Hal Howland's respected memoir The Human Drummer: Thoughts on the Life Percussive, which studio great Hal Blaine said "should be in every musician's library" and manufacturer Bill Ludwig Jr. called "truly a masterpiece," has earned praise from major recording artists, symphonic musicians, and music-industry leaders. The book contains in-depth interviews with the Doors' John Densmore and the Moody Blues' Graeme Edge (in the first of which a notorious Ringo Starr rumor is laid to rest); musical and social commentary; advice for students, parents, and professionals; musical memories of America, Europe, the Middle East, and a colorful career in pop, jazz, and classical music; esoteric information for percussionists; groundbreaking timpani research; a professional directory; a satirical glossary; a comprehensive bibliography; and an index.