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Scenic Roots

“Give the Drummer Some” - For Chattanooga’s Clyde Stubblefield

By Ray Bassett
Published June 27, 2025 at 4:54 PM EDT
Clyde Stubblefield - from the poster of “Give the Drummer Some.”
Brent Nicastro / givethedrummersomefilm.com
Clyde Stubblefield - from the poster of “Give the Drummer Some.”

Clyde Stubblefield, best known as the “Funky Drummer” for James Brown, was born and raised here in Chattanooga.

This weekend, as we near the end of Black Music Month, a film screening and a live concert will honor his life and legacy.

This Saturday, starting at 11 AM, ArtsBuild will host an exclusive screening of “Give the Drummer Some,” a documentary on Clyde Stubblefield - who died in 2017 - and a talkback with Trevor Banks, the film’s director.

Then, at 6 PM in Miller Park, local and regional musicians will perform at a live tribute concert to Stubblefield - presented by RISE Chattanooga and the City of Chattanooga.

I spoke with Shane Morrow, executive director of RISE Chattanooga - and Carmen Davis, senior director of the City of Chattanooga’s Office of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy.

Banner for “Give the Drummer Some” events in Chattanooga.
City of Chattanooga / RISE Chattanooga

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Ray Bassett
Ray is the host and producer of Scenic Roots, Mondays - Thursdays at 3 PM on WUTC.
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