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!
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 :')
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
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!!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
"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 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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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!!! ❤️
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.
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.
I learned from Smith that the placement of your drums affects how the audience literally sees your work, and thus affects the artist/audience connection.
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.
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. 😳🤟🏻
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. ❤ 🥁
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!
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!
Absolute pioneer. Love drumeo for showcasing the true legends of the game
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 :')
Wow!!
I've never heard of her but this was an absolutely fascinating episode
You need to do a vídeo about Karen Carpenter.
She was an incredible drummer.
You’re 100% right. She was actually amazing. I’ve seen some of those clips wow.
She really was. ✌️👍
Yesssss
@@montauta oooh yeah! Do it, please do it 🙏🏻
Lived to 107, wow.
Especially when she used radium-tipped drumsticks!
She was just a month shy of 108!
Drumming can help you live longer. Seriously. Look it up.
Cardio for real.
@@chezchezchezchez Drumming and whisky. It's what I use.
Stoked for this episode!
@@LouseGrouse😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅
Looking sharp my dude!
Thank you so much, Brandon! This video is absolute gold!
You brought a new pioneer of the drums to light for young folks Brandon. Great work
Thank you for this. What an amazing artist!
This is excellent Brandon that you did a video on Viola. A drum pioneer for female drummers who weren’t taken seriously back then.
Oooooo, we get dapper Brandon for for this one? Darn right. Show Queen Viola her respect.
I particularly like his watch, I wonder what it is?
@@kernicterus1233 Someone message Marshall from wristwatch revival! We need answers!
Wouldn't it be more appropriate if her wore a dress like Viola Smith?
@@kernicterus1233- Hamilton Jazzmaster!
@@BrandonToews I guess it had to be didn't it!!
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
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!!
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.
On her setup would be wild! Awesome idea
🤘🤘
I was gonna say definitely a girl drummer. Pau Villarreal would be another great choice
yesss
I had never heard of this woman but wow, she is a legend! Thanks for making this, Drumeo!
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.
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!
Absolute magnificent tribute to a true pioneer & legend...love the Zildjian shirt...Bravo Drumeo!
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!
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.
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!
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!
I came on this video by accident, and was amazed and trilled to see and hear such great playing by fantastic women.
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.
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
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
She was so awesome! Thanks for introducing her to me.
Great job on this. What a spectacle those big bands used to be.
Wonderful! i have learned something new today. Incredible woman.
Oh, this is going to be epic! Great idea, Drumeo!
This was great! Brandon and Drumeo really did an awesome job here! Everyone needs to see this!
Never heard of her, this was a great video..thanks
Amazing story on Viola Smith!!! Thank U for doing this story. I'd never heard of her. 🙏🏽
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.
Espectacular....las mujeres también tocamos percusión. Muchísimas gracias Drumeo❤😊
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.
Oh damn I love the style of the presentation scene, Brandon! The lighting, the background AND the costume. Love it.
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.
Beautiful coverage. Thank you!! She’s a beautiful person and blessed.
Thanks for sharing Drumeo! These videos are a pleasent joy to watch and learn about our precious instrument
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!!!
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.
"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 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.
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.
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.
This is a GREAT and AWESOME video honoring an amazing lady. Keep it up, Drumeo!
Amazing serie, amazing episode!! Cheers, Drumeo!
Awesome! She was so innovative, talented, & her drumming was spoke 4 itself! Ty Drumeo!
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!
Love your show , it’s brilliant
Wisconsin Proud!!
#Sheboygan
#Malibuofthemidwest
Damn straight
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!
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!
It's great to see the history of drumming like this. Really highlights how far everything has come.
IT'S SO GREAT DRUMEO FEATURED VIOLA!!!!! A TRUE PIONEER AND A TRUE WORKING DRUMMER!!! 👏🏼🥁🎶
This is such awesome history to watch. I wish I had known of her earlier. Thank you Drumeo.
Great subject and well produced! Another winner Drumeo!
I love these genius episodes and what Viola teaches about showmanship!
This is a great episode! Learn something new every day about great drummers, their kit setup & innovate drum breaks or grooves.
😍😍🤩🤩thank you for sharing this!
What an inspiration. Never heard of her before. Love this channel.
Awesome tribute Brandon and Drumeo. Bravo!
You guys are killing it with this series! Bravo 👏 👏 👏
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!!! ❤️
Amazing!
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.
Love Brandon’s tux to honor the style and era. Cool video !!
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.
Superb, love it, what a star! Great work Brandon!
Never knew I needed to see this. Thanks!
Vioooooola Smiiiiith 😱🙏🏻
An excellent episode. Thank you .
❤❤❤ cannot love this video enough! Thank you guys! Very nice!
I learned from Smith that the placement of your drums affects how the audience literally sees your work, and thus affects the artist/audience connection.
Great job Brandon! Thanks for the history lesson.
My dad would have really enjoyed and loved this . Thankyou.
This was very cool. I had genuinely never heard of her.
Drumeo out here doing important work. ❤
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.
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. 😳🤟🏻
Thank you for this tribute to Viola!
This is amazing, thanks for sharing!
Excellent! thanks for sharing this important info
Sooo excited for this!!🥁🥁🥁🥁
A drummer from a era of class and style, back when a band was pure entertainment
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. ❤ 🥁
Love how you wear a tux to honor her and the time when most musicians wore suits on the kit
🎉🎉
Love this!!❤
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!
Just come on my feed brilliant brilliant what a great talented drummer god bless her ❤
What a dapper look for this episode! Even the timepiec to match. 🎩
This was awesome! Super underrated drummer
Never heard of her. Excited to watch this video.
It is amazing, how she stood up fow women musicians. True artist, brilliant talent. ❤❤❤
Such a wonderful tribute!
😍
And you did very well with playing on such an unusually (by today's standards) set up kit, Brandon!
👏😀
Wait... "Radium painted drumsticks"....
This gal is a treasure, a truly wonderful story. Thank you for making this video!!!!