The Collective

As an internationally acclaimed drummer and percussionist, Bill Ransom has played some of the world’s biggest halls with a host of world-famous artists. While building his performing career Bill also worked as an educator, guiding countless young drummers into professional careers. One passion fueling another. And when Bill is your teacher, you will learn things that other drummers just can’t teach.

Bill is an educated musician who trained in schools, clubs, and concert halls. It’s that kind of well-rounded real-world education that makes him comfortable playing Jazz, R&B, Blues, Classical, or Rock. With a style described as “… physical, stirring, rare, and personal,” Bill has toured and recorded with artists including Patrice Rushen, Aretha Franklin, Marion Meadows, Cecil Bridgewater, Diane Reeves, Mary Wilson, and James Newton. He toured with contemporary saxophonist Najee and the late, great R&B crooner, Gerald LeVert. Bill was the featured percussionist on Mr. LeVert’s solo debut, “Private Line.” Bill also directed “Jazz Meets Hip Hop” for the Tri-C JazzFest and toured with a band of the same name. Bill does theater, too, and has appeared in several theatrical productions, including the World Premiere of “Love, Janis”, under the musical direction of Big Brother & the Holding Company’s (Janis Joplin’s band) Sam Andrew, who noted, “When Bill Ransom plays the drums, he makes every time special.” Bill released his first record as a leader, Generations, nationwide in 2005.

Bill currently tours the world with renowned singer, Beth Hart, and is an endorser for Yamaha drums, Remo drumheads, Vic Firth sticks, and Paiste cymbals. Bill has been on faculty at Cleveland State University since 2007 teaching drums, mallet and hand percussion, and jazz combo.