Buddy Rich Parkinson the last interview 1987 Part 1

This is Buddys last televised appearance before he died. It is a great interview and carreer retrospective. I have put it up in 3 parts. Enjoy, fellow sticksmen !

[@MrFchank]

The best drummer of all time. I met him once,sat on his bus and talked to him. He was warm and kind and I left with his autograph. A prized possession of mine.

[@johnjoevilla]

Can we see?

[@jefflewis5546]

You are a fortunate man. You met the king of drummers bar none. If he wanted to do rock, None of the best could touch him. He was a master of the instrument. !! And is greatly missed !!

[@dantheman3825]

The word bus brings me trauma

[@DaveRodway]

The title should read something like "Buddy Rich on the Michael Parkinson's show, the last interview". Reading the current title, young, newer drummers may think that Buddy had Parkinson's Disease. Thank you for posting this interview.

[@kare2much]

+Dave Rodway I thought for a minute Buddy's full name was Buddy Rich Parkinson.

[@BigBillLucas]

+Dave Rodway Well actually Buddy did suffer from Parkinson's (the truth) However the title is written badly and should read "Buddy Rich's last interview from the Parkinson show 1987 part 1

[@DaveRodway]

+BigBill Lucas please send along your sources for that. I've looked everywhere and can't find anything on Buddy and Parkinson's. Thanks.

[@BigBillLucas]

+Dave Rodway Ok i was told by some guy on YT who had read the book on BR's life story called "Traps - The drum wonder" by Mel Torme

[@alvinhasal2391]

+Dave Rodway Yes, at first I thought he had Parkinson's, the second thing I thought his real name is Buddy "Rich" Parkinson (When in real life his real name is Bernard "Buddy" Rich) and I was like WTF.

[@JoeyMcNew-Drummer]

Being a drummer myself, Buddy mentioned that once you start drumming, you can't stop, this is very true! Forty-four years later, I'm still at it, I hope I have another 44 years of playing drums. I would like to make it to 100 years old and still playing drums. It's good to see Buddy in good spirits, cool and calm in this video. Thanks for uploading.

[@nickstrapko7549]

I believe that

[@RedBud315]

Have you ever seen the video of this 80 something lady going into this music store almost every day and play the drums because she was in an all girl band in the 60's. She always played Wipeout and eventually the store gifted her a set.

[@JoeyMcNew-Drummer]

@@RedBud315 No, I haven't seen that video. I'll definitely have to look that up. Thanks for the heads up. Joey.

[@boomer3150]

@@nickstrapko7549 It's true, though arthritis affects me.

[@johnkingsley9525]

I agree once you start hard to stop. My first bongos were out of Cuba just before Castro took over and I am still playing bongos now in a church band here in Costa Rica 🌴😎🌴

[@JohnnyVelazquez]

Thank you so much. My idol. First heard him in the late 40s. I tried to emulate his style as a young drummer. There will never be another, as great as him.

[@TabRoss1st]

Saw Buddy 3 months before he passed and sat on stage next to his floor tom. I had no idea how lucky i was at the time. He was so cool and friendly. He knew i knew his chops and he smiled and played looking at me while i was jamming along. I got to say hi and could have talked and got his autograph but i was too intimidated. I got to shake his hand and say thank you Buddy. He replied, thank you young man. I melted and he got up and started talking to his road crew. I was mesmerized. I've met and played with alot of rockstars but Buddy is the only one who left me at a loss for words besides Prince.

[@stevemills1593]

Hi

[@reneemoorephoto77]

I literally thought Buddy died from Parkinsons reading the title.

[@prenomdotcom]

Alzheimer??

[@renmoo2438]

Prenom Dotcom LoL

[@beccadabeast5013]

He died from congestive heart failure.

[@renmoo2438]

Rebecca Anderson yes, that’s right. Just saying the title made me think for a second that this was Parkinson’s.

[@john-carlosynostroza]

You don't die from Parkinson's. I used to think that you did as well but dying directly from Parkinson's doesn't happen. It's a bit more complicated than that I learned. Anyway, this dude was a bad ass!

[@martinpidhany8278]

Still the best drummer ever. His legacy unsurpassed.

[@tipniskids2210]

There's a lot of negative stuff out there about him. I saw him many times; found him kind of arrogant and almost insecure. But there's a story about him being brought into the hospital for the last time on a gurney w/ intravenous and the works and a nurse running beside him asking loudly, "Mr. Rich, Mr. Rich, are you allergic to anything". He sits up-looks at her and grabs her saying ' country western music1'"

[@junebabymf]

I loved to watch him play and talk, especially on Johnny Carson, great, confident man!

