Andrea
If you have a keen interest in music, you’ll love an in-depth look into the life and career of one of America’s most respected drummers and educators, Kimberly Thompson.
Kimberly is known for her dynamic drumming style and is a three-time Grammy winner. She also has achieved success performing with legendary jazz icons. She has also made a name for herself as the President of KTMUSICPRODUCTIONS, a female-founded record label.
With all those accomplishments, no wonder many people regarded her as one of the best female drummers in the world.
Join us as we explore Thompson’s journey from her early days as a musician to her current role as a respected leader in the industry.
Who is Kimberly Thompson?
Kimberly Thompson is an award-winning female drummer who has overcome numerous obstacles to achieve her dreams of playing music. Born in Los Angeles, California but raised in St. Louis, MO, she was exposed to various musical genres early on. She knew that she wanted to pursue music professionally.
Thompson began playing the drums at age 10, and she joined the school band at her school, Pattonville High School. She sharpened her skill set and prepared her for what was ahead.
With the help of family, friends, teachers, and local music professionals, she carved out a place for herself in the world of drumming, especially in jazz.
Though there were times when pursuing this career path seemed daunting and difficult, Kimberly’s passion always drove her forward. Her dedication has earned her accolades, such as becoming the record label’s founder, performing with her group, Kimberly Thompson Jazz Quartet, achieving Grammy Awards, and many more.
Kimberly Thompson’s Musical Journey
Kimberly Thompson’s musical career started after she earned a bachelor’s degree in jazz composition at the Manhattan School of Music in 2003.
From there, she set out to make a name for herself in the industry, starting with the release of her debut album, Clockwork, in 2010, which was released via her own record label, KTMUSICPRODUCTIONS.
Throughout her career, Thompson has released several more albums, including her latest, Treasures Abound (A Tribute to the Jazz Greats), which was released in April 2016. Along with her solo work, Thompson is also a highly sought-after session and touring drummer, having worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Beyoncé.
With Beyoncé, Kimberly got the chance to participate in Beyoncé’s nationwide and worldwide tours, which included appearances on tv programs including The View, MTV, BET, and the Grammy Awards and World Music Awards. Her work on Beyoncé’s “Countdown” video also earned her a Best Video credential.
Besides being a touring drummer, Kimberly has also played with The 8G Band on the NBC talk show Late Night with Seth Meyers. She also finished “The Donna Summers Project,” a Broadway musical created by The Dodgers and Tommy Mottola.
She also made an appearance in Romy & Michelle, a stage version of the movie Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion from 1997.
Throughout her career, Kimberly Thompson has proven herself to be a talented and versatile musician, respected educator, and leader in the music industry.
Discography
Throughout her career, Kimberly has released seven albums, each showcasing her unique style and versatility as a musician.
Her debut album Clockwork was released in 2010 via her own label, KTMUSICPRODUCTIONS. The album featured a mix of jazz and funk influences. In 2011, Kimberly released her second album, Dreamcatcher. The album received positive reviews for its upbeat energy and Thompson’s impressive drumming skills.
She continued to produce excellent albums afterward, like Red Glory (2013), A Child Eyes (2014), and many more.
In April 2016, Thompson released her latest album, Treasures Abound (A Tribute to the Jazz Greats), a tribute album to great jazz musicians.
Conclusion
Kimberly Thompson’s musical journey has been nothing short of remarkable. She has shown that passionate and dedicated musicians can succeed despite any obstacles they may encounter
Thompson inspires many drummers, offering valuable advice and demonstrating a sense of peace with her music.
