Jabo Starks

John "Jabo" Starks
Background information
Birth nameJohn Henry Starks
Born(1937-10-26)October 26, 1937
Jackson, Alabama, U.S.
DiedMay 1, 2018(2018-05-01) (aged 80)
Mobile, Alabama, U.S.
GenresR&B, soul, blues, funk
OccupationMusician
InstrumentDrums
Years active1955–2018

John Henry "Jabo" Starks (/ˈdʒæboʊ/; October 26, 1937[a] – May 1, 2018),[1] sometimes spelled Jab'o, was an American funk and blues drummer best known for playing with James Brown as well as other notable musicians including Bobby Bland and B.B. King. A self-taught musician, he was known for his effective and clean drum patterns. He was one of the originators of funk drumming, and is one of the most sampled drummers.[2][3]


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