James Blades

James Blades (1901-1999) was one of the most distinguished English percussionists in Western music, renowned for his performances with prestigious orchestras and conductors, including collaborations with Benjamin Britten. He served as Professor of Percussion at the Royal Academy of Music and authored influential books such as Percussion Instruments and Their History (1970), Percussion Technique, and his autobiography Drum Roll. Born into a family of percussionists in Peterborough, Blades had a diverse early career in circuses, brass bands, and cinema sound effects before achieving international acclaim and honors including the OBE.