Buddy Rich Interview on Larry King recorded 11/25/1985

[@schooner9602]

The piano player that Buddy raved about (Barry Kiener) died approx. one year after this interview. He was only 30 years old. He was very talented! What a loss!

[@edellis515]

He was awesome.......Barry

[@michaelhungate7506]

This guy is very fascinating. He was a professional to his core , and extremely talented. He knew his profession and was the best at it.

[@ovepayne]

I was lucky enough to see Buddy perform in Sweden in 1984 and I´ll never forget that show! He was in a terrific mode and played his ass off and even asked the audience what tunes to play. After the show we fans waited, until he had a shower and a change of clothes, for him to meet us one by one for autographs and a handshake. A memory I will treasure forever!

[@danielcruz8347]

Beautiful & kind !! Thank you for sharing. 👍🙂

[@MattMcGunn30]

What an amazing experience. I am glad you got to have it my friend!

[@shyskateboards8790]

I love how much you can tell Larry enjoyed this interview and how much admiration he had for Buddy.

[@larrywagner6986]

Buddy was iconic. Saw him once in Toledo,Ohio. He didn’t suffer fools I’m impressed by his respect for the questions Larry King was asking. He respected Jazz Music , nothing else. Fascinating !

[@manjay49]

This might be Larry's best interview. He was totally in sync with Buddy. And Buddy was respecting and in sync with Larry. Very cool.

[@ld4032]

Two Brooklyn jews, talking :)

[@lynnmcculloch-m4h]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@Jefferson1969-u4s]

Buddy was a genius. Period. And he was very kind to me as a kid. RIP Bud.

[@doctorbuga4302]

he was an asshole and he'll forever be known as a rotten individual

[@thedrummersclub3667]

I am a full time Drum Instructor for over 25 years. I will NEVER forget the first time my Dad took me to see Buddy perform in the old Rockefellers Club. We sat in the balcony above Buddy's Drums. I have never seen any other Drummer come close to what I saw that night. We have lot of great Drummers today, no offense to anyone I can honestly say I have never seen anything like what I saw that night. Buddy Rich was unbelievable to watch perform in person. He definitely was the most inspiring Drummer of his time

[@jazzpianoman01]

I saw Buddy in 1980 in London, he had artistry and musicality together w speed not matched by anyone

[@hughneutron5303]

@@jazzpianoman01 while i can agree with you, and buddy was always a life goal of my drumming (not like i'd actually make it there, but it's fun to dream right?) it's not the case so much anymore. there are drummers out there in the technical metal scene reaching 320bpm and higher. just check out archspire

[@jazzpianoman01]

@@hughneutron5303 it’s more than just the speed which is what it seems to be about these days, save a few good players eg Chris Coleman/Tony Royston Jnr to name a few. Buddy and others from that era had an artistry and musicality you don’t see much of today; they were part of the time they were in and it was a different time. FF onto today drumming greats like Virgil/Lang/ and others have took it to another level.

[@jazzpianoman01]

@@hughneutron5303 yeah I was working towards becoming the next Buddy or Krupa in my early years as kid so hyped up on learning the drums so yes fun to dream

[@jjadaddy]

Yeah, I get it. I saw him back in the 80s. It was a pleasure to shake his hand afterwards. I remember how large his hands were. When he soloed during west side story, I could not fathom what he did on that drum set. Like you said, there's some wonderful players out there, and I saw Bellson as well, no one has been, or is, a close second.

[@kentbyron7608]

Mel Torme wrote a book called “Traps, the drum wonder“, a remarkable book about Buddy Rich because Buddy was one of Torme’s best friends. Buddy rich is famous for his hot temper and I guess that makes the headlines because it’s dramatic but in that book Mel Torme describes how warm, sweet, loyal and kind Buddy Rich was. I can get a sense of that warm spirit and twinkle in his eyes in this interview. Gratitude for posting this. Pure gold. ❤️

[@kathleenkenyon4074]

absolutely right

[@murraycharters6102]

@kentbyron. Mel Torme’s voice was called “the velvet fog” I believe. One of the greatest singers who ever drew breath. However, many people do not know that Mel Torme was a FANTASTIC jazz drummer. Yes he was, you can see him play drums in a big jazz band on KZbin. If you know anything about drumming or not, Mel will blow your socks off. Check him out you will not be disappointed. I sure you know that Kent, but many others will not.

