Buddy Rich Puts on a Clinic | Carson Tonight Show

Original Airdate: June 25th, 1976
#johnnycarson #thetonightshow #buddyrich
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[@robertnobody]

Johnny's amazing generosity by allowing Buddy to solo that long, you would never see that today on network television.

[@StreetsOfVancouverChannel]

It’s crazy how controlled and fake so many things are now…

[@mindeloman]

I don't think networks or producers could or would allow the level of control Johnny had over his show. Johnny was definitely the conductor of the orchestra. If he felt the show was too good and flowing well, he would bump a guest. He notably did this when Chuck Berry came on and Johnny bumped every guest after him, allowing Chuck to perform 3 songs. Johnny knew good TV and is a legend because of it.

[@tA_aT287]

Real music, real musicians, real instruments....REAL talent. AMAZING!!!

[@porgy]

Watching him play on Johnny Carson when I was kid was the reason I wanted to play the drums.

[@slotrane8853]

What a freak of nature. I know what’s coming but blows me away every time

[@morrispartow759]

Burned those drums, What a beast.

[@rblauson]

I can’t fathom ANYONE to ever live on planet earth could be this good. AMAZING.

[@tomfear-ws4bo]

The king of drummers. An absolute genius.

[@sammyvh11]

I was lucky enough to have seen Buddy once with his band at University of Maryland. He's the goat .

[@thatonedude1003]

My grandpa was a huge Buddy Rich & Gene Krupa fan. I didn’t quite get it when I was really young. In my later teens…it all came together. Jazz is my favorite genre of music, and I play it in my classroom for my students all day/every day. Most don’t “dig” it at first…but many reach out when they hit college and tell me that they can’t study without jazz playing. I am super grateful to my grandfather for introducing me to artists such as Buddy. They are the TRUE magicians. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful video!!

[@deanbrandl1987]

I saw a buddy almost 20 times from 73 to 80... Unbelievably awesome

[@timb350]

Freakin mindboggling what this guy can do with a drum kit.

[@johnsandbo1]

Thankyou J. Carson Estate/Cathy Rich for putting this out on Y.T. It is the finest quality! I know there would be a market for a DVD(s) of Buddy's appearances on the Tonight Show. Drummers worldwide would be forever grateful. Their friendship is fun to see again in these amazing shows.

[@HappyArchaeology-mm4ng]

Buddy an inspiration. But Neil Peart was 1000%, a better percussionist.

[@dugless1]

@@HappyArchaeology-mm4ng I’m guessing you’re deaf.

[@mycroft57]

I've been wanting that collection for a long as I can remember. I wish someone would put it out!

[@coldwinter5710]

​@@HappyArchaeology-mm4ngDifferent kinds of drumming at different times, different music. Can you really compare?

[@HappyArchaeology-mm4ng]

@coldwinter5710 Of course. What is your exact argument? So I can answer clearly. Tooti died recently. One of the best blues drummers of all time. Buddy Rich one of my first to watch. As a learning percussionist. I became more than just a drummer. I won't list every type of instrument, I have played. Make your point. Just for clarification. If you wish. Your opinion seems cloudy.

[@michaelhungate7506]

Buddy was a fantastic player (and he absolutely knew it) .

[@WhenImBackInChicago]

🕯. Anniversary of Buddy Rich's death, April 2, 1987 (age 69) ~ he toured/performed to the end.

[@Randetroit]

Yes! He died in Ann Arbor, Michigan RIP Buddy!

[@cathystruska1558]

Buddy Rich was a force unlike any other Hands down the greatest drummer of all time. Gone but never forgotten

[@jeffgolladay5813]

Amazing but John Bonham will have a word

[@imandan1966]

@@jeffgolladay5813 yeah...no he won't

[@Richard-wh9wm]

Senri Kawaguchi is better than Rich ever was.

[@imandan1966]

@@Richard-wh9wm in your opinion

[@Richard-wh9wm]

@@imandan1966 😂😂😂

[@ultrakool]

ok, think about drumming fifty yrs ago and it's buddy. fifty years before that in the roaring twenties they were only just starting to use the drum kit like they do currently. wow, this is still fresh today. timeless

[@opinionshurt2905]

Imagine a world without him, we wouldnt have had Mitch Mitchell, Steve Gadd, John Bonham, Keith Moon, Neil Peart…and on and on….

