The Genius Of Viola Smith

[@montauta]

You need to do a vídeo about Karen Carpenter. She was an incredible drummer.

[@chezchezchezchez]

You’re 100% right. She was actually amazing. I’ve seen some of those clips wow.

[@matcoffidis1135]

She really was. ✌️👍

[@hedhuntervizo6749]

Yesssss

[@williamperri3437]

Clearly! Chops for days

[@lajeanette33]

@@montauta oooh yeah! Do it, please do it 🙏🏻

[@jetsilveravenger]

Lived to 107, wow.

[@johnakins6861]

Especially when she used radium-tipped drumsticks!

[@incognito8186]

She was just a month shy of 108!

[@chezchezchezchez]

Drumming can help you live longer. Seriously. Look it up.

[@levithomas915]

Cardio for real.

[@cripdyke]

@@chezchezchezchez Drumming and whisky. It's what I use.

[@briannaserr]

Viola was my grandma’s cousin. I didn’t meet her until shortly before her 100th birthday, but I spent quite a bit of time with her in the last few years of her life. She was an incredible (and hilarious) woman!

[@sburns863]

my grandmother played with viola smith in the kit kat band when cabaret was on broadway! so cool to see her getting some well-deserved recognition edit: can't believe i didn't notice till now, but that's her on the piano in the clip at 7:30! what a nice surprise :')

[@BrandonToews]

Wow!!

[@adamnicol4271]

I've never heard of her but this was an absolutely fascinating episode

[@MooseWrangler]

Absolute pioneer. Love drumeo for showcasing the true legends of the game

[@BrandonToews]

Stoked for this episode!

[@brandonslape970]

@@LouseGrouse😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅

[@0rland0walkthrough]

Looking sharp my dude!

[@jvassalo]

Thank you so much, Brandon! This video is absolute gold!

[@mitchellsmith8537]

You brought a new pioneer of the drums to light for young folks Brandon. Great work

[@erikmathy4211]

Thank you for this. What an amazing artist!

[@philipnestor5034]

This is excellent Brandon that you did a video on Viola. A drum pioneer for female drummers who weren’t taken seriously back then.

[@Raucey]

Video idea, I really want a "[Drummer] learns" episode where you give a modern drummer not just one of Viola's parts to learn, but on her kit setup. The ultimate mix of classic and modern would be getting Nandi in for the challenge.

[@powertrip6426]

On her setup would be wild! Awesome idea

[@mr.anderson6660]

🤘🤘

[@rob8609]

I was gonna say definitely a girl drummer. Pau Villarreal would be another great choice

[@bookstardigital7307]

yesss

[@nwvfd22]

Oooooo, we get dapper Brandon for for this one? Darn right. Show Queen Viola her respect.

[@kernicterus1233]

I particularly like his watch, I wonder what it is?

[@nwvfd22]

​@@kernicterus1233 Someone message Marshall from wristwatch revival! We need answers!

[@sabahbubbler]

Wouldn't it be more appropriate if her wore a dress like Viola Smith?

[@BrandonToews]

@@kernicterus1233- Hamilton Jazzmaster!

[@kernicterus1233]

@@BrandonToews I guess it had to be didn't it!!

[@andrewpappas9311]

I’ve only heard her name in passing so I don’t really know anything about her but I can definitely see how influential she is, she was an absolute badass back in her time and living to 107 years old is undoubtedly impressive as well. On a side note I’m definitely digging the suit, Brandon. Looking classy as hell, dude

[@lollylula6399]

What a fantastic life she had. She seemed so humble, sincere, and full of passion for her art. I appreciate your sincerity too in how you acknowledge her talent, exceptional life, and the important role she played in paving the way for future female drummers and musicians. And you look great in a suit!

[@brendan123]

Really cool to see you guys educate people on influential women involved in the development of the craft. Respect to Drumeo, and even more to Viola and all the other women making more cracks in the metaphorical glass ceiling!

[@willemvdk4886]

I had never heard of this woman but wow, she is a legend! Thanks for making this, Drumeo!

[@terrysnyder5193]

Thank you Brandon for this spotlight on Viola. I discovered her a few years ago and I’ve been a fan ever since, I even have a Viola Smith tshirt. I think it’s worth noting also that she died at 107! Drumming is the fountain of youth!!

