Buddy Rich: Drums, speed, and drive

American jazz drummer and bandleader known for his charismatic stage presence, Buddy Rich, is considered one of the most influential performers of all time. In this article, we are going to delve into key moments of his biography and musical career.

Buddy Rich’s Early Years

Born on September 30, 1917, in Brooklyn, New York, into the family of American vaudevillians, Buddy Rich began his career at a very young age. He participated in his parents' vaudeville acts and during breaks tried to get the drumsticks in the orchestra pit. Actually, at the age of two, he was already drumming, displaying his talents. At the age of four, Buddy played "The Stars and Stripes Forever" on Broadway. As soon as he appeared mature enough to sit behind a drum set, he frequently slipped into jazz clubs. 

Buddy Rich’s Musical Career

Rich started playing jazz in 1937, firstly performing with Joe Marsala's combo and Bunny Berigan's orchestra, and later becoming the rhythmic inspiration for Artie Shaw, Count Basie, Harry James. In 1939, Rich joined Tommy Dorsey's band and played there until 1942, when he started playing in the U.S. Marines Corps orchestra. There he continued to refine his skills as a drummer and drew public attention by his dynamic performance style.

The great success came to him during the years 1967–1974 when he was a leader of a band, consisting of 16 young musicians. He toured with this band, and apart from this activity, he also led a few short-lived big bands, and often performed as a soloist on television. Together with bands, he played in clubs, high schools, and colleges.

Rich appeared as a sideman and drummer on other musicians’ recordings. He was also lucky to collaborate with great talents such as Dizzy Gillespie, Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, the Oscar Peterson trio, and others. Buddy delivered a big-band rendition of a medley from West Side Story, featured on the album “Swingin' New Big Band”. This arrangement proved Rich's ability to seamlessly integrate drumming within the ensemble. Also, Buddy was a frequent guest on TV shows where he displayed his talents and skills, as well as participated in drum battles, popularizing the genre among a wide audience.

Buddy Rich’s Style

Rich was associated with fast, powerful and technically brilliant playing. He preferred a traditional grip, but also used a matched grip when playing toms. His performances were full of rapid drum rolls and complex rhythms that made the audience hold breath. Technical prowess is just one glimpse of Rich’s larger-than-life personality. Because of his fiery temperament, he gained the reputation as the "World's Greatest Drummer."

Legacy

Buddy Rich extensively played concerts and toured until his death on April 2, 1987. He started having heart troubles in 1983, but continued to devote himself wholeheartedly to music, despite all difficulties.

Buddy released a number of noticeable releases. "The Roar of '74" featured his big band in full swing, while at the album "Buddy Rich Just Sings", the musician demonstrated his vocal skills alongside drumming, and at "Swingin' New Big Band" listeners can enjoy Rich's big band live performance full of swing and jazz standards.

Final Word

Buddy Rich was a talented drummer, showman, and bandleader.  Even after his passing, he remains one of the most influential figures in the history of jazz drumming and the most gifted musician of the swing era. Rich's technique and precision influenced many musicians across a variety of genres, from jazz to rock.