Ebook: The beat of my drum: An autobiography

Few involved with hand drumming in the United States have not been touched in some way by Baba, as he was called by those who knew him. He instilled pride in generations of African Americans; he stimulated a popular renaissance in African drumming and dance in the United States; he provided cultural education for black youth across the country; he introduced
mainstream America to African drumming; and he spread worldwide messages of peace and love through drumming. These are just some of the more resounding aspects of Olatunji’s legacy, which has touched so many of us.

Unfortunately, he was unable to see the publication of his autobiography. Baba Olatunji passed away on Sunday, April 6, 2003, at the age of seventy-six, in California, after a long battle with diabetes. His obituary notices were published in major newspapers around the world (for example, Pareles 2003; and National Public Radio took note with a special tribute [see Webography]). The testimonials of his students the world over speak to his lasting presence.


Babatunde Olatunji (1927-2003), internationally renowned musician, teacher, and humanitarian, was “teacher in residence” at the Esalen Institute at the time of his death.

Robert Atkinson is Director, Center for the Study of Lives at the University of Southern Maine.

Eric Charry is Associate Professor of Music at Wesleyan University and author of Mande Music: Traditional and Modern Music of the Maninka and Mandinka of Western
Africa.