Drumeo so much!

[@steviesteve750]

He's one of the few drummers who you can recognise blind folded. Unique signature playing style and groove.

[@WorldReserveCurrency]

Thank you for putting this together... .this is so special.

[@sergioaraya681]

Wow,great video,this man is a piece of pop music history.

[@brannyfer]

What I learn about him, everything he’s my inspiration ❤

[@budi_situmorang]

He is the living drum machine, groove and precision in one package!

[@BlackRootsAcademyOfSoul]

Insane!! 🔥 Now I know where my friend, the late great John Blackwell got his inspiration from. A Bass Guitarist's dream twin is Sugarfoot! 👌🏿 Greetings from Uganda 🇺🇬👊🏿🖤

[@mklklm9144]

Be tight. Less is More. Simply Groove & Serve the song. A master to admire.

[@ricklopeslocutor]

Sugarfoot u r a True Genious of Drums! Huge respect!