The Hitmaker: Bernard Purdie

Inventor of the famous "Purdie Shuffle", the most recorded drummer of all time, Bernard Purdie's life and legacy is explored in this feature documentary as he continues to tour internationally and teach music in his mid 80s.

There is no drummer more lauded or more recorded than Bernard “Pretty” Purdie. And for every great musician, band, and pop song in the 20th and 21st century, the backbone of the song is the drummer. Aretha Franklin, James Brown, B.B. King, Herbie Hancock, Nina Simone, Miles Davis, Steely Dan, Louis Armstrong, Jeff Beck, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Wonder, Cat Stevens, King Curtis, and thousands more all relied on Bernard Purdie’s precise and stylish drumming to keep them in time and bring their songs to life. Purdie has played on the biggest albums, the biggest stages, and influenced Pop music more than any other modern drummer. From John Bonham to Omar Hakim, Steve Jordan, Chad Smith, and most ever other drummer out there, they all pay homage to Bernard Purdie in one way or another in this film.

Director | Jethro Waters

Producers | Ralph Rolle, Jethro Waters, Sara Ayele, Eric Slick

Executive Producers | Chad Smith, Steve Jordan, Omar Hakim