The Most Sampled Drummer Lived in Madison. Why Don’t You Know His Name?
A new documentary explores the life of legendary drummer Clyde Stubblefield, often called the most sampled drummer in history. Stubblefield was best known as James Brown’s drummer, and came up with iconic backbeats that changed the course of music. But he wasn’t credited or compensated for his musical innovation and faced mounting medical debts later in life. He was a celebrated musician in Madison, where he lived and gigged for decades.
Bianca Martin speaks with filmmaker Trevor Banks about why Stubblefield should get his due.
See excerpts of the film at the fundraiser on Sunday, September 24 at the Majestic Theatre. Bianca Martin will lead a Q+A with filmmaker Trevor Banks.
Read more:
🎥 “Give the Drummer Some” film website
🎶 'Funky Drummer' Clyde Stubblefield documentary still coming; fundraiser is Sept. 24 [Wisconsin State Journal]
Also mentioned on the show:
💡 The Cap Times Ideas Fest is this week, Sept 17 - 23 [The Cap Times]
🐷 Madison to vote on allowing pet pigs [City of Madison]
Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram!
Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Subscribe to the Madison Minutes morning newsletter.
Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast ads.
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Latest Episodes
FTC Investigates Epic, Willy St. Businesses Struggle, and Madison Reddit Solves a Mystery
Are you struggling to make a dinner reservation at a restaurant this week? You’re probably experiencing the influx of people who are in M...
Indigenous Art Across Madison, Wonder Bar’s Future, and Your Hot Takes
The new Teejop Community Art Project is a citywide series of temporary art installations by seven Indigenous artists honoring Madison’s I...
Primary Results Explained, Ruiz Laid to Rest, and Preview of Men’s Shelter
Today, the family of Corey Ruiz will hold a funeral at the Fountain of Life Church, where Rev. Al Sharpton will deliver the eulogy. City...
Pour One Out for Madison’s Best Bygone Bars and Restaurants
Is there a meal in Madison you used to get all the time, but that now you can only dream of because the restaurant closed? Maybe it’s a b...
Winners and Losers of the August 2026 Primary
Yesterday, voters in Wisconsin decided on primaries across the state. On today’s show, executive producer Hayley Sperling and newsletter...
New Info on Ruiz Shooting, Blood Donation Shortage, and Madison Black Restaurant Week
For the second time in the organization’s history, the American Red Cross has declared an emergency after the nation's blood supply dropp...
What You Need To Know for Tomorrow’s Primary Election
Are you ready to vote in tomorrow’s primary? Host Bianca Martin and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos have you covered with the logistics, compet...
‘Your City Could Be Better’: Naked Neighbors, Unwelcome Pets, and Other City Life Dilemmas — Presented By City Cast Madison
As much as you love Madison, city living inherently means sharing space and resources with your neighbors, and y’all certainly have compl...
How the Climate Is Changing Wisconsin Fish Fry
Our beloved Friday fish fry tradition isn’t disappearing, but thanks to climate change, it is changing. In this month’s cover story for M...
Ruiz Memorial May Be Gone, But the Protest Isn't Over
The memorial encampment at the intersection of Willy Street and Baldwin was forcibly removed early Tuesday morning by police and city wor...