[@JohnWhitt-sw1pe]

Totally agree!! I first heard of Buddy Rich at the age of 14 by my 8th grade English teacher.Today I'm 60 and I finally started listening to him and watching videos.Sadly I had to drop John Bonham to number two greatest of all time.He is literally like multiple drummers in one. A percussionist extraordinaire

[@johnnyreo9681]

To see this man walk up to those drums cold and play at that level is amazing.....Most of those Tonite Show videos were shot when Buddy was in his later years. Imagine him 20, or 30 years younger! He took no drum lessons,, couldnt read a note,,.by all accounts, never practiced, he said, "you get better by playing,. not practicing," had a photographic memory, a genius I Q of drumming..and an Amazing GOD GIVEN TALENT!

[@sstephen474]

your right man. I played drums for Don Menza and Art Pepper both on Buddy"s Caesar's palace album, knew Freddy Gruber and guys from Buddy"s band and they all said the same thing you said. I saw Buddy at disneyland in 1969 3 nights. it was like watching God zapping Buddy with superhuman abilities. He's the GOAT these other guys are great but have to practice and dont have the natural gift and charisma. Jeff Porcaro was another one that didnt practice and had the charisma and natural talent but played a much simpler type of music but equally as entertaining. Thank God I was lucky to see all the greats.

[@robbopaloobop]

He grew up in show business. No doubt he got things from the great drummers he saw as a boy. That background plus incredible ability and a photographic mind is how champions are born.

[@ReverendSoupbone]

I never get tired of watching Buddy play. Fantastic.

[@mattslifeandtravels]

My dad used to play jazz in this era and played with a few of the greats around London. He said he couldn’t believe what he saw when he saw Buddy Rich.

[@dirkbag22]

Still my favorite drummer of all time. Spectacular.

[@docschweitz7606]

Greatest Drummer ever! You can be cocky, BUT, can you back it up? Buddy backed it up and THEN SOME! These videos are Priceless, Thank you.

[@joelhoulette3244]

Agree. Best ever.

[@docschweitz7606]

@@joelhoulette3244 Joel, I watch drum videos all the time. What amazes me about Buddy( besides his impeccable precision and technique) is that Many times( especially on Carson) he would display his blazing precise artistry, DRESSED IN A SUIT A TIE!!!!!!!! Not this particular video, but I have yet to see ANYONE play as blazing amazing with precise tactical skill and artistic FLAIR, confined and restricted in a SUIT AND TIE. If that exists, someone, Please direct me to it!!!! It doesn't exist, which is just another reason why Sir Buddy blows them all away!

[@user-ji5ev3iq6z]

​@@docschweitz7606Look for a video called Joe Morello The Great Solo.

[@sticktrik]

@@docschweitz7606Louie Bellson!!!!

[@docschweitz7606]

@@sticktrik ok Mr Stick, educate me please. I openly confess I know nothing about Louie Bellson. I am curious!!! Are there any videos of I can check out. I love to learn. Serious.

[@ovepayne]

I had a once in a lifetime experience in 1984 when Buddy toured in Sweden and I got to see him perform and meeting him afterwards for a handshake and he kindly signed an LP I fortunately brought to the concert!

[@shawnwright5332]

What a Beast of a drummer WoW

[@drummerdunne3490]

I've been following Buddy since 1970 when I was 17. I don't remember ever seeing this clip. Brought tears to my eyes 😅. He was/is the biggest influence to my drumming career.

[@J35Y1]

Who do you drum for sir if you don't mind me asking

[@SopranoPizzaJMFNJ]

Agree. I don't recall ever seeing this before.

[@mrgransport]

I was born about 15 years too late. In the mid 50’s. Big band and great musicians died in the 70’s. I miss these late night shows and the true talent that was in them.

[@eightbars1]

I am the same age, but Buddy was my God father. I grew up with all those guys around all the time. True, their hey day6 was past, but Buddy did his best to stay up and stay hip. I know all the stories of Buddy. Ignore them. He was a warm, wonderful cat who showed me so much and laughed all the time. Watch Harry James Orchestra play "Green Onions" to see Buddy and my dad, Red Kelly on bass, play together.

[@cashmeremonroe7715]

​@@eightbars1 What a great story! I bet you didn't even know it was a big deal because you were so young.

[@johnsewell6593]

Cool story " Mr. Eightbars ". I'm in my sixties so I watched Carson all the time. I began playing drums in 1973, subsequently whenEVER the worlds greatest drummer was on , I didn't miss. This guy is UNBELIEVEABLE. Would have loved to have met this musical Giant.....You're a fortunate individual...Long May You Run....!

[@davidlewtas4715]

0​@@eightbars1

[@Rob_Kates]

I was born way too late, in 1969. I love big band jazz, especially from the World War 2 era, like Buddy Rich, Glenn Miller, Gene Krupa, Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Count Basie, etc. The music on Johnny Carson's show was one of the things that made it special.

