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Buddy Rich Essay

Decent Essays

Chris Macholz
English 11 Thesis

"When it comes to my playing, I take no prisoners," Buddy Rich tells Mel Torme in February 1949(Unofficial 1). Buddy Rich has taken drumming to new levels, developing ensembles that are centered around his stunning display of endurance and velocity, not to mention his remarkable showmanship. Buddy Rich is one of the most talented and influential drummers of all time. Born to the name Bernard "Buddy" Rich on September 30, 1917, in Brooklyn, NY to parents Robert and Bess, Rich quickly jumped into the world of show business at the early age of 18-months. He made his first appearance as a vaudeville act called "Traps, The Drum Wonder"(Torme 45). It wasn't always just his act …show more content…

Although loved in hometowns of the south, could a one-person child act attract enough in big northern cities? This was a chance he bet his money on, and finally made it big. Soon afterwards, many big Companies, such as Ludwig were sponsoring Traps. (Torme 27) Rich's family life at those times was very strenuous. His father with all the stresses of the common world, plus the new ones added by his child prodigy would often lead to physical confrontations in the household. Rich was often abused as a result of this (as were his brothers). This ultimately would help to contribute to his arrogance as an adult (Torme 2) As Rich grew his grand abilities would help place him in the spotlight for the duration of his life. His career quickly took off. From 1951 to 1966, Rich played with many groups and people. Such groups and people were Harry James, Les Brown, Charlie Ventura's Big Four and Norman Grandz's Jazz at the Philharmonic. In 1966, Rich formed his own big band (Downbeat 3).
Towards the end of his life, Rich's attitude and arrogance were showing their true colors. Mel Torme recalls such an event from a trip on Rich's tour bus where a tired Buddy lashed out at an Australian player for keeping a beard (Torme 2). Sadly enough Rich "suffered from a heart condition, and following surgery for a malignant brain tumor, died from heart failure in Los Angeles

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