This is a montage of jazz drummers whom I like and became aware of as I studied jazz. It is by no means a definitive list! Feel free to suggest others in the comments. I do think my list is a good one and does cover many.
Jazz Drummers timeline. A montage of jazz drumming greats. I accompanied pictures with their playing so you can hear the differences in each style. They are in order by year. Good for a jazz history class. Enjoy and learn.
Sonny Greer – 1895 – 1982
Baby Dobbs – 1898-1959
Zutty Singleton – 1898 – 1975
Chick Webb – 1909 – 1939
Gene Krupa – 1909 – 1973
Big Sid Catlett – 1910 – 1951
Papa Jo Jones – 1911 – 1985
Kenny Clarke – 1914 – 1985
Denzil Best – 1917 - 1965
Buddy Rich – 1917 – 1987
Shadow Wilson – 1919 – 1959
Art Blakey – 1919 - 1990
Don Lamond – 1920 - 2003
Philly Joe Jones - 1923 - 1985
Max Roach – 1924 – 2007
Roy Haynes – 1925 - Present
Elvin Jones – 1927 – 2004
Joe Morello – 1928 - 2011
Tony Williams – 1945 – 1997