[@mwilliamshs]

To know beyond all doubt that anything is the best of its kind is rare. Buddy Rich is rarer still.

[@FrazierMtnCheese]

He was amazing 👏

[@Mrvictorfernandes]

"Buddy Rich is the greatest drummer ever to have drawn breath." - Gene Krupa. 9/30/1917 - 4/2/1987 🥁 🔥

[@or2ak]

Neil Peart

[@johnmaid3161]

Neil Peart also said Buddy Rich was the greatest drummer of all time.

[@or2ak]

@johnmaid3161 Peart wouldn't say Peart was the best... LOL Only a narcissistic would say that. Buddy is fast with only a 5 piece set, Peart is amazing on a 30 piece set. Huge difference.

[@johnmaid3161]

First of all, they didn't have 30 piece kits back then. If they did, Rich would've been even better. I saw Rush live 7 times. Peart was very talented, but wasn't in the same league as Rich.

[@or2ak]

@@johnmaid3161 Opinion, not a fact.

[@stevecagle2317]

I'm a woodwind guy and started playing big band jazz in the mid 70s in highschool. I am so lucky to have seen Buddy several times. I saw all the guys still touring, Stan Kenton, Maynard, Basie, Woody and more. We played charts from them all. I lost my entire collection of albums a few years ago in a fire, but with streaming I'm thrilled to have access to all I had and more. Thanks for posting!

[@SirVic42]

For reference: Johnny was a decent amateur drummer and worshipped Buddy Rich. They were friends busting each other's chops here.

[@Rob_Kates]

I read that Buddy gave Johnny one of his drum kits.

[@tsarbomba1]

They were roommates at one point.

[@J35Y1]

How do you even know that and how do i find friends who knows these things ​@tsarbomba1

[@tsarbomba1]

@@J35Y1 Read a couple of Buddy's biographies. When they were both starting out they were roommates.

[@SopranoPizzaJMFNJ]

​@@Rob_Kates I have read same. Buddy gifted Johnny a drum kit.

[@erielakemusic]

unreal, one of the most incredible drum solo's you will ever see...thanks for reposting this clip

[@hausf.kartreit1111]

Who needs a Band when You got Buddy Rich👍🏾🤠🤳

[@jasonq703]

I've seen him perform in different videos and on The Tonight Show when I was a little kid, and I am still awed.

[@chrishepp4429]

this sucks just opinion third grader drum as good as this garbage

[@Lnzinorbit]

Absolutely amazing..

[@kimmyers5648]

The best drummer. EVER.

[@audiophile33073]

Happy Birthday Buddy Rich!! Saw you live just a few years before passing in NYC at Lincoln Center

[@ajn465]

It’s a weird thing… Buddy rich is a phenomenon. A guy whose life Spans the history of jazz from just after it’s beginning until the mid-1980s and who is gifted (mainly from starting in infancy) with chops no one could touch. It’s so important to get these clips out in the public domain as much as possible because buddy’s playing will speak to young drummers for generations to come. Having good clear copies of these things is very important. For the furtherance of music education. Either way, thanks again… And looking forward to the next find.

[@Modernaire]

Pin this comment!

[@timothywilliamson3102]

Johnny was always bringing the great bringer of the talent! Buddy Rich, WOW!! Look at him attack those skins!! Go, MAN, GO!! Thanks Johnny Estate for the memories.

[@bornagainbuddhist1969]

An absolute legend.....

[@stevenholquin2127]

The Master Buddy Traps Rich I’ve Seen Him at Disney Land in The 1970’s at The Carnation Theatre Up Close Just a Amazing Drummer 🥁 Thank You Buddy

[@loucontino4804]

Dynamite! Buddy Rich was the greatest natural drummer in the history of the world. I did think around the time this aired, Buddy was under an endorsement contract with Ludwig. So, I'm not sure why the show got him Slingerland Drums to play. Maybe I'm wrong on the timing and Buddy was in between endorsements. But man those Slingerlands sound crisp as fresh lettuce! We miss you dearly Buddy & Johnny & Ed.

[@nazfrde]

The Prince of Darkness. LOL

[@WhoGitDaBiscuit]

😂

[@keenokeeno9064]

Saw him live twice, he will never be beaten.😊

[@william-uc2oy]

He was the nicest guy. When he played at Disneyland at I think it was called Carnation Garden during the summer. Early 70s. He’d sit on his drum chair and talked to me and a friend about music. All this during breaks. Although I wasn’t a musician he still knew I loved a variety of music and loved talking to us. We were about 17 at the time. I think he just enjoyed hearing our youthful perspective on the state of music. Great old memory.

