Art Blakey was an American jazz drummer and bandleader. He was an influential figure in the development of hard bop and post-bop styles of jazz. He was known for his powerful playing and his ability to bring out the best in his musicians. He was also known for his signature song, 'A Night in Tunisia'. He led the Jazz Messengers, a band that featured some of the most important jazz musicians of the 20th century. He was inducted into the Down Beat Jazz Hall of Fame in 1983.