The "world's greatest drummer" as he was usually billed, Buddy Rich earned his
reputation as a genuine jazz great, playing with many of the genre's biggest
legends. He is credited with modernising the art of drumming, playing with both
a pace and musicality that hadn't been heard before; developing an exciting and
spectacular style that thrilled audiences and gave the music rhythmic intensity,
bringing the drums to the forefront of jazz. His talent was first recognised
when he kept rhythm playing spoons along with the music he heard on the radio
while still a baby and went on to ...