Jim is the drummer and bandleader for multi-platinum group, Rascal Flatts. Since moving to Nashville in 1997, Jim he has played over a thousand of sold out shows for millions of fans. His television credits include The Grammy Awards, The Tonight Show, The American Music Awards, The Voice, American Idol, Dancing with the stars, Oprah, and The Today Show. Jim’s recording credits include Rascal Flatts 2014 release Rewind (Bonus Tracks), as well as multi-platinum disc, ‘Me and My Gang’, EA sports ‘MADDEN 11 Football’, Brian McKnight’s album, ‘Ten’ as well as movie soundtracks for “Heaven is Real” and ‘Hannah Montana: The Movie’

Jim’s has been constantly recognized by his peers as being one of the best in the business. 2011-2015, Jim was voted “Best Country Drummer” by the readers of Modern Drummer Magazine as well as winning “Best Drum Clinician” in 2009. The readers of DRUM! Agree voting Jim “Country drummer of the year” 2008-2010, 2012-2013, 2016.

In May of 2014 Jim was featured on the cover of Modern Drummer.

Jim attended University of North Texas where he received his degree in Music Education. In addition to being one of Nashville’s elite touring drummers, Jim has become internationally recognized as a clinician and educator. His 2011 Clinic for Modern Drummer Fest was filmed and released on DVD in November of 2011. His teaching studio “The Drum Dojo,” opened up in 2007 and is a place where Jim can teach the great drummers of tomorrow. He is also a published composer, and a frequent educational columnist for Modern Drummer Magazine. Jim has been a member of both the Pro panel and educational panel for MD

Jim is the Author of two books available on Amazon: Song Charting Made Easy and Survival Guide For The Modern Drummer.

Song Charting Made Easy. (Hal Leonard Publishing)

Song Charting Made Easy is your personal introduction to the most versatile song charting system ever created, The Nashville Number System. Used for decades by the world's top studio musicians, The Nashville Number System allows you to chart an entire song for the whole band on a single sheet of paper in about five minutes. Whether you are a musician trying to break into the competitive world of recording sessions, a song writer looking for a quick way to document your songs, or you're just looking for a better way to communicate musically with your band, this system is exactly what you are looking for.

Included with the book is a .MP3 CD containing more than 90 musical examples recorded by some of the world's best session musicians. They will guide you through the number system from its basic concepts to the most intricate nuances. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to take what you have learned and jam along with fully produced tracks that have been custom mixed for guitar, keyboards, bass, and drums.

"Song Charting Made Easy will simply change the way you think about music."

-Jim Riley, Author

Survival Guide For The Modern Drummer. (Alfred Publishing)

If you are a drummer looking to expand your knowledge of musical styles, Survival Guide For The Modern Drummer is the book for you. From Pop to Country, Metal to Jazz, and Latin to Motown, Jim has crammed his considerable stage and studio experience into this amazing resource. The book includes 124 play-along tracks, which were meticulously recorded with just the right musicians for each recording, creating an authentic and inspiring library. An audio performance of each to the 318 grooves is also included, making learning these grooves even easier. From beginner to advanced, this book truly has something for everyone. If you dream of taking your drumming to the next level, let Survival Guide For The Modern Drummer be your guide through the jungle we call the music business.

Jim is sponsored by Ludwig, Sabian, Remo, Gibraltar, Latin Percussion, Vater, LP Roland and Shure.