[@murraycharters6102]

@kentbyron. I forgot to add that even though many people have heard the shocking recording that a musician recorded on a bus of Buddy Rich tearing strips off them, Buddy was indeed a very generous and loyal man. I know this because my son played with a trumpet player who played in Buddy’s band. The guy was not able to play for a couple of weeks in Buddy’s band due to an injury if I remember correctly. When he returned to the band Buddy paid him for the time he had off, even though Buddy had to pay someone else to stand in for him. That would have been unheard of in those days, or even now.

[@georgekilroy2670]

He said he preferred a small audience. I saw him every year at Disneyland and he Never failed to excite and leave the audience exhausted. He had this incredible energy that could be felt from my view 12 feet away. He blew so hard on the drumset and then turn around and do a ballad or a trio number on brushes that would make you cry. THAT'S control folks! An emotional drummer not a book drummer. Roy Burns was in the audience one night and B asked him to stand up and take a bow, he loved fellow professional musicians. My friend said he thought Bellson was better and Burns said no, you're looking at the best! Thanks to all who are preserving these videos of the greatest America has to offer.

[@drummerdunne3490]

Right on, George! You said it all perfectly! And yes, I loved watching Buddy Rich at Disneyland.

[@brianchisnell1548]

Roy Burns, Bellson and Buddy. My heroes. I Love my Radio Kings. I was always planted at D-Land too!

[@jamieseiple]

Whether good, bad, or ugly, Buddy said it exactly as he thought it.

[@jonescrusher1]

Incredible to think his career spanned all the ages of jazz.

[@andycharlton6798]

I saw him in Nottingham 2 weeks after he opened in Ronnie Scott's. He played his @ss off for 2 hours. Afterwards my friend and I went backstage and queued to get our programs autographed. As we were near the front of the queue someone came up and said, "Mr Rich, the doctor says you have to go now." Buddy looked at him and said, "I'll come when I've seen all these people." He was a hero!

[@ChromaticHarp]

I was house mates with Rick Treager, Buddys lead bone player,in White Plains, NY, 1985-86…one afternoon Rick asked me for a ride to the train station so he could go into manhattan for a gig with Buddy, a little while later he came back, saying the show was cancelled, we know why. What a shame, may you RIP Mr Rich!

[@harri2626]

Love him, or hate him, he was a superb drummer. His technique always bought out the best in his soloists, acting like a whip to horses when he needed more force from the musicians. He probably played behind/with/in front of all the jazz greats since 1940. It is sad that there are no longer such experienced band leaders able to bring talented youngsters up through the ranks like he did.

[@fluim0102]

Perhaps not exactly in that genre.... But I think what Michael League has established with Snarky Puppy is no slouch either

[@georgekilroy2670]

well technically B started Jazz in 1938 but played Vaudeville houses since 2 1/2 years old…Vaudeville was a great era to learn the ropes on just playing behind people with all kinds of music. Buddy had a specific show built around his particular talent, but he had to absorb all this music in his mind and would often pull out the stops so to speak to bring beauty and flashy moves to his playing. Others would certainly employ the same kind of beauty to the drums like Jo Jones, Gene Krupa, Cozy Cole, Sam Woodyard, Sonny Payne, and Louie Bellson, among them.I think it was Philly Joe who said, “you got to make it pretty”!

[@drumhaver223]

Great analogy.

[@chiphammond1623]

"What does Buddy Rich have that other drummers don't have?" Above all, his left hand.

[@petermills542]

Good line ! He's so much the Showman. I saw him play in Birmingham, (Britain) in 1980/ 81 when I was a student there. All these years later I can still vividly remember his bedazzling ability ! Actually I prefer listening to Art Blakey though ,wish I had seen him !

[@marceloromero6992]

That, and a black-belt.

[@caseygill8336]

He's a 🥁magic🎵man🥁

[@GMarks-vj2dw]

Taste, Feel, Time, Groove, Swing and LOVE for the MUSIC! As he said about drummers, to make the band play above their heads. Buddy was absolute perfection and he wanted other players to be as well. I saw him before a show once (age16) and I asked him where I could find the intros and fills to Preach and Teach and Mercy Mercy since our band had sheet music and I didn't. He shook my hand and told a younger man to write it out for me...that turned out to be Don Osborne Jr. ! I still have that treasured memento.

