Daru Jones is a respected drummer from Michigan who has become one of the most versatile players of his generation. Born to two professional musicians, he began playing drums at age four and caught Jack White’s attention during a 2010 Nashville show with a drum solo that led to recording two albums and extensive touring with White.

In addition to White, Jones has recorded, performed and toured with Pete Rock, Nas, Talib Kweli, Black Milk, Esperanza Spalding, Sturgill Simpson and Lorenzo Jovanotti. He’s graced stages at the Grammy Awards, Austin City Limits, Rock The Bells Festival and Montreux Jazz Festival, appearing on The David Letterman Show, Saturday Night Live and The Colbert Report. His performances contributed to two Grammy-winning recordings: Jack White’s “Lazaretto” (Best Rock Performance, 2015) and Gloria Gaynor’s Testimony (Best Roots Gospel Album, 2020).

As a producer and boutique label owner, Jones runs Rusic Records, developing talent through his “soul-hop” approach that incorporates live drum loops, jazz and gospel samples. He’s produced tracks for Muhsinah, Jessie Boykins III and others while serving as drummer and musical director for Pete Rock and the Soul Brothers. The Brooklyn and Nashville-based musician is also a member of Vienna-based hip hop/jazz trio The Ruff Pack.