San Jose, Calif., -- Mike Portnoy proves for a second-straight year that his prog drumming makes him perhaps the most popular drummer in the world. Portnoy won “Best Drummer and “Best Progressive Drummer with more than 9000 drummers voting in DRUM! Magazine's 17th Annual Reader Poll.

The following results highlight key races and significant winners in the 17th Annual Drummies. For a complete listing of all winners in the 40+ categories that comprise the Drummies, visit www.drummagazine/drummies.

Portnoy Bests Peart In A Close Race

Unlike last year when Portnoy’s victory was very decisive, the race was very close with Portnoy barely beating out runners-up, Neil Peart, Mike Mangini, Chris Adler and Chad Smith.

In part, Portnoy’s victory may be a result of how busy he was this year. As noted in the July 2012 Issue of DRUM!, Portnoy founded two bands (Flying Colors and Adrenaline Mob), and was on the bus with numerous acts. “Portnoy has demonstrated his popularity and dedication to the drumming arts,” said Phil Hood, publisher and co-founder of Enter Music Publishing. “With his second victory, he has proven that his drumming is recognized by drummers, regardless of age or demographic.”

The same factors regarding Portnoy reflect his taking “Best Progressive Drummer”. He beat out last year’s winner, Gavin Harrison, and other runner-ups, Mike Mangini, Darren King and Virgil Donati.

Stanton Moore Marches To A Third Straight Win

There were other repeat winners, too. In the “Funk” Category, Stanton Moore won for a third straight time over some great talent, such as Tony Royster Jr., Questlove, Aaron Spears and Jay Lane. “Stanton has done an excellent job in mastering the second-line funk of New Orleans,” Hood continued. “He also has ‘popularized this drumming style to new audiences.”

Sheila E Slaps To A Second Straight Victory

Returning to well-deserved recognition in the Drummies, Sheila E, won her second straight in the “Best Percussion” Category. She won over some formidable talent, such as Toca Rivera, Paulina Da Costa, Zakhir Hussain and Alex Acuna.

A Diverse Galaxy Of Rising Stars
Of all the categories, The “Rising Star” was exciting for the diversity of talent. Jen Ledger, an English female drummer for Christian hard rock band, Skillet, won the category. In contrast, runner-up, Chris Dave, is a well-respected jazz drummer, who also plays pop and hip-hop. And, the second runner-up was Mike Johnston, a respected teacher, who is known for his web site, www.mikeslessons.com

Additionally, Dave took “Best Jazz Drummer” over some very impressive talent, such as Cindy Blackman, Dave Weckl and Danny Gottlieb.

Shannon Leto's Thirty Seconds To Fame

Recognized for his drumming with the highly popular group 30 Seconds To Mars, Shannon Leto (brother of movie icon Jared Leto) received his first Drummie by winning the “Indie” Category. Runners-up were Kyle Burns, Jen Ledger, Joe Rickard and Dave Brogan.

Close Contests: Country

Of all the categories, the closest race was country where one vote separated Jim Riley, drummer for Rascal Flatts from Rich Redmond of the Jason Aldean band.

Drummie In Memoriam: Ralph MacDonald
In what could be considered a “sympathy vote,” Ralph MacDonad, who passed away recently, won “Best Jazz Percussionist.” Runners-up included Giovanni Hidalgo and Jamey Haddad.

“Every year, The Drummies recognize such a wide range of talent and products,” said Hood. “That’s really the point of putting them on.”

Enter Music Publishing would like to congratulate all of the winners and thank all the drummers and fans who voted this year.

About Enter Music Publishing
Founded in San Jose, CA in 1991, Enter Music Publishing, Inc. is a leading publisher of informative and entertaining drum and music-related media, with distribution in 40 countries. DRUM! Magazine is the company’s flagship publication and continues to set the industry standard for editorial quality and innovation. Enter Music Publishing, Inc. also publishes drummagazine.com, a leading drum-related Web site. The company’s mission is to be the best source of drumming news and information in the world.