[@wythetrumpet6419]

Without a doubt one of the worlds finest drummers. I still have his album called "Stick It" and continue to play it! What a drummer, what at band!

[@ajcook68]

His technical skills and mastery just blows me away every time I've watched him play. The speed of his hands and fingers, not missing one beat, playing a roll with one hand, and being able to play a such a high level right up until he passed away.

[@markdemell3717]

That's love man ,passion ,dedication .

[@NintenDub]

@@markdemell3717 , and coke

[@Kaffyboy]

I saw his crypt in Westwood Memorial in 2011. His headstone said it all..."One of a Kind".

[@paulwall1981]

Weather you like Jazz or not, one has to stand and admire what a true talent Buddy was. R.I.P MR RICH.

[@markdemell3717]

He was Rich in talent ,,,,get it ,hahaha.

[@cecillunsford3679]

Buddy one of the best

[@slicksnewonenow]

Rich was incredibly talented. Unfortunately he was a real prick to most of the people around him. I know that Genius is always accompanied by odd traits... But to be nasty to others shouldn't be one of them.

[@davidrpriest]

I only own one jazz album but Buddy Rich is the greatest drummer of all time.

[@opale1572]

​@@slicksnewonenowY ¿cómo sabe usted eso?

[@edman6968]

Spent time with Buddy over the years as a young boy when he use to tour High Schools and do clinics. He inspired me to become a fine Swing/Rock drummer with the ability to fill the holes for the absence of the proper personal. 35 yrs of great Gigging and allot of musicians. Thanks Buddy ! You were the Master of Taps & Strikes !

[@ivorhill1279]

zora folley vs henry cooper

[@TheFreemanuk]

Met him 4 times on his uk tours. Always a smile a joke and some good advice. Was a tough band master from a time where being hardcore was the norm. RIP BUDDY x

[@sessionstu]

I had tickets to go see Buddy in Calgary, Alberta, Canada in 1987. He passed a week before the show. Sad. He was and still is the greatest drummer and showman.

[@michaelvaladez6570]

When he was asked if he had anybody that he liked in the Rock music scene.He said his favorite Rock group was ELP. It was Carl Palmer that caught his attention.I thought wonderful. I had seen ELP many times and Carl Palmer was of the old school of drumming ala Buddy Rich and the like.Thank you for this post of Buddy Rich. May he rest in peace.

[@LoyalOpposition]

I asked Buddy who the best drummer was in 1973, and without hesitation he said, "Danny Seraphine from the band Chicago" and told me to listen to the new album (Chicago VII)

[@ShelleyLevyMusic]

Lol

[@ikobashi]

and is 2022 and we still think you are the best drummer ever

[@jeffreybilkanich2886]

Krupa was the best!

[@davidyates1860]

I'll check him out

[@jameszinsmeister5930]

@@jeffreybilkanich2886 kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqWTgXWNrphoqNE

[@vilhola2187]

I cant decide if Bonham or Buddy was better

[@Asymmatrix]

Great interview thanks for posting it. He doesn't come off as arrogant at all, he leaves the impression of a real musician who had a deep respect for music.

[@Cheepchipsable]

Really, giving a singer 3lbs of broken glass, inferring they should ingest it because you don't like them? Well he has deep respect for his music - anybody elses is rubbish in case you missed that bit.

[@EvanDahill]

Cheepchipsable “Implying,” not “Inferring.”

[@montythepython7614]

His tour came through our high school.at Rim of the world in Lake Arrowhead Ca. 1975... He posed for pictures..signed autographs..talked with us as long as long as we wanted. A true gentleman in all respects..thanks for the post...

[@Purplexi]

A gentleman??? Courteous when he had to be does not a gentlemen make. He was a rat bastard.

[@peterwrohr1388]

It took me all these years to discover this interview.

[@tombaker6082]

THANK YOU SO MUCH for posting this!

[@jordanswaindrums]

Thank you for posting this, He is a huge influence.

[@drdonrs1]

Buddy gave us many years of great pleasure. The swing and jazz era was unique.

