Art Blakey was an American jazz drummer and bandleader. "Art Blakey" and "Jazz Messengers" became synonymous over the years, though Blakey led many non-Messenger recording sessions. In addition to the 76 albums which he recorded as a leader or co-leader of the Jazz Messengers, Blakey also led 10 studio albums, 3 live albums and 4 compilation sessions. A relentless performer, he continued to record as a sideman on dozens of albums, throughout his careerâÂÂfrequently for Messengers alumni. He also led several percussion-centric albums with many of his peers.