[@qaletaqa4326]

AbsoF****LUTLY

[@charleswinokoor6023]

Definitely one of the better Larry King interviews.

[@Rob_Kates]

Buddy was a musical master. I loved watching him with Johnny Carson, who was passionate about jazz and drumming.

[@TheodorusRex]

Those who have been in bands know that he is right - the band lives/dies with the drummer.

[@umami0247]

Larger than life Mr. Rich was. You have to live life like it's your last day ever. I've had three heart attacks and this last one was rough but I'm back to doing what I was doing prior and won't slow down.

[@garywalsh9798]

I saw him play and 5 years later he passed away . Maybe if he stopped playing he would have had more time.

[@jonsilence]

"I play how I feel." I had the pleasure, honor, and always AWE INSPIRING experience of seeing Buddy perform countless times over decades, and never once him make a mistake or resort to a predictable vocabulary. His brilliance always bordered on the incomprehensible, and I once saw him do something utterly flabbergasting at a concert he performed before a sizable audience in Long Beach, California: he had an extra snare drum behind him that he incorporated during a solo, and at one point he reached his arms around behind himself while simultaneous releasing and 'throwing' his sticks from one hand to another; crossing in mid air, the stick in his left hand flew over to his right hand and vice versa. I saw Buddy many times before and after this jaw-dropping feat, and he NEVER did this trick on any other occasion. He just pulled this incredible rabbit out of his hat from NOWHERE!

[@davidperez5089]

A true showman.

[@vova47]

Can you imagine CNN anchor having intelligent conversation with Jazz musician today? We're living in a different times, my friends........

[@nelsong4719]

vova47 looks like you beat your own drum idiot

[@Frip36]

You got old. Stop bitching about it.

[@billpeart]

It really wasn't that intelligent.

[@themange59]

Not many jazz musicians like Buddy around these days...

[@drytool]

MSM is totally leftist agenda driven now.

[@herrkaliyuga]

I prefer to think this is a more honest reflection of the true Buddy Rich than some other more dramatic interviews out there. It's difficult to uphold standards and be beyond criticism. Buddy was an example to so many of us in the way he played every time he took to the stage.

[@tonyvinesmusic]

What a great example of a man on many levels....respect.

[@buddyrichable1]

I had the good fortune to see Buddy, live, twice. I was sitting in the audience at Massey Hall in Toronto waiting for Buddy to appear. We had been told that he would be late and was stuck in traffic. He arrived about forty minutes later, and being a trooper apologized for the delay. He explained that he had been taping a tv show along with Gene Krupa who was also playing in Toronto, and ran late. He also mentioned that he had asked Gene to come to the concert and sit in. I was so excited I thought I would pee my pants, but unfortunately he never showed up, but the band was terrific. It was the lineup that had recorded Big Swing Face and The New One, my all time favourites. I think he played a bit longer to make up for being late. This was an experience I’ll cherish forever.

[@LuvWFT]

I wish I could find an interview where Buddy is being interviewed by a drummer.

[@kevingomez8735]

There is no such thing as “The Best Drummer”, But there is such a thing as “The Greatest Drummer”, And his name is Buddy Rich………..

[@jamestcallahanphotographer]

Interestingly enough, my Dad had a different view. He was of Buddy’s era when all the great Big Band Jazz musicians were around. We used to talk about Buddy Rich and Gene Krupa. I didn’t really know anything about Gene Krupa but I certainly knew the name as a legendary drummer. But it was really Buddy who I feel made the transition into and connection with my generation of drummers in terms of being an active recording and touring musician and bandleader. We knew Buddy Rich and his virtuosity because we saw him perform and appear in interviews on TV all the time. And he outlived all of his peers…they were gone by the time we came around. Well, Gene Krupa died in 1973. I never saw Gene Krupa. My generation of drummers became obsessed with chops…technical accomplishment on the drum set. Buddy Rich was the King of that movement. And I said to my Dad once that “Buddy Rich was great…a great drummer…” He agreed and said, “Yeah, Buddy Rich is great; but Gene Krupa was The Best.” I think he felt that way possibly because he was a showman…a real entertainer. I think that was more important to my Dad’s generation.