[@JulesUS8386]

She really drew the eyes to the kit with the stage presence. I love her explanation of putting drums up high to raise her face and torso up for the audience could see her play and not just sitting there looking down at the kit!😊 Wiki says she passed away in 2020 making her 108 yrs old!! She didn’t suffer from Alzheimer’s in that interview yet that was the diagnosis given for her passing. I can see her happiness for the drums in her facial expressions. Great talented woman. I bet if my Grandpa was still alive he would have known of her as he played the stand up bass in a big band until the 70s. I knew there were women baseball players brought in during the war. I never heard of Ms Viola. What an amazing woman.

[@devilsden2283]

Absolute magnificent tribute to a true pioneer & legend...love the Zildjian shirt...Bravo Drumeo!

[@davefieramosca6974]

The first time I saw videos about Viola I was blown away by her drum kit. Typically when you see drummers from that era , the drums are very understated out of the way and barely heard. Viola made her presence know in a big way. That's a true drummer, ready to shakes some walls and rattle some teeth.

[@Utcheeow]

This video will be most useful in putting a true music icon, an absolute landmark in the history of drumming, back in the spotlight and introducing her to anyone not yet familiar with her. Viola Smith's importance goes far beyond her skill with the instrument: she is a woman who, in a world still totally centered on men, built her independence and strength on music and with a drum kit. An extraordinary historical contributor, Drumeo remains the best drumming channel ever.

[@GameDevMadeEasy]

I never heard of Viola Smith until this video. Thank you Drumeo for really diving into historical figures in the drumming world. With the clips I heard of her drumming style and Brandon playing it. I feel like modern metal drummers could incorporate many aspects of her playing into modern metal music very well. Those toms hits with the mallet and double kicks with 16th note pulses instead of quarter note pulses would sound MASSIVE!

[@gillianshaw9403]

Wow! What a great tribute. I confess her name was new to me...but you folk at Drumeo did a sterling job. Thanks so much.

[@steveallen3434]

love the way you dressed for the tribute. You look very smart. and the fact real talent always finds a way to rise to the top

[@withJordanFrank]

Man, you guys keep pushing yourselves and try to do interesting things and it's so exciting to watch. Not only are you choosing to highlight a tremendously important musician that many of us were unaware of, but you also go out on a limb and successfully change the vibe/set/wardrobe to match Viola's era and it totally works. So fun, so informative! Thanks for introducing me to Viola, i've got a lot of catching up to do!

[@CaudiJazzSpain]

Espectacular....las mujeres también tocamos percusión. Muchísimas gracias Drumeo❤😊

[@AndrewJYoung-iz7ct]

My daughter brought home a book called The Faster Drummer, a children's book about her life. Never heard of her, yet she sounds like a cultural icon. I love it when people continue to work in their "golden years." Brings joy to my heart and the desire to do so myself as an educator and performer. Thanks for sharing this incredible story.

[@margaretumbsen9015]

I love that she mounted those rounded toms up on their sides like that! She knew how to make the visuals work with music to liven things up. Thank you for doing this series and showcasing the legend that was Viola Smith.

[@evilrobotchris]

I was embarassed to not know anything about Viola Smith. This was an amazing video, I was genuinely in awe the whole time. What a hero. Seeing her influence on Louie Bellson was incredible.

[@thomaspfaff8723]

Beautiful coverage. Thank you!! She’s a beautiful person and blessed.

[@gregbooth5853]

Great video Brandon! A drummer from Calgary here following your career. Good work! Interesting to hear Viola inspired Louis Bellson. I find it amazing to see the evolution of drum sets and drummers from the 1920's to today.

[@cfusilier2]

I recognized her name immediately because of a jazz history class, but couldn’t recall what she sounded like. I’m so glad you pieced this all together. Absolutely groundbreaking and influential.

[@cfritzius]

This was great! Brandon and Drumeo really did an awesome job here! Everyone needs to see this!

[@mat-qy5wn]

Wonderful! i have learned something new today. Incredible woman.

[@LeBron_tha_GOAT]

Amazing story on Viola Smith!!! Thank U for doing this story. I'd never heard of her. 🙏🏽

[@buddyrichforever]

Thanks for putting this video together like this. It’s important to document the great drummers from the past and present. We all owe something to drummers like Viola.

[@Chris_KS5KY]

Listening to all the Big Band era music I have, I can't believe that I hadn't heard of Viola Smith before. Thank you for opening my eyes to her and for creating this video. Drumeo strikes again!

[@wesmattimore2895]

Never heard of her, this was a great video..thanks

[@drumdiscussion7776]

Thanks, Drumeo for highlighting Viola Smith and her long musical career! She was a ground breaker working drummer into her 80's!❤ Her contribution will always be historically significant.

