1977 Rock Hit Named Among Greatest Drum Solos of All Time

Legendary studio drummer Steve Gadd made his debut with Steely Dan on the Aja, which immediately became one of the best drum solos of all time.

Gadd had become known in the music world as one of the best studio drummers in the industry, leading iconic tracks like Paul Simon's 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover. It was his work on Aja, though, that landed itself on Far Out Magazine's list of the greatest drums solos of all time.

Steve Gadd Lays Down 'Mind-Blowing' Solo

Far Out Magazine listed Aja as one of the 10 best drum solos of all time.

"These days, Gadd is one of the most highly recognized drummers in the music industry, and it's outings like this that cemented his reputation. You could argue that his solos on the track are the elements that have truly contributed to its hallowed reputation," Far Out Magazine wrote.

"Gadd's part was recorded in just two takes, and added to the fact that his solos were improvised, it makes this entry truly mind-blowing. Told by the band to "play like hell", he didn't disappoint."

Steve Gadd Forgot He Played Drums on 'Aja'

Longtime Steely Dan producer Gary Katz spoke with Ultimate Classic Rock and revealed that Gadd completely forgot he played drums on the hit song.

Katz revealed that months went by after Gadd's performance on the song and the band was still finishing the mix of the album.

"Someone walked in and said, 'Hey, you know Steve is down the hall, he's playing with Michael Franks.' I said, 'Oh, cool, Donald, I'll go down and let him know we're here.'

After playing him Aja, Gadd asked, "Wow, who is playing drums?"

"Donald, Walter and I, Roger Nichols and Elliot, are just looking at each other. Because he wasn't kidding. I say, 'You are, stupid!'" Katz revealed. "He went, 'Really? I'm a mother[expletive]!' It's the best laugh we had in all of the years."

Related: 1966 Rock Hit Named Among Greatest Drum Solos of All Time

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 2, 2026, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published June 1, 2026 at 6:22 PM.