Idris Muhammad (Arabic: إدريس محمد‎; born Leo Morris; November 13, 1939 – July 29, 2014 NOLA) was an American jazz drummer who recorded with Ahmad Jamal, Lou Donaldson, Pharoah Sanders, Bob James, and Tete Montoliu. Muhammad had an extensive and varied career performing across jazz, funk, R’n’B and soul genres.

Born Leo Morris in New Orleans, Idris Muhammad grew up in the city’s 13th Ward in a home next door to a dry cleaner’s shop. He later would claim the sound of the shop’s steam presser influenced his hi-hat technique. Growing up, he spent time with fellow New Orleanians The Neville Brothers. Although interested in other instruments, he showed early talent as a percussionist, playing in a Mardi Gras parade at age 9.Muhammad asked Paul Barbarin to teach him to read music but Barbarin, who thought he was already so talented, declined.

At just 14 Muhammad began his professional career by performing with The Hawketts on their iconic recording “Mardi Gras Mambo”. Two years later, in 1956, he played drums on Fats Domino’s recording of “Blueberry Hill”