[@rct0725]

Back in the 80's I was a music student at a local college when I learned Buddy Rich would be holding a clinic nearby. Over a nearly four-hour session he not only told stories, answered questions both trivial and technical, but demonstrated his extraordinary talent. He finally ended, bathed in sweat, with the entreaty we continue in our studies and learn to appreciate the artform. I was in absolute awe during the entire experience. I miss this man; a giant.

[@Cheepchipsable]

Sure he wasn't trying to get close to the female students?

[@markdemell3717]

Music is all ways young ,,,,haha , I say that often.

[@emil25558]

@@Cheepchipsable explain??

[@byrongaum]

Worked three months playing with one arm! Love it.

[@richardburrows8044]

Thanks for posting what an inspiration

[@petebest22]

Great interview, what a life story , greats like Buddy & Gene Krupa , so many great jazz drummers have come and gone, as buddy said, a talent that you won't see a lot of these days 😊👍

[@brianburk2559]

Buddy was absolutely spot-on when he said that he is playing in a kind of music that the world will probably never see again. he was the Pinnacle of talent. you can say what you want about his ego and his beliefs opinions Etc but as a drummer myself who has studied my whole life and seeing hundreds if not thousands of different drummers I always gravitate back to Buddy Rich.... because his abilities hit on so many levels not just percussion. music will never be the same and there will never be another Buddy Rich.

[@JoeNocella]

He must've died shortly after this interview. He died on April 2, 1987. I loved and still love Buddy. There will never ever be another...He was a true showman with superior talent. I'll never forget the NY newspaper's headline after his first heart attack "Big Band Drummer Misses Beat"..crude...

[@andypalmieri2800]

I Had the privilege of seeing buddy at toad’s Place in New Haven Connecticut when I was in my late 20s till this day I still tell everyone he was by far the best drummer in the world he brought tears to my eyes with his incredible sensitivity speed and stamina for an older gentleman. He did 3 solos that night a snare drum solo a cymbal solo and a complete drum solo which till this day are embedded in my mind 😭❤️🙏

[@TheJester134]

I saw him in Colorado Springs, CO about 90 days before he passed. He was KILLING it! He was kind and gracious back stage. That was a cool ten minutes I was privileged to spend with him.

[@opale1572]

Y eso que, según algunos, tenía Parkinson. ¡Si no llega a tenerlo...!

[@StewartNicolasBILLYCONNOLLY]

This drummer walked off stage after a 10 minute solo. The pianist said "Who the fuck does he think he is - GOD?" The bassist said "No, he IS God, he just thinks he is BUDDY RICH!"

[@euanmendoza6498]

That's bassist

[@StewartNicolasBILLYCONNOLLY]

lol

[@graemeclarke4268]

Yes Billy he sure was the farther of Mary!!

[@Nellynoodlebums]

euan mendoza Bass guitarist.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

No, the joke is a guy gets to heaven and hears a phenomenal drummer. He says Buddy Rich is here? No, that's God. He just thinks he's Buddy Rich.

[@conniebarnes9274]

His last words: Getting ready for surgery, the nurse asked him if there was anything he couldn't take. He said "country music". I think that's pretty damn funny. He was great.

[@erraticboss168]

Yea my teacher in jazz told us his last words were "i hate country" and he died

[@stephenaustin8153]

no, he was an intolerant bigot. there is good country. Check out Good ol' Boys Like Me (Don Williams). Don didn't bash Buddy.

[@KStewart-th4sk]

He was an ignorant asshole on a talk show I watched. Moronic comments about country music. I like many styles of music but not the SHIT HE PLAYED.

[@isorokudono]

Yeah, real funny....you know Ray Charles played country music, right?

[@isorokudono]

@@KStewart-th4sk You just made me realize I can't name a single song or album of Buddy's. Thank you!

[@malcolmdrums]

engrossing stuff....thank you for this...most appreciated..

[@holygroove2]

What a beautiful thing he does when he mentions his influences - he says that he knew them, learned from them, and they gave him advice. What an awesome thing!

[@ianbracey8954]

Thank you Buddy, you inspired me to go out and play my kit, But also to listen and learn.

[@susanb5177]

Strange how I looked up Buddy today April 2, 2019 the 32nd anniversary of his passing, never doing so before. I found this video and had to comment. Although there are many, many, great drummers, Buddy Rich is the best drummer God ever created.

[@Tomatohater64]

I respectfully disagree.

[@elizabethannhajduk4954]

Agree!

[@elizabethannhajduk4954]

The best ever ...no one will ever be. a better drummer than Buddy Rich!

