John 'Jabo' Starks - Actor Profile

John 'Jabo' Starks

Acting
Updated: Apr 10, 2026
4Total Films
6.9 Highest Rated
Born: Oct 26, 1937

About John 'Jabo' Starks

John Henry "Jabo" Starks (October 26, 1937 – May 1, 2018), sometimes spelled Jab'o, was an American funk and blues drummer best known for playing with James Brown as well as other notable musicians including Bobby Bland and B.B. King. A self-taught musician, he was known for his effective and clean drum patterns. He was one of the originators of funk drumming, and is one of the most sampled drummers.

John 'Jabo' Starks Movies & Career Overview

The filmography of John 'Jabo' Starks reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 4 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.

Dominant Genre

A large portion of John 'Jabo' Starks's work falls within the Music genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.

Success Ratio

Approximately 25% of John 'Jabo' Starks's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.

One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains Mr. Dynamite: The Rise of James Brown, which stands out as a key performance.

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Best John 'Jabo' Starks Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from John 'Jabo' Starks's career based on audience ratings.

Full Filmography

Every movie John 'Jabo' Starks has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.

John 'Jabo' Starks - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of John 'Jabo' Starks?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring John 'Jabo' Starks is "Mr. Dynamite: The Rise of James Brown" with a rating of 6.9/10.

How many movies has John 'Jabo' Starks acted in?

John 'Jabo' Starks has been featured in at least 4 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by John 'Jabo' Starks?

Other notable films include "James Brown Live At The Apollo '68", "James Brown: Love Power Peace", and "Give the Drummer Some".

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