[@debbiemichaels4632]

Buddy Rich was my idol when i went the Cleveland Institute of Music 🎶

[@rudy2shoes403]

Look - seeing ANY Buddy Rich is a YES for me

[@powerage17]

The greatest drummer ever

[@or2ak]

Neil Peart

[@carbonc6065]

@@or2ak Seriously? I'll leave this again: Billy Cobham, Dennis Chambers, Eric Moore ... ETC! Seriously, Peart--over DECADES of drumming ... PEART?! NO. no. Just, no.

[@or2ak]

@carbonc6065 these are opinions, relax.

[@seeharvester]

I had the pleasure of watching Buddy perform in his home in the Lake Tahoe area. The occasion was my friends wedding reception, which, along with the small wedding, was conducted in his home. He was an amazing mechanic on the skins. The best, in my opinion.

[@clarkt5439]

He really was a Phenom! Like an alien with special powers. He and Carson were really good together in banter as well. I loved the videos of him and Shaughnessy playing together. I really don't think there will ever be anyone comparable. Guys have tried, and there are some great talents out there, but with Buddy it's one in an infinite number. ♾️

[@epiphanydrums5427]

FLAWLESS UNPARALLELED LIVE Performance by ANY standard. I have never seen this before. Really a treasure!

[@thomaskittsii1008]

Freaking Awesome.... Grew up on Zepplin..Early Scorpions..Who...etc... but the big band sound is Incredible !!!

[@ikofire1]

Buddy Rich was a great master and as many say a true force of nature! A fantastic virtuoso that took our breath away! Rest in peace great man! His interactions with Johnny Carson were a lesson to us all. Men of tremendous respect and great class!!

[@keithbeck2300]

Buddy Rich became better as he aged. Amazing drum solo, I believe he didn't respect rock drummers but he was perceptive enough to embrace the form and keep an eye on the competition, so to speak. His hand speed and dexterity even considering today's era is amazing.

[@JBPerraudindrummerOfficial]

Amazing drum solo!!!

[@donfaruolo1858]

In June of 1968, as a 15 year old professional guitar player in-training, I found myself sitting backstage at Ceaser's Palace in Las Vegas, in Buddy's dressing room. He was more than friendly and courteous as I was already a fan and enthralled with his drumming. I still have the autograph from that evening framed on my wall. Buddy was THE best and THE hippest. And ALL drummers should be required to hold the left hand stick properly! I miss Buddy, Johnny and all of the founding fathers of our culture.

[@quintbromley2112]

The GOAT. 🥁

[@RickMcCargar]

Just astounding talent!

[@dojocho1894]

The GOAT we bow down

[@scottanddebranelson8419]

i think i actually saw this episode. i for sure remember seeing him on johnny at least once and this very well coulda been it. thanks for posting.

[@capslock9037]

I can play like that in my sleep...cause that's when I'm dreaming

[@dkelban]

The G.O.A.T of drums.

[@icetech6]

I had never seen this one, thank you for posting it..

[@beatlejim64]

Met him...saw him play live...he's the best drummer ever!

[@tomtomboy6471]

Buddy Rich is the World's Greatest Drummer there ever was, is now, and forever shall be!

[@wirelesscustomer9973]

Always amazing, and such a fun person to be around.

[@ChrisHopkinsBass]

“The Prince of Darkness” 😂

[@tt55899]

Im a huge rush fan and neil peart is my personal favorite and an obvious otherworldly talented percussionist but buddy rich was unequaled

[@ugaais]

My two favorite Drummers….love RUSH

[@budwudd]

Those who say Buddy wasn't musical need to have their ears checked. He was as musical as they come, AND blessed with prodigious technique. Killer combination.

[@caferrara]

He always sounded best on Slingerlands

[@fredsavage4925]

They were such good friends, what a pleasure.

[@jamesdrynan]

Saw Buddy and his band at the Imperial Room in the Royal York Hotel in Toronto. Amazing!

[@macmedic892]

I first saw Buddy Rich in a drum battle with Animal on The Muppet Show. Buddy won.

[@williamafendya2527]

Just looked that battle up against Animal... thanks for that! Indeed, Buddy won.

[@kl9307]

I remember that 🤣🥁🤜💥

[@johnnyonenote376]

@@kl9307 The drum part for 'Animal' in The Muppets was played by the late Ronnie Verrell, who Buddy admired greatly...

[@vitodicamillo5645]

My favorite drummer of all time!