[@dioavila5355]

Everytime I see a great drummer I always go back to watch him (DVD)...He's AMAZING!!!

[@leonardodalongisland]

He was SO right; we will Never seen/hear that type or any Great music ever again.

[@razakrahman110]

Buddy Rich is a Legand Drummer!

[@georgeosborne3303]

Agree. I remember watching the Carson spots in the 70's when he would play with Carson's drummer (Ed Shaughnessy). Shaughnessy just died 5-24-2013. It's great having the You Tube clips to watch and enjoy.

[@MENFUSSMIKE]

Yea that clip is INCREDIBLE. I think maybe even Ed outshined him

[@mspinrad]

Great interview. Very informative.

[@mroth2031]

Saw Buddy in 73 live being a drummer myself 35 Plus years he still amazes me.-Raw Power and drive and a sensitive man.

[@merlotxx]

Saw his band when I was 49, now I'm 79, he is still the best ever.

[@philosopher0076]

Bob G ....So you saw his band play but not him.

[@merlotxx]

@@philosopher0076 I should have said, he and his band.

[@philosopher0076]

Bob G ...Well, hearing you say that, it just is not possible that you saw HIM. When you were 49 ( exactly 30 years ago as you are now 79 according to your own statement ) Buddy Rich had already been dead for 3 years.

[@leonardohummel8658]

Yes. He had an enormous {and at times} difficult ego. but he was A UNIQUE person and a genius at what he did best. tremendous energy and dazzling talent.

[@michaelwalker7570]

Just say it. He was a POS. That technical jazz puts me to sleep. Fk him and his expetise.

[@philosopher0076]

michael walker He was a POS?? He gave his last 5 dollars to a guy who needed a ride home on a bus and something to eat. Rich was flat broke. He loaned friends money who needed it constantly and because of it died with little money due to his hospital bills for treatments and surgeries. He helped countless young guys with advice for their drumming technique. He did benefit concerts every year. He served in the US Marines. He was a loving husband and father and grandfather and behind closed doors all acquaintances and friends have said he was very kind, polite, caring, ever generous person. He grew up before and during the depression having no formal schooling...education...forced to work for his parents stage show since he was FOUR years old working all his life. Busted his ass self educating himself and trying to survive as a young musician. He was a New Yorker and grew up hard and on the road constantly and took no shit from anyone. He was a survivor. Do you know how hard it is to play drums like he did? Do you know the mental and physical effort it is to do that in a complex jazz big band? He couldn't read music and had to learn all the charts, music, breaks, pauses, accents, time changes, etc., etc....by ear and memory only. He played with the best musicians in the world, the top echelon and drove them with his intense playing. He worked his ASS OFF night after night, city after city, traveling the road all his life. He had a heart attack when in his 40's and kept playing for 30 years after it. He had 2 other heart attacks and kept going. He was a tough, old school man who demaded perfection and 100% effort from people who worked for his band. If a musican played shitty on stage it reflected directly on Buddy because it was the Buddy Rich band. No matter his age he gave 110% effort every damn night onstage no matter how old he was....all the way till in his 70th year when he died. So he got pissed off like hell when he saw 20 and 30 somethings in his band hitting sour notes and just going through the motions playing sloppy and lazy. He was 60 and even just about 70 killing it every single night so that broke his heart seeing such underachievement from such talented, young, healthy, energetic men. It made his blood boil. It was HIS reputation on the line too. Remember that...his band, with his name. He had a New York restaurant business too...that's a lot of responsibility while you're also running a band. He lost a 1/4 million dollars back in the 1940-50's !! Because of jazz music waning in popularity. He worked for a decade paying it all off. And even after that was on the road 270 to 300 days per YEAR...every YEAR playing his ass off with passion like no one else on a drum kit. He sat on busses and planes for 9 and 10 months every year for 20 years with his own group. He earned a black belt in Karate at age 50. He made some of the greatest big bands in jazz history better with his outstanding, driving, playing, power and precision. He was very intelligent but uneducated... only educated on the streets, on the stages and on the touring roads...and by reading books. He was hard because of all that, and a Marine which made him harder. He gave men JOBS...employed a full band and always paid them on time and in full, even when he couldn't pay himself. He was a professional as a musician and business man. He was never late to a gig....and played many, many, many THOUSANDS of them in his life. He felt guilty to the audience if one band member played poorly. His temper flared in such cases. He felt he owed it to the audience who took their valuable time away from family, hired baby sitters, took a night off from a job shift and spent their hard earned money to see him and his band perform great music for a few hours. He CARED and held himself responsible for his bands performances night after night. That is no easy thing and very stressfull. Do you even have a clue how stressful that is? He missed his wife and daughter due to being on the road so much for decades working to support them and pay the bills and give them a good life. Again...he worked fucking HARD...and never retired after heart attacks and old age. He did huge favors for tons of people around him and throughout his life. He screamed and yelled because that's what he knew and grew up with....but he was gentleman most of the time and a good friend with a kind heart according to those close to him. Don't judge a book by its cover. You never knew the man. You never met the man....never walked a mile in his shoes, in his life, knew what he went through so...stfu and go watch a drum solo of his on KZbin...the Paris solo #2....or any solo of a hundred on here....and see how fucking hard and passionately he killed himself night after night till he died. So again...STFU and grow up and watch what you say before you say it and get a clue about life and people before you go calling someone like Buddy Rich a " piece of shit. " F U. and have a nice day.

