Buddy Rich

Buddy Rich, born Bernard Rich on September 30, 1917, in Brooklyn, NY, was an American drummer and band leader, who, in his day, was billed as "the world's greatest drummer" and "the world's fastest drummer." Rich is best known for his incredible technique, power, groove, and speed — as well as for being helpful and friendly, with a very short temper.

Buddy began playing the drums at a very young age — at the age of 18 months he was working in vaudeville, billed as "Traps the Drum Wonder". By the time he was 11 years old, he was performing while carrying the role of bandleader.

Rich received no formal instruction for the drums and never would admit to practicing.

Buddy Rich started his jazz career in 1937 with clarinetist, Joe Marsala. He went on to work with the likes of Bunny Berigan (1938), Artie Shaw (1939), Tommy Dorsey (1939–42, 1945, 1954–55) along with Frank Sinatra, Benny Carter (1942), Harry James (1953–56–62, 1964, 1965), Les Brown, Charlie Ventura, and Jazz at the Philharmonic, as well as leading his own band and performing with all-star groups.

At the age of 21, Rich participated in his first major recording session, working with the Vic Schoen Orchestra (backing band for the Andrews Sisters). He would go on to serve as a session drummer for numerous recordings — sessions for the late-career comeback recordings of Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, pianist Oscar Peterson, and his own iconic trio featuring bassist Ray Brown and guitarist Herb Ellis. In 1968, Rich collaborated with the Indian Drummer Ustad Alla Rakha in the studio album Rich and Alla Rakha.

In 1966, having left Harry James' band, Rich went on to start his own big band. In a time where the big band heyday had long since past, Rich successful led his own big bands, playing at high schools, colleges and universities, with club performances done to a much lesser degree, until his death.

Buddy Rich died of heart failure on April 2, 1987 following surgery for a malignant brain tumor; he was 69.

There are only two types of music; good and bad.

Buddy Rich and his band perform "Love For Sale"; Copenhagen television broadcast in 1968.

The following video was recorded on Saturday, July 15, 1978 during the North Sea Jazz Festival at The Hague, Holland.

The following video documents one of the last performances by Buddy Rich. Appearing with the Tommy Dorsey Band, led by Buddy Morrow, the performance was recorded on January 5, 1987; Buddy died just three months later. The show host is legendary singer/composer/drummer, Mel Tormé.

The following video (in three parts) is Buddy Rich's last television interview, appearing with his big band on Michael Parkinson's talk show, Parkinson, recorded in 1987 just before Buddy Rich died.