[@diegopeart]

I feel enlightened, illuminated. I've never heard of her until now, and boy am I glad to have watched this. Another great female drummer to look up to!

[@fluffshepnetwork7067]

Oh, this is going to be epic! Great idea, Drumeo!

[@thetruestein2530]

I had only heard her name in passing, but never looked deeper into who she was... this was an eye opener, she was an amazing woman and amazing drummer. I love this channel for exposing me to drummers that I may not know by name, but I can hear their influence in some of my favorite current players.

[@metalmacabre9991]

As a professional drummer, thats played in death metal, and doom metal, i love the authenticity of this channel. They really go all out when they do these the genius of videos. They use a kit setup to the guy, or gal of who they're paying tribute too.

[@amandamarinovich6164]

She's the coolest! What a sweetheart. My family took my dad to see Santana for his birthday, and we were all blown away by Cindy. Please do a follow up on her!

[@fernandomartincom]

IT'S SO GREAT DRUMEO FEATURED VIOLA!!!!! A TRUE PIONEER AND A TRUE WORKING DRUMMER!!! 👏🏼🥁🎶

[@alvarohenriquez8154]

Love your show , it’s brilliant

[@superarisu]

I've seen videos of Viola Smith in the past, but didn't know she'd worked in theater as well as television. It's good to see her recognized among the modern greats.

[@matyasmeszaros1904]

It is amazing, how she stood up fow women musicians. True artist, brilliant talent. ❤❤❤

[@alexis.jacobo.drums14]

Thanks for sharing Drumeo! These videos are a pleasent joy to watch and learn about our precious instrument

[@Wubblr]

It's great to see the history of drumming like this. Really highlights how far everything has come.

[@maubee2112]

So good! My wife and I were just talking about her and I sent this video to my kids! Great job again Brandon and Drumeo!!!

[@phoenixdk]

A big thank you to the people who plan, research, source, shoot and edit these Genius Of videos... they are an absolute boon. Incredible what you can watch for free in this day and age :) Oh, and Brandon - nice suit!

[@goatmaiden]

"I am really very thankful that I'm accepted as a drummer. A girl drummer. You know, at one time, there was no such thing." - Viola Smith (I always knew her as Great Aunt Vi :) )

[@The_KlaVra]

Watching old footage makes me sad, i wish we had the technology today back then. We know of drummers that were big but how many went unnoticed. Even in the 80s or 90s, i wish we could have had this type of technology. Imagine bringing Keith Moon, John Bonham, Peak Era of Vinnie Paul, PEAK ERA JOEY JORDISON, Peak era Van Halen, and so many more drummers than i am surely forgetting. Thank you Viola for pushing drums and being an inspiration to many drummers. May you rest in peace knowing you were the queen of drunming.

[@vickiefranklin3658]

Awesome! She was so innovative, talented, & her drumming was spoke 4 itself! Ty Drumeo!

[@shannonpincombe8485]

This is such awesome history to watch. I wish I had known of her earlier. Thank you Drumeo.

[@paulmason6470]

Thank you for this. 🙏🏻 A remarkable woman. I first became aware of her when she was 102… at which time I believe she was still regularly gigging with a seniors’ orchestra. 😳🤟🏻

[@IronChefBoyardee]

The fact that there is a straight line between her and the rise of the double bass pedal is astonishing. I never heard of her before, but what a legend.

[@eladreltuc]

Y'all have really been nailing it the last few years with this channel. It would be cool if you guys could go down to New Zealand and connect with Phil Rudd and do a full video with him. I know he's not a groundbreaking drummer, but he is legendary and talked about by everybody. it would be so cool to have a sit down with him and see what he does in the way he does it. There is literally nothing on him out there.

[@TravisPacheco1]

I had never heard of her. This is a fantastic episode and a wonderful series. I’m a hobbyist and know a little bit about the rock gods, but these deep dives into the folks that shaped and influenced how the drums are played today are enlightening and so enjoyable to watch.

[@willemvdk4886]

Oh damn I love the style of the presentation scene, Brandon! The lighting, the background AND the costume. Love it.

[@mykneeshurt8393]

This is a GREAT and AWESOME video honoring an amazing lady. Keep it up, Drumeo!

[@adawil2002]

This is a great episode! Learn something new every day about great drummers, their kit setup & innovate drum breaks or grooves.

