Drummer Jimmy Van Eaton Dies At Age 86

A rock and roll legend has died.

Jimmy Van Eaton, the drummer on iconic hits like “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” and “Great Balls of Fire,” has died at the age of 86.

Terri Van Eaton Downing, Van Eaton’s daughter, confirmed that the cause of his death was kidney disease complications.

Jimmy Van Eaton was a true musician, and while many may not have heard his name, he is highly respected in the music industry.

Colin Escott, a music historian, has commented on Van Eaton’s musical talent in the past.

“The looseness and unpredictability of his drumming may sound out of place in the modern era when most drum tracks are derived from a computer sample repeated with mathematical precision. But the sound of surprise that he captured in his playing was the pulse of Sun Records,” Escott said.

We pray for anyone grieving the loss of this incredibly talented musician, Jimmy Van Eaton.