Did you know that the system for pulling the drum, the “no hole” roping system using the two rim system was created by and came directly out of the hands of Chief James Hawthorne Bey? He got the idea from conga drums, and first used it on Ashiko drums. 494 Macon Street in Brooklyn New York. Neil Clark, a student of Chief Bey took his djembe to West Africa (early 70’s), and that is when his system was incorporated. Previously the skins used a sewed on system.

James Hawthorne known to his community and on recordings as Chief Bey was born in Yamassee, S.C., in 1913. As a boy, he moved with his family to the Brownsville section of Brooklyn and then to Harlem, where he began playing drums and singing in church choirs. He served in the Navy during World War II and later attended cosmetology school. Chief played an integral role in shaping modern day Orisha worship across America.

A descendent of the prestigious Lukumi “La Pimienta” (Yoruba Atare—Pepper) linage via Okikilo, Chief James Hawthorne Bey was initiated to the Orisha Sango and given the name Aiya Ilu (Bravery is a drum) on June 15, 1976. As a legendary pioneering cultural icon in the Lukumi Orisha religious traditions as well as a master drummer, his accomplishments and legacy will continue to be recognized for many years to come.

Chief Bey, along with his wife Barbara Kenyatta Bey established one of the most prolific Afro-centric “Black” Orisa “Iles” (houses) in Brooklyn, New York. “Barbara and Chief” named their house Ile Omo Olofi (House of the children of God). Ile Omo Olofi in its hay day touted about 50 members. As a Babalorisha, Chief Bey crowned (initiated) 12 men and women into the Lukumi religious traditions. A master drummer as well as a wood carver, Chief Bey taught drumming, drum making, beadwork and wood carving at the Ile. But more than that, he was a highly respected role model and the salvation of many young men across America.

Chief Bey was also a renowned jazz percussionist and African folklorist who recorded with artists like Babatunde Olatunji, Art Blakey and Herbie Mann before turning to teaching. Babatunde Olatunji hired Chief Bey to play on his immensely popular 1959 album, Drums of Passion (Columbia), which set off a nationwide craze for African drumming. In the 1950’s Chief Bey performed in an international tour of ”Porgy and Bess” starring Leontyne Price and Cab Calloway and made several theatrical and film appearances, performing as an African drummer in the Broadway musical ”Raisin,” and in the films ”Smoke” and ”Blue in the Face.”
Chief as he was affectionately called joined the ancestors on April 8, 2004. His beloved wife Barbara Kenyatta Bey joined him nine days later on the anniversary of their first date. Thanks to Bradley Simmons for information. From a post by Jo Anna Hunter.