Many of us have our drum heroes—John Bonham, Buddy Rich, Sheila E, Lars Ulrich, Ringo Starr… But one who often gets left out of the spotlight is Viola Smith, a woman who quite literally drummed her way into a male-dominated world in the 1920s and kept the beat for over a century. She wasn’t just the fastest female drummer in the world—she was one of the most influential drummers of all time. Period.

A Rhythm That Started Early

Viola Schmitz was born in 1912 in Mount Calvary, Wisconsin, one of ten siblings. Her father, a music enthusiast, encouraged all his children to play instruments. The family formed the "Schmitz Sisters Family Orchestra," where Viola took on the role of drummer. It wasn’t a coincidence—she already had an incredible sense of rhythm and, even as a child, displayed the energy and determination that would come to define her entire life.

In the 1920s, very few girls played drums. But Viola believed in herself and didn’t let social norms hold her back. She went on to study at the prestigious Juilliard School of Music in New York—a clear sign of her ambitious spirit.

The Coquettes – Women Taking the Stage

In the 1930s and ‘40s, Viola played in several professional orchestras, but she rose to fame with her all-female swing band, The Coquettes, which she co-founded with her sister Mildred. The Coquettes quickly gained national fame in the U.S. for their high-energy performances and musical talent. They proved that women didn’t just belong in front of the band—they could be the entire band.

Viola’s signature drum setup—often featuring a semicircle of 12 tom-toms—created a visual and auditory identity that was both modern and powerful. She played fast, precise, and with a showmanship that made her a crowd favorite.

“Give Girl Musicians a Break!”

When World War II broke out and male musicians were sent to war, opportunities for women in big bands suddenly opened up. Viola didn’t just take advantage—she took a stand. In 1942, she wrote a groundbreaking op-ed for Down Beat magazine titled “Give Girl Musicians a Break!”, calling on the music industry to give women a real chance.

She didn’t just argue that women were just as talented as men—she made the case that they were the practical solution in a time of crisis. The piece was bold and unfiltered, much like Viola herself. She wasn’t asking—she was demanding recognition. And she had the chops to back it up.

Hollywood, Ed Sullivan, and National Tours

Viola wasn’t limited to jazz bands—she made her way into pop culture. She appeared in several films, including When Johnny Comes Marching Home (1942), and performed on The Ed Sullivan Show, the most popular television show in America at the time.

She toured with Phil Spitalny’s Hour of Charm Orchestra, an all-female ensemble that played on radio, stage, and screen. Viola was one of the standout stars and became a symbol of what female musicians could achieve.

She wasn’t just breaking barriers—she was smashing them with every beat.

Drumming Through a Century

What makes Viola Smith’s story even more extraordinary is how long she kept going. She never stopped playing—not at 80, not at 90, not even at 100. In fact, she was still playing drums on her 107th birthday. It’s almost unbelievable—but perfectly in character.

She lived life at her own tempo. In one interview, she said:

“The key to a long life? Playing drums, drinking wine, and staying happy.”

Living in Costa Mesa, California, she continued giving lectures, attending events, and performing whenever she could. She remained active, mentally sharp, and full of energy. Viola was more than a musical phenomenon—she was an inspiration for anyone wondering if it’s ever too late to follow your dreams. The answer? Never.

A Role Model for Generations

Viola Smith was born before women had the right to vote in many parts of the world. She lived through two world wars, the jazz era, the rise and fall of swing, rock’n’roll, punk, and the digital revolution. And through it all, she stayed relevant, inspiring, and musical.

She became not just a female icon—but a human one. Her life showed that age is just a number, gender is a social construct, and the rhythm we follow in life is ours to choose.

For every girl who’s ever doubted whether she could play drums—Viola is there.
For every senior wondering if life ends at retirement—Viola is there.
For every entrepreneur, creator, or artist who’s unsure—Viola is there.

The Legacy of Viola Smith

Viola Smith passed away on October 21, 2020, at the age of 107. But her legacy lives on—not just in recordings, articles, and TV reruns. She lives on every time someone defies expectations, hits the drums with purpose, and refuses to march to someone else’s beat.

She proved that you don’t have to be young, male, or in a rock band to be a legend. She was her own genre. She set her own tempo.

And perhaps that’s what made Viola Smith so unique. She never followed the beat—
She created her own.