[@bradley8867]

A lot of Rock Stars consider Buddy Rich to be the GOAT 🐐 he even influenced the great Keith Moon 🌚

[@nascargas]

Neil Peart is/was also a student of Buddy.

[@Radio_Flakes]

Top shelf acts, all of them. Those were the "good old days" days.

[@drmmadude]

He was the best. Loved him Carmine Appice

[@andrewsimineri2243]

There can be only one. Thank you BR!

[@willshaughnessy8515]

Buddy was in raring to burn form..uncle Ed told me he was afire that night ..even after surgery..that's one tough Marine ..semper fi

[@MrKaraokeguy88]

You’re uncle was a master in Johnny’s band

[@frankconti6591]

⚜️🎶🎭 A Brooklyn Boy - we shook hands at ‘Disneyland 🥁🤪🍻Rip !!!🌷🎺

[@rolfdejonge3915]

Wow! What a great footage! Both were "masters of their matters", obviously! And they seemed to like each other genuinely! May they R.I.P./*\ ✌️🤠💥🌟🌀🎉

[@ugaais]

Buddy Rich and Neil Peart are my two favorite drummers

[@terrymcnatt6480]

Saw him live in Nashville - there are no words other than BR was and will always be the G.O.A.T!!!!!

[@user-my1td2ty3l]

The best of the best

[@peoplehavetherights]

Was Angie Dickinson on this Carson video some fifty years ago in Burbank?!?

[@thedude4672]

Smokin hot

[@hausf.kartreit1111]

WowI knew he was good but I never actually watched him play till now. Kudos Mr Rich👍🏾🤠🤳

[@shanec7436]

Buddy Rich and Ronnie Tut both brilliant.

[@leezaichick29]

Awesome I was in jazz band in the earl 70s in high school Johnny Carson band. Buddy rich Many others Went to a jazz band competition in Burbank. Studios Omg. A wake up call on how good they were

[@MarkJohnson-vp3uk]

only a drummer can appreciate his left hand

[@Magnetron33]

Possibly the only drummer I have ever seen do a one handed roll and keep it going

[@carbonc6065]

@@Magnetron33 WEll, then, this is your first minutes on KZbin I take it?

[@Magnetron33]

@@carbonc6065 no not really

[@revyu6754]

Okay, he’s not Virgil Donati, or Thomas Lang, or a lot of other phenomenal modern drummers… and there’s STILL an argument to be made that he’s the GOAT. He was phenomenal. Some of his techniques and his speed still rival anything that any of the best modern drummers are doing.

[@rick3747]

No one will ever top Buddy Rich or Joe Morello. Virgil, Lang....no one. I couldn't care less on how many beats they play.

[@J35Y1]

Magic

[@troynov1965]

Buddy Rich best drummer ever......Besides Animal....... of course.

[@biggatorcaesar]

Buddy Rich, the greatest drummer of all time!

[@vincentmizzoni6999]

Did I hear removal of two disks and a week later what we just saw ! One tough son of a gun .

[@kcdurkin8498]

The Best. Period.

[@jupiterlegrand4817]

Solos are one thing, but what he could do with a band is beyond comprehension. Talk about drive, intensity, and above all, TIME. He was swinging the Tonight Show band so hard, they probably needed dental work afterwards. He was SO musical. Buddy was the GOAT.

[@dennyclosser8456]

Carson was the absolute best! And Buddy Rich wow incredible just the best drummer on the planet in his era

[@mindeloman]

Johnny mentions Ed Shaughnessy at 10:37. Ed was a MONSTER drummer and was with the band from 1962 all the way to the end with Johnny in 1992. He and Buddy Rich used to do drum-off competitions. You can search specific videos on him. One point of interest; Ed was married to Ilene Woods who is probably most famous for being the voice of the original Cinderella.

[@StreetsOfVancouverChannel]

Sooooooo much music in that amazing drummer!🥁 🎉😎👏🏻👊🏻🙏🏻👏🏻✌🏻

[@J.B24]

Johnny's comb over cracks me up.

[@markv.5962]

only worse one was rickles

[@keithbeck2300]

Comb-over means baldness, Johnny Carson always had a full head of hair. I think you meant he had it combed to the side.

[@J.B24]

@@keithbeck2300No I'm talking about the big white streak thats going across his head from the other side.

[@markv.5962]

He was actually pretty bald when he died@@keithbeck2300

[@Drchainsaw77]

@@J.B24 Doesn't matter. Carson had hair on top of his head. That's not a comb-over. Rickles and van Patten had the most ridiculous comb-overs.