Drummer and bandleader, born in New York City, USA. A child prodigy, he made his debut with his parents when he was 18 months old, toured Australia when he was six, and was one of the highest paid child performers of the 1930s. Known for his virtuoso drumming, he played with several leading bands of the big band era, including a period with his own band (19457), and formed a very successful second band in 1966, making several hit albums beginning with Swinging New Big Band (1966).
| Buddy Rich | |
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| Born |
September 30, 1917 Brooklyn, New York |
| Died | April 2, 1987 |
| Genre(s) | Jazz, Big band |
| Years active | 1937–1987 |
| Official site | www.buddyrich.com |
Bernard "Buddy" Rich (September 30, 1917 – April 2, 1987) was an American jazz drummer and bandleader. It was his father who initially realized Buddy's talent for rhythm, when Buddy could keep a steady beat with spoons at the age of one.
In 1937 he entered jazz with Joe Marsala's group, then played with Bunny Berigan (1938), Artie Shaw (1939), Tommy Dorsey (1939–1942, 1945, 1954–1955), Benny Carter (1942), Harry James (1953–1956), Les Brown, Charlie Ventura, and Jazz at the Philharmonic, as well as leading his own band and performing with all-star groups.
Though Buddy was typically a helpful and friendly man, he was also known to have a short temper.
Buddy Rich died April 2, 1987 at the age of 69. In 1994, the Rich tribute album Burning for Buddy: A Tribute to the Music of Buddy Rich was released. Produced by Rush drummer/lyricist Neil Peart, the album features performances of Rich live staples by a number of famous rock and jazz drummers, all accompanied by the Buddy Rich Big Band.
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