JACOB ARMEN
“The most frightening drummer I have ever heard.” -Prince
Jacob Armen is a multi-instrumentalist and drum prodigy: having astounded the world with his gift since he was l8 months old, Jacob’s natural gift was nurtured by his father, Armenian musician, composer and performer Albert Armen, whose dedication to both music and to Jacob became the catalyst for a deep and inherent musical journey. Performing duets in the family restaurant with his father started when he was just a toddler, and his talent was recognized early on by Latin percussion legend Poncho Sanchez, leading to an invitation for Jacob to sit in with the house band at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles. The performance was aired live on the airwaves, and at just three and a half years of age, Jacob delivered a performance that won him several standing ovations and sealed his fate as a force to be reckoned with.
Jacob at age 6 then caught the eye of Professor of Music and Jazz Studies Joel Leach of Cal State Northridge, who in speaking to the L.A. Times, enthused that Jacob could “play patterns that the most advanced professionals have trouble with,” adding that “Nothing throws him!” With Leach as his mentor, worldwide media attention ensued and Jacob’s name soon became synonymous with prodigy. As ex-Chicago drummer Danny Seraphine once said, Jacob at the age of seven could “already do things Buddy Rich, Louie Bellson, and Steve Gadd do.”
Jacob’s list of accomplishments are extensive, with many major television appearances, magazine articles and performances around the world. Beginning with The Tonight Show at the age of seven with a 20-piece jazz band performing a special arrangement of John Coltrane’s “Giant Steps”, and a subsequent feature in People Magazine.
“When it comes to drummer Jacob Armen, wunderkind is an understatement.” -LA Times
Coming later to the attention of icon Prince, Jacob signed to NPG Records, and released an album of his own called Drum Fever when he was only 12 years old, which featured many notable artists and Grammy-winners. The album was a collection of different genres (Jazz, Metal, Rock, Classical, Fusion, World, Folk Armenian) all into one, which was an original and unique concept developed by Albert and Jacob that Prince approved with excitement for release through his label.
Jacob also later released a double-album in 2018 entitled “When Drums Conduct.” Following the direction of “Drum Fever”, in an unconventional, never-before-seen grouping of musical styles on a single release, When Drums Conduct cut across several genres – Rock & World (Side 1) and Jazz & Classical (Side 2). The genre-bending album featured over 80 musicians from around the world and collaborations with some of the industry’s finest, including multiple GRAMMY® Award-winning artists such as Victor Wooten, Poncho Sanchez, Daron Malakian, Patrick Moraz, Djivan Gasparyan, Tina Guo, The USC Trojan Marching Band and the Lark Choir.
Aside from Jacob’s professional accolades, he continues his life long dedication towards the art and philosophy of Rhythm. Jacob’s strong passion and contributions for the community span across local school districts, special needs programs, social events and underprivileged communities.
Through every chapter, Jacob has also remained a man of faith, who believes a gift is something you hold with open hands. Following that principle, it led Jacob to be the creative and founder of Rhythm Is Us, a belief and mission that helps unite cultures and people of all different ages through the power and love of rhythm and music.
The First Annual Rhythm Is Us Festival will take place in Pasadena, CA from November 20-21, 2026.