[@jennifersman7990]

My favorite Buddy Rich story In the late 60’s, Bill Graham ran the Fillmore West in San Francisco and always dreaded when bands did drum solos. So he decided to show these kids what a REAL drummer was. He went to Las Vegas where Buddy was playing and invited him to play the Fillmore on a bill with Ten Years After. Buddy tore into Bill about rock drummers saying (among other things) they weren’t fit to hold his stick or his dick. But Bill calmly convinced him it would be great and eventually he agreed. Night of the gig the audience is screaming for Ten Years After and when they see Buddy’s band setting up behind little music stands wearing cardigan sweaters this only made them yell louder. Bill looks over Buddy’s set list and sees they do a cover of the Beatles Norwegian Wood. So he asks Buddy if he could open the show with it. Buddy thinks it’s insulting to tell him what to play but Bill thinks it would be a good idea to open with something “the kids” recognized. Buddy grumbled but agreed. Bill introduces Buddy as “the best there is” and the band does Norwegian Wood and when Buddy did a quick solo, as Bill put it, the room “shifted” and the audience was knocked out, screaming for more from Buddy. Meanwhile, Ten Years After’s drummer has been watching and when Bill met him backstage he said “Can’t wait to hear YOUR solo, baby”. The guy didn’t DARE do a drum solo all night or any other night when Buddy was on the bill with them

[@markowen2649]

Loved Buddy....miss him terribly ❤

[@mrsteve3232]

I still think about it to this day the size of bass drum was huge and a small cymbal on top he was so in sync with his band he was such a great drummer right up to the end and his band forget it I was so lucky to see him on of last shows..

[@ibleebinU]

Great interview with L.K. I love everything that Buddy says here! He has certainly earned his place in Jazz history! I was lucky to have seen him and his band play at a local high school back in the late 70's.

[@Dyingsociety38]

I was almost a month old when this was aired. Its comforting to know that he was alive and slaying for 2 years after this. I still have a piece of curtain that was in my room as a baby and its a clown playing a snare drum.

[@mrsteve3232]

I went to see buddy rich at one of is last shows in the uk 🇬🇧 at davenport theatre in Stockport it was so amazing he put a hell of a lot into is drumming sweat was pouring off him

[@mancuniancandidatem]

I was at that show too. My mum told me I had to go and see this famous American Jazz drummer. I was into The Police and U2 at the time and I thought, how good could this old guy possibly be? I walked out of there with my 13 year old ego torn to shreds and finally went to get some drum lessons. Haha. That theatre was beautiful.

[@CC-zj2uk]

Never tolerated mediocrity. Not for one second. the GOAT.

[@50gary]

BR a phenomenon. I can't imagine a more honest open evaluation of music and musicians. Loved the comment on Dorsey, 16 bars of music with a single breath on a trombone. Larry King always rubbed me the wrong way but.. this was an excellent interview, top flite.

[@hawkrider88]

Another wonderful post Drumuitar. Buddy in a good mood and respectful of the interviewer as being one of the best as well.

[@scottstedeford7575]

“They laugh when I play ...” With kid-like amazement every time I watch him. Love it!

[@wjhandy]

He is spot on with the role of a drummer in a band

[@mjm5081]

Thank you so much for sharing!!! 🙏❤🌹 Buddy & Larry 🌹❤🙏

[@davidjamespiano]

“When in the band stand you do your job” ….. in those days there weren’t KZbin videos and iPads to learn from, these guys were the REAL DEAL

[@jamesheath7601]

RIP Larry and Buddy

[@JustinBleeder]

I was lucky enough to work for Mr. Rich for a show he did in Portland Maine. He was touring with Woody Herman. Amazing!

[@alfching2499]

Loved this Larry King With The Greatest Drummer that ever Lived

[@damnyankeefl]

wow. thank you. I saw buddy three times, once in a high school in new hampshire. two years before this and yeah. the kids loved it. after the show buddy was standing maybe ten feet in front of me. what a memory

[@jimhantsch]

The one and only! He's dearly missed!!!

