Benny Barth & His Radio King Kit
This is the story of a Slingerland Radio King drum kit that I spent many years piecing back together. It originally belonged to Benny Barth, a renowned jazz drummer from Indianapolis and one of the most influential drummers of his time.
In 2019, I bought the 24″ kick drum and the 13″/16″ toms from Rick Romanelli during a trip to Los Angeles, CA. Around the same time, I met a friend in the San Francisco Bay Area, who discovered the whereabouts of the matching snare drum.
After years of searching, in 2024, I finally acquired the snare and completed Benny’s Radio King kit. This is the story of bringing a piece of drumming history back to life!
This picture shows Mike Rose and James Gallagher in Benny Barth`s living room with his Radioking kit on the left. They got some of Benny`s drums after he passed away in 2017.
A Drummer’s Journey Begins
Born in the late 1930s, Benny Barth grew up in an era where jazz was rapidly evolving. Growing up in a musical household, he was exposed to a wide range of musical influences that would shape his unique drumming style. Inspired by the rhythm-driven sounds of big bands and bebop, Barth became deeply interested in the way drummers could push the music forward without overshadowing the soloists.
By the time he reached adulthood, Barth had already built up a solid foundation in jazz drumming. His early studies in jazz were influenced by the likes of Art Blakey and Philly Joe Jones—two of the most important drummers in the hard bop era. However, Benny Barth was not content simply emulating the drumming of others. He set out to develop his own voice, a style that combined elements of swing, bebop, and avant-garde jazz.
Benny Barth in the 1960s and Beyond: Working with Jazz Legends
Barth’s career took off in the 1960s when he started working with some of the most significant jazz musicians of the time. His reputation as a versatile and inventive drummer grew as he collaborated with top-tier artists in both the traditional and avant-garde jazz scenes.
One of his most notable associations was with the pianist and composer Chick Corea. During his time with Corea, Barth became an integral part of the pianist’s groundbreaking work in the fusion and post-bop genres. Barth’s drumming provided a perfect counterpoint to Corea’s imaginative compositions, with his ability to navigate through complex rhythmic structures while maintaining an infectious swing. His drumming was as much about listening as it was about playing, always creating space for the music to breathe.
Barth’s playing also graced records by Stan Getz, Joe Henderson, and Gary Burton, contributing to their musical explorations in the 1960s and 1970s. His unique style was a perfect fit for the experimental nature of jazz at the time, where traditional boundaries were pushed, and new forms were being discovered.
A great record with Buddy Montgomery (vib); Richie Crabtree (p); Monk Montgomery (Fender electric bass); Benny Barth (d).
Recorded in Hollywood, September 12 & December 5, 1957
A Quiet Innovator
While Benny Barth may not have achieved the commercial success or mainstream fame of some of his peers, his legacy is solidified among jazz aficionados and musicians alike. Known for his quiet yet commanding presence behind the kit, Barth was a true innovator who understood that the drum kit could be used not just to keep time, but to interact with and propel the entire ensemble.
In recent years, there’s been a renewed interest in Barth’s work, as more musicians and listeners discover his recordings and appreciate the depth of his contributions to jazz drumming. His work continues to inspire younger generations of drummers who seek to find their own voice while understanding the importance of musicality and nuance.
The Art of Listening and Creating
Benny Barth’s legacy is a testament to the power of subtlety in jazz. His drumming was never about showmanship but about the deep interplay between rhythm, melody, and harmony. He brought an undeniable presence to every performance, whether he was supporting a soloist or navigating complex compositions with ease. In a genre that thrives on constant innovation, Benny Barth was one of the quieter but more profound voices in jazz history—one who always understood that the art of drumming was, at its core, about listening and creating space for the music to unfold.
For those who are familiar with his work, Benny Barth is not just a drummer; he is an essential part of the ever-evolving story of jazz. His influence may not be as widely recognized, but his artistry remains a touchstone for the drummers and jazz musicians who continue to push the boundaries of what the genre can achieve.
When it comes to iconic drum kits, few have achieved the legendary status of the Slingerland Radio King. First introduced in the 1930s, the Radio King quickly became one of the most revered drum kits in jazz, swing, and early rock ’n’ roll. Known for its distinctive sound and unique construction, this drum kit has left an indelible mark on drumming history.
The Birth of a Legend
The Radio King drum kit was launched by Slingerland Drum Company in 1935. At the time, Slingerland was already a respected brand, but the introduction of the Radio King model set a new standard in drum-making. The key innovation was its solid shell construction, made from a single ply of maple or mahogany, which gave the drums a warmer, more resonant tone compared to the typical multi-ply shells of the era. This made the Radio King a favorite among jazz drummers, who valued the kit’s ability to project a rich, musical tone while maintaining excellent tuning flexibility.
Unique Features: Sound & Build
The Radio King’s standout feature was its floating shell design. Instead of the traditional method of securing the drum heads to the shell with tension rods through the drum shell itself, the Radio King’s head was held in place with tension rods mounted to a separate metal hoop, creating a unique resonance that drummers loved. This allowed for a more open, full-bodied sound, ideal for the swing and jazz performances of the time.
Drummers also appreciated the innovative hardware on the Radio King kit. The „Stick Chopper“ snare strainer and the specially designed tension rods helped make the drum kit incredibly versatile, providing both sensitivity and volume when needed.
Why It Endures
The Radio King’s sound—warm, round, and resonant—made it the drum kit of choice for many jazz greats, such as Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa, and Louie Bellson. Even in the fast-paced world of modern drumming, the Radio King continues to be a sought-after collector’s item, with vintage kits fetching impressive prices on the market.
Its classic construction and vintage appeal make it a go-to for anyone looking for that perfect combination of vintage tone and historical significance. Today, Slingerland continues to build kits inspired by the Radio King legacy, ensuring that this iconic drum kit’s spirit lives on.
Conclusion
The Slingerland Radio King isn’t just a drum kit; it’s a piece of drumming history. From its unique construction to the legendary players who endorsed it, the Radio King remains a cornerstone of the drum world. Whether you’re a collector, a player, or a fan of jazz and swing, the Radio King’s timeless sound and craftsmanship continue to resonate through generations.
