Buddy Rich Quotes

A collection of quotes by Buddy Rich.

Buddy Rich (1917-1987) was an American jazz drummer and bandleader, known for his exceptional technique, explosive energy, and virtuosic performances. Born Bernard Rich in Brooklyn, New York, he displayed a prodigious talent for drumming from an early age.

Rich began his professional career as a child star in vaudeville, performing alongside his parents as part of the "Traps, the Drum Wonder" act. As he matured, he devoted himself to jazz drumming, drawing influence from big band drummers of the era such as Gene Krupa. By his late teens, he had become an accomplished jazz musician.

In the 1940s, Rich gained fame and recognition as a member of major orchestras, including those led by Bunny Berigan, Artie Shaw, and Tommy Dorsey. He showcased his technical prowess and unique style, characterized by his lightning-fast hand and footwork. Eventually, he formed his own band, The Buddy Rich Orchestra, which attracted legions of fans worldwide.

Buddy Rich's incredible speed, precision, and ability to effortlessly navigate complex rhythmic patterns made him one of the most revered drummers in jazz history. He had a long and prosperous career, recording numerous albums and performing with legendary musicians like Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker. Despite his impact on the music world, Rich was known for his larger-than-life personality, occasionally displaying a notorious temper on and off stage.

Buddy Rich passed away in 1987, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of the best drummers to have ever graced the jazz genre. His innovative style continues to inspire and influence generations of drummers.

But, I don't think any arranger should ever write a drum par

But, I don't think any arranger should ever write a drum part for a drummer because if a drummer can't create his own Interpretation of the chart and he plays everything that's written, he becomes mechanical he has no freedom.

Buddy Rich


But I think that any young drummer starting out today should

But I think that any young drummer starting out today should get himself a great teacher and learn all there is to know about the instrument that he wants to play.

Buddy Rich

Teacher

I think the drummer should sit back there and play some drum

I think the drummer should sit back there and play some drums, and never mind about the tunes. Just get up there and wail behind whoever is sitting up there playing the solo. And this is what is lacking, definitely lacking in music today.

Buddy Rich

Music

I can't sit down long enough to absorb any kind of learning.

I can't sit down long enough to absorb any kind of learning.

Buddy Rich

Learning