[@richardmartinez5032]

What can I possibly say? The Man, The Musician . . . . . The Drummer has swept away my heart!

[@blvckno_1]

Such an enlightened artist. Happy birthday Buddy

[@kevinflood7495]

A Great Man he was. R.I.P Buddy Rich

[@MelancoliaI]

Dude's wit is as quick as his drumming. Could've easily been a comedian.

[@patduffynousdefions1909]

Buddy Rich was a total , 100% POS. Glad he's gone

[@MelancoliaI]

@@patduffynousdefions1909 you'll have to elaborate

[@patduffynousdefions1909]

@@MelancoliaI There is a video of The Mike Douglas Show from 1971 with BR. BR totally insults country music, country musicians, AND ALL THE PPL THAT LISTEN TO COUNTRY MUSIC. George "Goober" Lindsey from the Andy Griffith Show was also a guest on that show and BR INSULTED HIM. Don't believe me, go watch it for yourself. There are other similar examples of his arrogant, insulting, snobby personality. I'll stand by what I said . He is/was a POS and I'm glad he's gone

[@MRVISTA-wz7vj]

The key to Buddy Rich is that he plays what he feels in the moment as he serves the music he's playing. He's an artist and a musician. Never ever sounds the same twice.

[@DanLetts97]

Never sounded the same twice? He literally played the same drum solo for 40 years dude

[@damianbroderick3913]

@@DanLetts97 Go change your shirt Dan.

[@HankFinkle11]

@@DanLetts97 nonsense. Total BS.

[@alonzovillarreal4666]

Charles Bukowski said “Find what you love and let it kill you”. He was a giant in the world of drums and music and the inspiration for millions of drummers.

[@chriswright8464]

Very focused and direct!

[@astrog7361]

Man i love this guy

[@cszetela1]

Buddy was absolutely awesome!

[@martyharless5097]

I guess, for a pompous ass hole

[@dabneyoffermein595]

@@martyharless5097 yep , isn't his daughter right behind him on that score?

[@catirerubio]

Great interview. Rich is smart, open and interesting. Against his image.

[@damianbroderick3913]

Which goes to show it depends when and in what situation you talk to a person. You can't expect to be paid by a drummer of his calibre and not get your backside kicked for mistakes. That's just the way it is. Otherwise go stand in a factory all day- the choice is yours!

[@davidyoung8875]

i have been playing drums for 40 years. buddy rich is still the best

[@starsong8665]

Wow he had heart problems, his spectacular drumming was truly his heart beating

[@jazzpianoman01]

Amazing interview and valid points by the master drummer

[@nealbfinn]

He mentions pianist Barry Kiener, who worked with BR on and off for about eight years. He died of a heroin overdose not long after this was taped. Tragic.

[@thecrippledrummer]

Absolutely. He was a level of most pianists.

[@martyharless5097]

Dying of a heroin overdose is not tragic, it's stupid

[@williammorrison1769]

Love these interviews, saw Buddy many times in the 70's, the greatest ever, still amazing. Love his view point on life, he lived to the fullest.

[@XBKLYN]

A real professional is someone who can do a great job while despising colleagues! RIP Buddy.

[@Trondogful]

What a great interview!

[@gerardguitarist]

So true what BR says about being at home. It's great and all but working and having an agenda to pursue is where it's at. For some reason when there is no agenda we end up sloth like to a degree. Maybe not for some but this rings true for me.

[@gst69man]

I saw Buddy play live three times in my life. Eat your heart out! LOL

[@Kent-qo6xp]

Here is probably what it is. Each person is as unique as their signature. WBD Kent

[@Joesfosterdogs]

alpha confidence at the highest level on display here...his body posture, tone, eye contact...extremely rare personality here...when you know you are the best in the world just being yourself is what every nootropic supplement strives for!

[@DrJ-hx7wv]

Big fan of Jeff too. Good name

[@MrVJ1062]

I always thought it was nifty that Buddy Rich considered Gene Krupa to be a genius.

[@garydilbeck340]

For those who wonder about the influence. “Why not just have an actual violinist play the piece”? Clockwork Angels. They toured with a stringed instrument entourage. That had to be a bucket list for Neil. That was the best concert I have ever been to. Took my 12 yr old niece. She still listens to Rush✌️.

