Drummer Viola Smith Still Rocking Out at the Age of 106!

[SeaBreeze]

This was before my time, but I thought some folks here might know this gal, she looks great at her age, full story and more pictures here.

Musicians rejoice! Because legendary percussionist Viola Smith may have discovered the secret for a long and healthy life: energetic drumming and the moderate consumption of good wine.


Now aged 106 and actively drumming until recently in a Costa Mesa band called Forever Young Band: America’s Oldest Act of Professional Entertainers, Viola’s remarkably long career has spanned the entire length and breadth of modern music from swing to jazz, rock n’ roll and beyond.

 

[ClassicRockr]

Well, being a former rock drummer, SB, this video of her and the band/orchestra was absolutely fantastic. This lady really played that drum set! Actually, I've always liked all-girl bands and lady band members, like The Bangles and The Go Go's.

However, this lady and the band/orchestra...…….excellent, just plain excellent. And, the band leader, boy can she go at it.

 

[AZ Jim]

Remembering Ina Ray Hutton...http://www.bigbandlibrary.com/inarayhutton.html

 

[Pappy]

I also played for a number of years, however, it’s the first time I’ve seen those whatever they are drums on either side of her.
Rockr, have you ever seen these before?

 

[Keesha]

This was before my time, but I thought some folks here might know this gal, she looks great at her age, full story and more pictures here.

This is incredibly impressive. Her drumming ability is off the charts but so is the talent of the other ladies. The saxophonists also play clarinet equally well. They were really good plus they looked great also.

 

[ClassicRockr]

I also played for a number of years, however, it’s the first time I’ve seen those whatever they are drums on either side of her.
Rockr, have you ever seen these before?

Nope and I don't know about those drum sticks she's using either.

 

[Pinky]

This is incredibly impressive. Her drumming ability is off the charts but so is the talent of the other ladies. The saxophonists also play clarinet equally well. They were really good plus they looked great also.

Awesome women .. talented and beautiful to boot.

 

[Nihil]

I also played for a number of years, however, it’s the first time I’ve seen those whatever they are drums on either side of her.
Rockr, have you ever seen these before?

Those are takio drums.

 

[jujube]

Those are takio drums.

Taiko drums? I guess they could be a westernized version.