Buddy rich biography brooklyn williamsburg

Born Bernard Rich, September 30, 1917, in New York City; died of heart failure after surgery to remove a brain tumor, April 2, 1987, in Los Angeles, CA; son of Robert and Bess (Skolnik) Rich (both vaudeville performers); married Marie Allison, 1952; children: Cathy.

Military/Wartime Service: U.S. Marine Corps, 1942-44.

Ask 100 percussionists to name the greatest drummer of all time, and chances are that the majority of them will respond by saying "Buddy Rich." The litany of jazz drummers is long, but Rich was one of a kind, distinguished by his virtuosity, speed, and precision.

His long career exposed his talents to countless listeners, and even those whose knowledge of drummers is minimal are likely to have heard of him.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1917, Rich's performing career began before he was two years old.

His parents, who had a vaudeville act, showcased their son as "Traps, the Drum Wonder." In his most popular routine, young Rich would tap out the rhythm to "Stars a