[@markr.devereux3385]

I still listen to Rush in fact several tracks earlier today. Mainly for the guitar but also those great drums and Neil peart . The saying goes a great band always has great drummer behind the kit.

[@danbrodsky57]

There is some great videos of Buddy Rich and Johnny Carson which are truly fantastic. Carson adored him and he always was a top guest on his show. Buddy helped bring out new musicians on Carson and audiences worldwide. He was very critical on folks that didn't come from a jazz or classical background. But playing 300 nights a year for most of his life he can say what he wants .. May not always be right in my opinion but he helped voice great referrals for some of the top musicians. RIP

[@WestCoastJazzForever]

Buddy Rich on drumming - "... it really isn't that difficult." - 5:04

[@lmundiclan]

When I worked for his agent William B Williams I used to help set up his itinerary. He was fantastic to work for. I loved the idea he used to go to schools to teach the kids. And he had a great sense of humor! He was a great showman and a great drummer! Sinatra’s mother and my grandmother were best friends in Sicily. My grandparents went to my grandparents wedding anniversary and I have a picture of them dancing that night. My boss also was Frank’s agent. But I never spoke with him and was about 18 and to shy to tell my boss about the Sinatra family connection.

[@mikefelix6338]

Looked up Barry Keiner and damn …heroin overdose age 30 while riding on the Buddy Rich tour bus.

[@andzwe]

Just a view months after this interview.

[@blakeh6250]

A drummer can make or break a band

[@roybeckerman9253]

At the 23 min mark, Buddy discusses his own vintage Slingerlands from the 40s, as his favourite drums .. He used them until his death in 1987.

[@seurynck]

Buddy’s favorite drums were which ever company would pay him the most money. I saw him play Ludwig drums in the 1970’s and 1980’s.

[@jstoughton527]

Sinatra brings YOU spaghetti = Boss Level Achieved !!! 😂😂

[@ricardogallegos8898]

Great Interview Larry was the King

[@lynnmcculloch-m4h]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@krisscanlon4051]

I've a Porsche lol being humble and cool...Buddy not flying off the handle this night.

[@eddierivera8556]

Mr. Chick Webb even buddy called him the daddy!

[@RjBenjamin353]

After you’ve had a heart attack, keep on smoking those 3 packs of Chesterfields a day. Great advice 🚬💨

[@MysteryZenSide2]

.... that was an intense interview- I got sucked in all the way through~! 3:24 mk insight from Buddy. 17:23 mk really cool Q

[@register1430]

dead year and a half later. never rushed or dragged.

[@roybeckerman9253]

Massive wrap for Slingerland. Radio Kings , his 1940s kit was better than anything available than today....that was in 1985., two years before he died. I wonder if he views would be the same today....I’d say yes,

[@matthewpaluch777]

Hey Roy, He liked the prototype kit dw custom made for him to his specs.

[@seurynck]

His favorite drums were which ever company paid him the most money. I saw him play Ludwig in the 1970’s and 1980’s.

[@roybeckerman7843]

@@matthewpaluch777 He only used them for one month in January 1983. He didn’t really like them, which is why he used a restored 1940s SLINGERLAND RADIO KING set, from 1983-87, until he passed away

[@roybeckerman7843]

@@seurynck The restored 1940s SLINGERLAND RADIO KING set he used from 1983-87 until his death, were not an endorsement kit..,but his own.

[@thomasnichols8150]

Fascinating interview!

[@loucontino4804]

I followed Buddy from 1972. Buddy Rich is the greatest natural drummer in the history of the world.

[@shannonlandre4442]

Buddy Rich bus tapes are the best!

[@bigd-1-channel514]

Great Post.

[@dariusmartinez4078]

rest in peace legend

[@maxwellmcdowell3744]

That was wonderful

[@dennisneo1608]

I'm a rock man through and through, but as a former drummer, I've always looked to Buddy as the greatest ever drummer.

[@m42037]

A former drummer?

[@Bob-ub4gl]

@@m42037 Exactly! lol

[@kevintrace5396]

I adore buddy rich great man too young to die at 69 rip

[@VIDEOHEREBOB]

"It really isn't that difficult"....

