DWF 2013 - Aaron Spears

Photos: Margriet Cloudt

Every beat hits the mark. He is one of the top drummers of the moment.
Aaron Spears from Washington DC gained recognition in 2003 for his work with Usher, then became a TV celebrity as the longtime drummer of American Idol, made an excellent instructional DVD called Beyond the Chops, and is featured again as the drummer on Usher's latest album Looking for Myself.

Video: Hen Metsemakers

He's a drummer who showcases himself on all digital platforms with audio, video, and news. Just follow his Twitter and you'll stay up to date on his daily life. Or download his smartphone app, full of videos of his playing.

He was introduced to music early on through gospel music in church. At 23 (he was born in 1976), he became the drummer for the Gideon Band. After that, he joined F.R.O., the Funk Rock Orchestra, which would become Usher's house band. After years of live and studio experience with Usher, he released the DVD Beyond The Chops, which focuses mainly on how to groove and play musically.