My Take
Jim Keltner might be the most famous drummer you've never actually heard of by name — and that's kind of the whole point. This Tulsa, Oklahoma native has been the secret heartbeat behind some of the most beloved recordings in rock history: George Harrison's solo work, John Lennon's sessions, Bob Dylan's Rolling Thunder period, Ry Cooder, Joe Cocker, you name it. Bob Dylan's biographer Howard Sounes called him "the leading session drummer in America," and honestly, that undersells it. What makes Keltner special isn't flash — it's feel. He plays like the song needs him to play, not like he needs the song to notice him. Getting inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in 2014 was a nice nod, but the real trophy is just how many legendary records quietly rest on those steady, soulful hands.
Overview
James Lee Keltner (born April 27, 1942) is an American drummer and percussionist known primarily for his session work. He was characterized by Bob Dylan biographer Howard Sounes as "the leading session drummer in America".
1. Profile
- Name (English)
- Jim Keltner
- Name (Japanese)
- ジム・ケルトナー
- Reading
- じむ・けるとなー
- Born
- April 27, 1942 (age 84)
- Zodiac / Chinese zodiac
- Taurus / Horse
- Origin
- Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States
- Blood type
- Private
- Height
- Private
- Agency
- Private
- Occupation
- musician / drummer
2. Background
- Elementary school
- Private
- Junior high
- Private
- High school
- Private
- University
- Private
Awards & achievements
- 2014 Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame
3. Relationships
- Spouse
- Private
- Children
- Private
- Parents
- Private
- Siblings
- Private
4. Personality
Motto
Private
6. Links
7. About this entry
Tags
- Last updated
- 2026-06-02
Facts are limited to publicly available information up to 2024; non-public items are marked "Private / Unknown". English text is machine-assisted (facts translated by Sonnet, "My Take" written by Opus 4.8). The Japanese page is the source of record.