Jim Riley

Biography & Career

Website: www.jimrileymusic.com

Jim is the drummer and bandleader for multi-platinum group, Rascal Flatts. Since moving to Nashville in 1997, Jim he has played over a thousand of sold out shows for millions of fans. His television credits include The Grammy Awards, The Tonight Show, The American Music Awards, The Voice, American Idol, Dancing with the stars, Oprah, and The Today Show. Jim’s recording credits include Rascal Flatts 2014 release Rewind, as well as multi-platinum disc, ‘Me and My Gang’, EA sports ‘MADDEN 11 Football’, Brian McKnight’s album, ‘Ten’ as well as movie soundtracks for “Heaven is Real” and ‘Hannah Montana: The Movie’

Jim’s has been constantly recognized by his peers as being one of the best in the business. 2011-2014, Jim was voted “Best Country Drummer” by the readers of Modern Drummer Magazine as well as winning “Best Drum Clinician” in 2009. The readers of DRUM! Agree voting Jim “Country drummer of the year” 2008-2010, 2012-2013.

In May of 2014 Jim was featured on the cover of Modern Drummer.

Jim attended University of North Texas where he received his degree in Music Education. In addition to being one of Nashville’s elite touring drummers, Jim has become internationally recognized as a clinician and educator. His 2011 Clinic for Modern Drummer Fest was filmed and released on DVD in November of 2011. His teaching studio “The Drum Dojo,” opened up in 2007 and is a place where Jim can teach the great drummers of tomorrow. He is also a published composer, and a frequent educational columnist for Modern Drummer Magazine. Jim has been a member of both the Pro panel and educational panel for MD. His first book, “Song Charting Made Easy: a play along guide to the Nashville number system” (Hal Leonard Publications) was released in June 2010 and is now in its third printing. His new book, “Survival Guide for the Modern Drummer” (Alfred Publishing) is set to be released in November of 2015.

Hardware & Setup