This article is part of an on-going series of articles featuring some of the greatest drummers ever.
Name: Bernard Rich
Born: September 30, 1917 - Brooklyn, NY
Died: April 2, 1987
Buddy began playing drums as a child. When he was just one year old, his father noticed that he could keep a beat while banging spoons. His parents, both performers, started him playing in some of their acts. He was self-taught and claimed that formal lessons would actually degrade his playing. The lack of formal lessons didn't hurt him much! He played for a veritable "who's who" list of musicians like Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie, and Frank Sinatra -- to name just a few.
Among his drumming influences was Gene Krupa who said that Rich was "the greatest drummer to ever draw breath." Buddy influenced many drumming greats like John Bonham, Neil Peart, Gregg Bissonette, and Dennis Chambers.
Watching Buddy solo is a fun experience that leaves you awe-struck and makes you want to grab your sticks and sit down at your drum kit. The effortless speed at which he's able to move, not only on the snare and the toms, but on the cymbals as well, leaves the viewer shaking their head in disbelief. His single-hand drum rolls continue to be studied by drummers today.
I remember being young and watching Buddy solo with Animal on an episode of The Muppet Show. As a kid I was fascinated by Buddy's playing. As a drummer, though, I'm amazed! To see someone play as great and as effortlessly as he did gives all drummers something to aspire to.
Buddy played Slingerland drums and Zildjian cymbals.