BUDDY RICH (drummer, bandleader, composer) was born September 30, 1917 in Brooklyn New York to a show business family and passed away April 2, 1987. Jazz legend drummer Gene Krupa described him as “the greatest drummer ever to have drawn breath”. Precociously taking to the drum kit at a very early age, the self-taught Rich drew numerous accolades through his seven decade career for his speed and dexterity on the drums. Known for his caustic sense of humour and a favourite of talk show hosts, he performed with such greats as Tommy Dorsey, Dizzy Gillespie and Louis Armstrong, along with leading his own groups on several worldwide tours and operating two jazz clubs.