Babatunde Olatunji (April 7, 1927 – April 6, 2003) was a Nigerian drummer, educator, social activist, and recording artist. ~ Wikipedia

Nigerian-born drummer Michael Babatunde Olatunji grew to international fame beginning in the late '50s with his groundbreaking 1959 Capitol Records debut Drums of Passion. The album was a huge hit, remaining in print for decades and standing as one of the first examples of the American record-buying public taking an interest in international music. Jazz kingpin John Coltrane took a particular liking to Olatunji's music, and the two became friends, eventually going so far as to collaborate on the opening of Olatunji's Center for African Culture in Harlem, an institution founded in 1965 to offer classes centered around African culture. ~ Fred Thomas



Song: Shango (Chant to the God of Thunder)

Artist: Babatunde Olatunji

Album: Drums of Passion