[@deathkampdrone]

Im not even that into jazz yet, Im only in my thirties. But this gentleman has been a hero of mine for many years. A true master of his domain.

[@DrumsTheWord]

Buddy is an incredible drummer. Easily one of the best; depending on who you ask of course. As one myself, and being from this small island, this particular interview means a lot to me. It's wonderful to get a full earful from the man himself talking to an audience across the pond that were still catching up with his brilliance.

[@johnharpdalton4092]

Hear the rhythms running through his speech patterns, triplets, paradiddles, flurries.. a great artist, modest where it matters.

[@johndoe-rp3hz]

Good for Buddy ... one of the GREATS!

[@chaelmavik]

It's nice to see Buddy Rich in this stage. He's known to be an abrasive personality, but this production showed his honest side and a bit more humbled side. Very well done.

[@TheWopper78]

I love Buddy Rich’s music, I love his skill, and his band made just the greatest sound! Jazz is and always will be an extraordinary art form that will live forever

[@mercurialdrum]

Buddy Rich was unique and supremely gifted. He had this magical ability to hit drum strokes, time and time again, in rapid quick-fire succession, just that split second before your ear expected it. In doing that he whipped away the rug from beneath your feet, gave you no leg to stand on and left you with no choice other than to listen in total amazement. There is no doubt in my mind as to who is the greatest drummer who ever sat down in front of a kit of drums and started to play. He was the boss, and he knew it.

[@vincentquattrocchi7924]

Absolutely !

[@vincentquattrocchi7924]

He took genes throne , the new king !

[@stix9641]

RIP Michael this great interview with Buddy was one in many that i loved so much ❤

[@TheCymbalProject]

That was a wonderful and very classy introduction to the show.

[@petershaw80]

Brilliant. A great guy who will always be appreciated....and loved.

[@aovint63]

Funny he even has a beat to the way he talks, as if he drums words.

[@royfowler1583]

Very interesting observation! I would NOT have come up with that but VERY true! Thanks!

[@SonnyGTA]

aovint63 it’s called ‘drum talk’. 🙄

[@MissMichSan]

I hear ya I was thinking the same thing brotha 👊

[@stuartewoldt1513]

He probably wasn't taught that but radio personalities and news broadcasters are taught a rythme to a point to mesmerize you

[@sadakichihartmann1827]

wow!

[@cszetela1]

I met him once, over 35 years ago. He was polite to me. Back then, I was fully aware of his reputation for being rude, so I did not ask for an autograph. He politely shook my hand.

[@AlmegaMedia]

I started to get upset when I saw the title. I'm 70 years old this year. And, as a matter of fact, I was the last person to interview Buddy Rich on this planet. I have photos. When I saw that it said last televised, I thought well, ok. Mine was not televised. I interviewed Buddy at what was called in those Days, 'Anderson's 5th Estate' in Scottsdale, AZ for my own magazine, 'Music Interview Magazine'. Two weeks later he performed on the Tonight Show. The next week he passed away. His heart had been bothering him for some time, and he had; had a number of strokes. In fact that night at Anderson's he had a 16 piece band with him, but they only played 5 songs. He was worn out, and they left with the usual Buddy protocol, no apology, and 'That's it folks!' He turned his back and walked out. The crowd was pissed, of course, but he didn't care.. lol! Big Surprise! lol! He knew he was the best and took great advantage of it! lol! R.I.P., Buddy ;)

[@jimbaker6442]

When I was a kid in high school I would go to Disney Land and see Buddy play for six nights during the summer. The band would start playing at 9 so I would get there at 6 to make sure I had a front-row seat right in front and just to the left of him. I remember him looking down and seeing me there night after night with a big smile on his face. I never got to talk to him though because as soon as the band was done playing the set he was up and out of there and gone until the beginning of the next set. Some great memories for me.

