The Drum Man was born in April 1966. He greets friends with a white-gloved wave and a Dum Dum, and delights children by leaning over for a face-to-face greeting and a hug. 

The Dum Dum Drum Man was developed in 1966 by the Howard Swink Advertising Agency of Marion, Ohio, to create an image that would enhance public recognition of the Dum Dums brand.

The Drum Man quickly became known through appearances in trade journal and other magazine advertisements, on Dum Dums bags and shipping cartons, and through a regional television ad campaign. Over the years, the Dum Dum Drum Man's appearance has been periodically updated to its more modern, animated look today.

In 1986, a Drum Man costume was developed, allowing the Drum Man to "come to life". The live Drum Man made its debut in the National Candy Wholesalers Association show in St. Louis, Missouri. Since then, the Drum Man has traveled all over the United States.

The Drum Man has appeared at local, regional, and national events, including store openings, trade shows, benefits, school visits, television shows, and various other public appearances.

The Drum Man always carries Dum Dums and happily shares them with anyone walking by.