Buddy Rich (1917-1987) was one of the most influential and well-known jazz
drummers of all time. His first drum set came at 18 months, he debuted
on Broadway at the age of four, and he soon became the second-highest paid
child entertainer in the world.
Rich delved into jazz at the age of 20, playing with Tommy Dorsey, Dizzy
Gillespie, and Louis Armstrong. He formed his own band during the
1960's, toured extensively into the 1970's, and still had time to open the
Buddy's Place nightclub in Richmond, VA.
Rich's big-band musical style was notable for his long "show-off"
drum solos. Many songs would feature long percussion sections intended
to show off his skills--for an example, listen to the Channel One Suite's
third movement.
He also became well known for his biting, cynical sense of humor,
appearing regularly on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and the Merv
Griffin Show.
Rich has performed for three American Presidents--Teddy
Roosevelt (after his presidency), John F. Kennedy, and Ronald Reagan--as well as the queen of
England, the king of Thailand, and King Hussein of Jordan.
Buddy Rich died of heart failure at the age of 69 following surgery to remove a brain tumor, and
was eulogized by lifelong friend Frank Sinatra.
"Buddy Rich was the greatest drummer to have ever drawn
breath." - Gene Krupa
Awards:
Major Discography