Hannah J. Welton (often listed as Hannah Welton) is a drummer, vocalist, and performer best known for her high-profile work with Prince as the drummer for 3RDEYEGIRL and part of the New Power Generation orbit. Her playing blends funk vocabulary with rock power and clean pocket — and she’s equally comfortable on a big stage as she is teaching, speaking, and creating educational content.
Before the Prince chapter, Welton had already built serious momentum as a young professional. She has shared that she was gigging around Chicago as early as age 12, and by around 19 her name was starting to grow quickly through media appearances, interviews, and increasing visibility in the drum world. One early moment that shaped her mindset came when she was offered a major opportunity — a prominent magazine cover — only to have the offer pulled because the other featured drummer refused to share the cover. Welton has described it as a punch in the gut at the time, but also a turning point: a moment that taught her to keep moving forward and stay focused even when doors close unexpectedly. As she later put it, “The no may hurt, but all it takes is one yes.” (Interview excerpt provided)
Her breakthrough came when Prince discovered her through online videos and brought her into his world. After years of building her profile through gigging, education, video content, and clinic touring, she received an unexpected message from Prince’s management — the kind of “one yes” moment that changed everything. She joined Prince’s orbit in 2012, made national TV appearances, and later performed as a member of 3RDEYEGIRL through 2015. Drumeo notes that her drumming and vocals can be heard on Prince’s 2014 album Plectrumelectrum.
In recent years, Welton has continued building her identity as an educator and creator. Through her Back 2 Basics DocuLesson series and other content, she shares lessons not only about playing, but about staying encouraged, consistent, and resilient through the ups and downs of music careers.
Recordings / credits: Prince — Plectrumelectrum (3RDEYEGIRL), plus extensive live/touring work during the 2012–2015 period.
Gear: Toca,Gretch, Zildjian, Evans, Vater
Sources: Drumeo; HannahJWelton.com; TOCA Percussion; Hannah Welton interview/story (provided).
Update: 1/22/26
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