[@godwhyisthistaken]

explain your time, Buddy is such a great musician, he speaks so well here, Love Jazz

[@vgr112261]

Rich grew up in the depression era. It was a hard time. He played every gig like it was his last. Sure, he was hard on his men, but just as hard on himself. Most of his musicians said they were better for having the experience. Rich was the best ever.

[@carrrexx7190]

eh,eheh...hard on, eh

[@rolfdejonge3915]

I felt that too, so much "passion" must come from "somewhere" \O/

[@slidezone9056]

My late father was of that generation. Nothing came easy. In order to make it through that time they had to have a mindset. I think you're right. Buddy expected no less of others than he did of himself. And I'm wondering if the ones who disliked him so were also the ones who couldn't see eye to eye with him in this regard.

[@ronbyrd1616]

At 16, I saw Buddy on tv in 1967 and saw him doing crossovers - I had never seen that; lived in east Tn at the time- go figure! Practiced that for two wks and worked it into my rock drumming. Also picked up a couple of fills from him from that show. Thanks Buddy and miss you .

[@stephengiese7549]

He speaks very well and is no doubt sure of what he is saying. He is tough and has alot of experience in performing music. He helps the young people get involved in jazz.

[@erikrupp692]

I had the good fortune to see Buddy three times, and each time he and his band was simply incredible. He, of course, was amazing on the drums - but his band was incredibly powerful and tight, but still played with feeling. I feel really lucky to have been able to see Buddy in person. I still remember watching Buddy and his band playing at the San Diego Zoo in their amphitheater one afternoon (it was PACKED), and he saw me wearing my KISS T-Shirt and had a mildly disgusted look on his face (giving a brief eye roll), and then he proceeded to play the most amazing drum solo I have ever seen or heard in my life (and I was a drummer, so I have a little knowledge of just how impressive his playing was). It was like he was saying, "Kid, that ain't music - THIS is music!" While I've always believed there is room for someone to love both Jazz and Rock (I'm a good example), I've also acknowledged the superior sophistication of Jazz over (most) Rock. Buddy and his band played with the energy and explosiveness of a Heavy Metal group, while showing the dynamics, musicality, and sophistication of the best Jazz. That's probably why my favorite Jazz albums are all Buddy Rich albums (although I love a lot of Jazz artists - Woody Herman, Chick Corea, etc).

[@MENFUSSMIKE]

Nice memory to share. What year would this show have been?

[@erikrupp692]

@@MENFUSSMIKE - If I remember right it was around June of 1983. (Could have been '84, but I'm pretty sure it was '83.)

[@deweywise5573]

Best Jazz Drummer ever! quick hands and quick mind.

[@nichesound]

being a stick man from the 70's I LOVED watching Buddy Rich....I don't have many idols but by far he was on the top of my list! And as for country music being the dregs, we shared that too...RIP Buddy Rich

[@TERoss-jk9ny]

I was taught to Buddy Rich’s drum technique from grade school to high school. 1976 until 1982! God bless my first music teacher, Mrs. Lynne, and the greatest band/music teacher ever, DR. Chuck Lavalle. Victorville, CA.

[@no1shere710]

I heard that when he died he was buried fifty feet below the surface of the earth because everyone knew that "deep down he's a nice guy".

[@MrJoeythebabykangaro]

LMAO

[@jerrydevan7947]

Hilarious!

[@acedrumminman]

@April Ames In 1976 I played a sound check rehearsal with his band at the Waldorf in New York for his upcoming engagement with Mel Torme, word got to him and he hired me that week...I played all the rehearsals and sound checks, he brought me up on occasion to play for the audience...for two years I watched, listened and rested on every piece of advice he gave me...he treated me like a son, critiqued me, praised me and yes scolded me...it was an experience that can't be measured. He was the most generous mentor...when ever he was close I would visit him at home and on the job...we never lost touch, I cried for days after he died.

[@markdemell3717]

@@acedrumminman Very touching ,I am welling up as i read.Take care .