[@Braglemaster123]

There’s only one Buddy Rich

[@edodonnell5042]

How

[@RC-fz8rp]

Richard B. Davis incorrect

[@timmccarthy5353]

Jeez... 21:58 Barry Kiener, Member Of Rich`s Band - May 27, 1986|United Press International KINGMAN, Ariz. -- Barry Kiener, piano player for the Buddy Rich band, died of an accidental heroin overdose, Mohave County authorities said Monday. Mr. Kiener, 30, of Rochester, N.Y., was found unconscious on the group`s bus early Sunday and was pronounced dead on arrival at Kingman Regional Medical Center. Police said a substance believed to be black tar heroin was found in Kiener`s wallet and old needle marks were found on his arms. An autopsy Sunday night revealed the cause of death, Sheriff Joe Bonzelet said. The bus was carrying Rich and 16 members of his band to California when Mr. Kiener was discovered unconscious about 20 miles east of Kingman. Mr. Kiener spent 10 years with the band before leaving for a short time and then returning 10 months ago. Tom Cassidy, a band spokesman who did not accompany the group to California, said from Chicago the band would not cancel any concerts. Rich first became well known during the big band era of the 1930s and 1940s.

[@bigd-1-channel514]

Barry Kiener was phenomenal. If you ever heard him live with the band, he was magical.

[@timmccarthy5353]

I did have the opportunity to see him live - early 1980s. A phenomenal player.

[@Cymbalgroove]

Barry Kiener was a very special pianist. A genius indeed! I knew Barry and his family. They were so proud of Barry. I guess anyone that knew anything about jazz from Rochester was proud of Barry. I got to play a little with him but heard him a lot. Going to hear a set of Barry was like going to school. He knew SO MANY tunes!! Obscure stuff too. Fats Waller tunes. He loved hardbop and guys like Sonny Clark, Wynton Kelly and Barry Harris. In fact shortly after Barry passed, Barry Harris dedicated a concert to him. Tommy Flanagan loved him too. Oscar Peterson told a friend of mine after he heard Barry play that he didn't want to go up after him. There is so much to Barry's playing that I just wanted to share this for those who didn't know him. Brilliant musician!!

[@johnsandbo1]

The band with Barry was something else. The Buddy small group/trio clips on KZbin show a glimpse of his talent. But of course all of Buddy's bands were fantastic!

[@garyreber6119]

This interview took place at the time I was producing Buddy Rich.

[@ChromaticHarp]

LIER!!!

[@davidreidenberg9941]

Nobody was better technically than him. However, it’s not always about speed. Krupa was never above speed but he was a hell of a musician.

[@georgekilroy2670]

Listen to Bwith Ella and Louie Armstrong, or B with Oscar Peterson, or B with Nat Cole. His brush work was superb!

[@JoshMaxPower]

22:01 The "piano player" Buddy mentions, Barry Kiener, unfortunately died of a heroin overdose the following year. RIP

[@624radicalham]

Oh shit wow. I wonder if Buddy Rich was to blame by berating and pushing him so hard as he would ... (I'm joking)

[@georgekilroy2670]

Buddy said on many occasions he was against hard drugs. He lost many friends in the music world to drugs and booze.

[@johnnymongrel]

Great guy and the best drummer ever. Period.

[@TheMICMusicInspirationChannel]

Not anymore, I don't think.

[@johnnymongrel]

@@TheMICMusicInspirationChannel OK I'll play. Who, IYO, is better?

[@TheMICMusicInspirationChannel]

@@johnnymongrel Virgil Donati, Marco Minnemann, Thomas Lang... Guys who are doing stuff that Buddy never even imagined. The instrument has evolved, along with what can be done on it. Their stick technique is on par with his, and what they're doing with multiple pedals, polyrhythms, etcetera hadn't even been conceived when Buddy was still on the scene.

[@MattMcGunn30]

Easily the greatest drummer ever. Perhaps the greatest musician ever. A pure blessing, privilege, and joy to watch and listen to recordings of this man play the drums. If only I could have heard him play live.

[@RjBenjamin353]

I had the privilege to hear Buddy Rich cuss out his band in the bus in Las Vegas. He even said cuss words that hadn’t been invented yet at the time.

[@georgekilroy2670]

“The kids today are really marvelous “... gives them their due, but can separate the wheat from the chaff.