Buddy Rich
Buddy Rich, born Bernard Rich on September 30, 1917, in Brooklyn, New York, was a renowned American jazz drummer celebrated for his extraordinary power and speed. Growing up in a family of Jewish-American vaudevillians, Rich was exposed to the stage early, performing as "Baby Traps the Drum Wonder" by age 3. Despite the lack of formal training, he was a highly paid child entertainer, incorporating tap dancing, singing, and comedy into his act.
Rich's career as a jazz drummer took off in 1937 when he joined a band led by Joe Marsala and Jack Lemaine. His big break came in 1938 with Tommy Dorsey's band, where he played alongside Frank Sinatra. Rich also performed with other jazz legends like Artie Shaw, Benny Carter, and Harry James. His career was briefly interrupted by World War II, during which he served in the U.S. Marines.
In 1946, with financial backing from Sinatra, Rich formed his own band, though it initially struggled. He found lasting success with a big band formed in 1966, known for performances of complex pieces like the "West Side Story Suite" and "Channel One Suite." Rich was a frequent television guest, noted for his drum battle with "Animal" on The Muppet Show in 1981.
Rich passed away on April 2, 1987, in Los Angeles, California. He was married to Marie Allison and had a daughter, Cathy Rich. His legacy endures as one of the most celebrated drummers in jazz history.
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