[@GraffitiPhysical]

"I'm still learning" is a great comment by Buddy. Goes to show that he was humble and a great respect for the music he performed. That's the great thing about being musician, never gets dull. Always new things to consider a learn. I would have loved to be able to play in his band.

[@Datanditto]

GraffitiPhysical humble😆🤣😂🤣😆🤣😂🤣

[@WildPhotoShooter]

Humble ????? HahahaHahaHaha!! Arrogant asshole more like.

[@JimDangerZone]

Cool stuff. Thanks!

[@BrianBallardmasalaicno]

My thanks goes out to people like Buddy Rich, may there always be dedicated musicians of such high calibre to give the joy of music.

[@eriksmithdrummer]

Buddy was born in 1917, played snare drum before he was 2 years old, got into broadway, toured the world as a single act before he was a teen. Got into jazz at 17, pioneer in big band drumming, swing, into be bop, led his own band going into modern swing, rock, funk charts, played elaborate suites and odd meters. He basically invented new ways to play the instrument. He was the source of everything he did. Makes "whos better" discussions pretty lame;) He was unique in the whole world of music. The Mozart of drumming.

[@LoyalOpposition]

Funk? Where? I had this VHS where it showed Buddy playing rock for 2 seconds, and always wanted to see his non-jazz playing. I wonder if he played Middle-Eastern or Indian rhythms (or many others) like John Densmore from The Doors

[@eriksmithdrummer]

@@LoyalOpposition try the album «man from planet jazz»

[@LoyalOpposition]

Thank you so much! @@eriksmithdrummer

[@LoyalOpposition]

The live album, right? @@eriksmithdrummer

[@gregghatfield9946]

Still is the best .... RIP Buddy

[@NandosRecordings]

The most influential drummer in my life. Thank you!

[@jazzpianoman01]

Amazing; I saw this man live way back in 1980 in London at Ronnie Scott’s Club. Phenomenal!

[@1houroflove186]

When I saw the title "Buddy Rich Parkinson the last interview" I thought he DiED of Parkinson's.

[@moneybagshastings2247]

Me too. He better have died of Parkinson's, it would suit him because he drums like a motherfucker.

[@irishguy977]

Thank God I wasn't the only one that thought this.

[@BadRonald1]

me too.

Heart Attack idiots.

[@BadRonald1]

Bob NA Hey Bob Notable Asshole. If we want to hear a word from you we’ll let cha know. In the meantime go fuck yourself.......... idiot.

[@jennifer86010]

There never was and never will be "the best jazz drummer in the world". Jazz is an art form, not an Olympic contest. Jazz musicians make records, they don't hold records.

[@isorokudono]

You ever hear Chet Baker and Paul Desmond do Atumn Leaves with Steve Gadd on drums??? Have a listen and get back to me...

[@chrisdaniel7256]

well said

[@Blackgeoff1]

Isoroku -- thanks for the tip. I'd never even heard of Steve Gadd before; he's bloody brilliant

[@Sirgromulus]

@@thomassimmons9839 Concur. Add Gene Krupa, Joe Morello. (papa) Joe Jones, and probably a few others!

[@johnmooter2300]

I agree. He was opinionated, put down other music, and there were many jazz drummers that were great; Art Blakey, Mac Roach, so many.

[@robertparkes4982]

What a legend... just great !!

[@billmayo1094]

One of a kind.

[@genuineuni]

One thing I like about Buddy's (or most BIG Band) music, there was no overdubbing going on that plagued Pop music. Bring back the Big Bands!! :)

[@colupton7415]

brilliant interview true genius

[@marktarr4664]

Got to see Buddy back in '80 (when I was in high school). He even signed my Rich/Krupa drum battle album prior to the show (which I still have, of course). To this day, that experience is still on my list of "Top 5 coolest things I've ever seen."

[@WoLF-si6pc]

Amazing interview.

[@genebortolanza599]

buddy was the king of drummers always

[@BryceDAnderson1952]

Buddy was the king of assholes

[@mike67006700]

@@BryceDAnderson1952 that's jealousy

[@Kasino80]

Played his music while playing with my kid of four, he got up and started dancing to it. The type of music doesn't age.

[@adamchurvis1]

I sat ten feet from Buddy Rich when he was headlining at London House in Chicago back in about 1970 when I was a little kid just getting into drums. To this day he is the only musical act, which includes his top-flight band, that sounded better live than mixed in a studio. My father, also a former amateur drummer, and I sat next to Morrie Lishon, the owner of the legendary Frank's Drum Shop in Chicago. It was a magical night before he cut his set short due to an OBNOXIOUS woman who kept badgering him with "Play a solo!" She was outside smoking a cigarette five minutes later when we left (his second set was much later). I felt like doing a Dave Chappelle on her.