[@ian3314]

This was very cool. I had genuinely never heard of her.

[@jessetarr2771]

I love these genius episodes and what Viola teaches about showmanship!

[@paulyjones3966]

My dad would have really enjoyed and loved this . Thankyou.

[@shontroelstrup2023]

Great job on this. What a spectacle those big bands used to be.

[@derekdiez5494]

Great showmanship indeed, very energetic and you can see from her face the joy of playing the drums.

[@robertregan5341]

You guys are killing it with this series! Bravo 👏 👏 👏

[@KBStickEm]

Awesome video!! I don't remember if I've ever even heard of Viola which is weird for a guy that has spent so many countless hours perusing drummerworld and YT. I can't say I've never heard of her but if i hadn't... Well I have now!! Thanks, Drumeo, we appreciate all the hard work making amazing content for us!!! ❤️

[@brent3760]

Wisconsin Proud!! #Sheboygan #Malibuofthemidwest

[@HankAaronJoseph19]

Damn straight

[@teressainthe303]

Thank you for featuring a woman drummer. I'm one year into drumming. I love it. I've already performed the National Anthem at a Rockies game and have my first recital in December, where I'll be playing Clocks by Coldplay. 🎉 I'll remember her comment about showmanship. I think about that as I rehearse. I'm going to name my kit Viola. ❤ 🥁

[@SunshineHB]

Drumeo out here doing important work. ❤

[@playdrumsforfun]

😍😍🤩🤩thank you for sharing this!

[@irmaoksanen6830]

What an inspiration. Never heard of her before. Love this channel.

[@richgordon497]

Great job Brandon! Thanks for the history lesson.

[@AngelaSealana]

Thank you for this tribute to Viola!

[@DoutorBreja]

Amazing serie, amazing episode!! Cheers, Drumeo!

[@yojoebananas]

Love Brandon’s tux to honor the style and era. Cool video !!

[@richboshart1201]

Awesome tribute Brandon and Drumeo. Bravo!

[@jkdrummer9585]

Great subject and well produced! Another winner Drumeo!

[@enriqueplanas]

❤❤❤ cannot love this video enough! Thank you guys! Very nice!

[@kld5617]

Just come on my feed brilliant brilliant what a great talented drummer god bless her ❤

[@martinlawrence8427]

Superb, love it, what a star! Great work Brandon!

[@mightyV444]

Such a wonderful tribute! 😍 And you did very well with playing on such an unusually (by today's standards) set up kit, Brandon! 👏😀

[@TheEasyeman]

Love how you wear a tux to honor her and the time when most musicians wore suits on the kit 🎉🎉

[@greengoog22]

Her drum set-up was sick! I wonder what those old drums sound like today? That could be the next Drumeo video 🤔. I don’t even play drums, but I love these stories! Great video as always!

[@countrydj2]

Never heard of her. Excited to watch this video.

[@Usiris23]

What a dapper look for this episode! Even the timepiec to match. 🎩

[@garysmith3173]

An excellent episode. Thank you .

[@DerekFrampton]

Yeah. She WAS THE most amazing IMO. Such a showwoman, and really worked that kit AND the crowd!

[@nickbavarodrums1929]

This was awesome! Super underrated drummer

[@leokimvideo]

A drummer from a era of class and style, back when a band was pure entertainment

[@rev0pt963]

Never knew I needed to see this. Thanks!

[@JoaoFerreira-fx3xp]

This is amazing, thanks for sharing!

[@davidfriedlaender4130]

Excellent! thanks for sharing this important info

[@Jackie_Rosewood]

Sooo excited for this!!🥁🥁🥁🥁

[@joshuaschmidinger3993]

Thos was cool, I love thos era and style of music and I always played metal and punk in bands in my band and rock etc. In cover bands. So cool to see this, as a musician I just see music and listen to mostly everything that sounds good to me. Appreciate her positive attitude and perseverance at a time the world was against her. She made it sound like a cake walk but that just shows you her patents raised ger right and with strength and dignity. She knew who she was and didn't let anyone hold her down and at the same time she respected others and didn't put them down either 👏 this might be her ultimate legacy😎👌

[@blortmeister]

Thank you for this. So easy for pioneers to fall to the side. And women get written out of history far too often. Now excuse me, I have to go do a deep dive...

[@daddarioandco]

Amazing!

[@matthewbachelor6576]

Viola Smith! What an incredible gem!

[@rosmakloma]

love this - thank you ❤🥁