cowbell

instrumentsKOW-belfrom English

A hand-held or mounted metallic percussion instrument producing a dry, cutting tone, indispensable i‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‌n Latin music and widely used in rock and funk.

In Depth

The musical cowbell is an unfretted idiophone derived from the agricultural bells used on livestock.‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‌ In Latin American music, the cencerro (as it is properly called) is a fundamental timekeeping instrument, played by the bongosero during montuno sections and by the timbalero as part of the timbales setup. Different sizes and striking techniques produce a variety of tones from dark and muted to bright and cutting. The cowbell crossed into rock and popular music through Latin-influenced tracks and became a staple of funk, disco, and arena rock drumming. The Rolling Stones' "Honky Tonk Women," Grand Funk Railroad's "We're an American Band," and countless disco recordings feature prominent cowbell. The instrument achieved comedic immortality through a Saturday Night Live sketch featuring Will Ferrell and the catchphrase "More cowbell!" — which has paradoxically increased its genuine use in recordings.

Did you know?

The 2000 Saturday Night Live "More Cowbell" sketch, parodying the recording of Blue Öyster Cult's "Don't Fear the Reaper," became so famous that actual cowbell sales reportedly increased afterward.

Related Terms

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