[@carymadsen8160]

Glad I got too see him in 1982 ,i was 13 .he was playing in the mall parking lot where they filmed the blues brothers driving threw that mall.I stood 10 feet behind him as he played ,I was amazed at his ability ,it was all feel,that's what music is. He inspired me to keep playing..talent talent talent .

[@aurelienparent-koenig4125]

"I'm still learning". No ego there. Long live Buddy!

[@marcdemell2987]

Peart thought enough of Buddy to do a tribute.

[@drspaseebo410]

One of the greatest jazz musicians ever.

[@WildPhotoShooter]

Naaa! Drums were never meant to be lead instruments in a melody , try whistling a drum solo, you can't because the melody is completely lost. All a drum solo is , is a way of hi-lighting a band member that is normally in the background with a chip on the shoulder.

[@rmch4070]

WildPhotoShooter what a narrow-minded idiotic comment, a solo doesn’t need to be melodic, a drum solo shows off incredible endurance, timing, control and skill. Not everybody understand or likes a drum solo and I get that but you just sound like an asshole.

[@Bobaman5400]

@@WildPhotoShooter dumbest comment ive ever read in my life

[@WildPhotoShooter]

@@Bobaman5400 I don't believe you.

[@julienpillonca6686]

@@WildPhotoShooter frustrations at his top .

[@xXmovingshadowXx]

Thank you, and good luck with yours :)

[@scottgoodrich5825]

I met Buddy when I was just 11 years old. His show just blew me away.

[@jabbingjabberwocky5243]

Buddy's face lights up when they show his grandson on the the drums ..... truly PRICELESS 😎

[@bryanrmcf]

Most people think Gordon Ramsay is a dick, but he's a passionate chef that has high standards. Buddy Rich may be the Gordon Ramsay of the music world, passionate about music but always with high standards, maybe not the best comparison, but GR is the first one that came to my mind.

[@screeeeeeeeee962]

+Bryan Bello thats actually one of the best comparisons ive heard haha

[@zyxwut321]

Except Gordon Ramsay isn't the chef that Buddy Rich was as a drummer. Ramsay is all about self-promotion. Rich was the best jazz drummer by far the world has ever seen and probably the best drummer ever period. Rich was more like Mozart or Einstein then an overheated buffoon in the kitchen.

[@MichelLinschoten]

zyxwut321 You're an idiot, no chef in the WORLD has obtained the amount or Michelin stars for his cuisine standards...

[@keithlsherman]

Not even remotely true. Joel Robuchon has the most, Alain Ducasse is second.

[@emlix1]

I worked for Gordon Ramsay. He was a total dick.

[@lmundiclan]

He was a great man to work with. In the 60’s I used to book his gigs, for the schools he gave drum lessons in many colleges when I worked for the William Morris Agency. He had a great sense of humor, always upbeat, and wonderful man, he will be missed by millions. To hear his voice again is wonderful, thank you. We also had Frank Sinatra, he only would talk to my boss, William B William’s . I could have insisted on talking to Frank because his mother and my grandmother were best friends for many years and attended his parents 50th anniversary, I have pictures of them dancing.

[@lionheartroar3104]

Best drummer...period

[@marceibel1131]

Rest in Peace to the God of Drumming.

[@rooseveltnut]

My heart goes out to his wife. There's a halo in heaven for her!!!

[@jadezee6316]

you have no idea what his relationship with his wife was like...nor do you start with any understanding of rich himself....dip stick brain

[@earlofmar7987]

I went to jr. high school in Las Vegas, NV. with his daughter Cathy. ( 1967-1969).

[@tomjones239]

@@jadezee6316 Buddy "Bitchboy" Rich was an abusive, rude, idiotic, violent asshole. He treated everyone like garbage.

[@calderdale6795]

Rhonda Crockett She features on a Rich album I have singing exceptionally well. I think the song was “That’s Enough” , still one of my favourite tracks. Great voice.

[@MattMcGunn30]

Thank you Sir.

[@marilynstevenson865]

My uncle.. a jazz drummer, took me to see Buddy Rich at the Chevron Silver Spade Room in Sydney!! A powerhouse!!