Jean Renee
Biography • Cultural history

Give the Drummer Some

The Life & Legacy of Jerome “Stump” Monroe

A premium biography and cultural history honoring a self-taught Black drummer from Washington, DC whose rhythm powered The Sweet Inspirations and helped shape a legendary era.

1,148+

Live shows

23

Chapters

1969–77

Live era

Book cover: Give the Drummer Some by Jean Renee Porter

By

Jean Renee Porter

Portrait of Jean Renee Porter

Jean Renee Porter

Writer • Poet • Lyricist

About the author

Jean Renee Porter

Jean Renee Porter (also published as Jean Renee Johnson) is a native of Washington, DC, and a lifelong writer, poet, and lyricist. As a teenager, she was the youngest regular dancing on the local television show Teenarama Dance Party (Channel 14/WOOK), hosted by Bob King in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

The book

Inside Give the Drummer Some

A once-in-a-lifetime portrait of legendary drummer Jerome “Stump” Monroe and his life’s journey with the legendary Sweet Inspirations and his historic role in Elvis Presley’s live shows.

Give the Drummer Some — book banner

The Life & Legacy of Jerome “Stump” Monroe

Chapters
23
Visual tribute
Included
Live era
1969–1977

A quick tour of themes

5 highlights—arranged like a setlist—designed to keep the experience elegant, focused, and true to the manuscript.

  1. 01

    Legacy, told by family

    A cousin’s perspective, grounded in witness, care, and deep respect for an unsung master of rhythm.

  2. 02

    From DC to the stage lights

    From Washington, DC and the Chitlin’ Circuit to Las Vegas and a life built on discipline and soul.

  3. 03

    Behind the scenes

    A close look at The Sweet Inspirations (“The Sweets”) and the world surrounding the live show era.

  4. 04

    A visual tribute

    “Memories are Forever: A Visual Tribute” honors the people and moments that shaped the journey.

  5. 05

    Life lessons

    “The Beat of a Drummer’s Life Lessons” shares practical wisdom from a life lived in time and tempo.

Pull quotes

Words from the manuscript

A few moments and lessons in Jerome “Stump” Monroe’s own voice.

1 / 4 slides

Pull quote

“I prayed a lot because I had to fake it until I made it. I didn’t know what I was doing until I practiced enough to master my craft. But I did it. I learned. I was born to be a drummer.”

Jerome “Stump” MonroeDrummer

Pull quote

“Always keep an open mind to everything. Learn from everyone who crosses your path, good and bad. Otherwise, you do not grow in the world. If there is no room for change, there is no room for growth, and you will forever remain the same.”

Jerome “Stump” MonroeDrummer

Pull quote

“They were the greatest, and I will love, appreciate, cherish, and honor them all forever. They were living sweet inspirations.”

Jerome “Stump” MonroeDrummer

Pull quote

“I did not miss one show.”

Jerome “Stump” MonroeDrummer
Contact

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