The 7-Decade Career of Drummer Roy Haynes [JAZZ STORIES]

Roy Haynes still walks tall in the world of jazz. After seven decades behind the drums, not a detail is overlooked. And it is always a good time to play.
His recent set at the Blue Note in Greenwich Village was a celebration of the legendary percussionist's 93rd birthday.
Haynes grew up in Boston and got his first break when he was just a teenager when pianist Louis Russell asked him to join his band back in 1945.
Not long after, Haynes's unique energy and sound were in high demand. Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane, Billie Holiday, Stan Getz, Sonny Rollins, Sarah Vaughan all wanted to record with him.
He says he enjoyed playing with and meeting such great people, including Papa Jo Jones, his idol, who was a drummer in the legendary Count Basie band.
He loved the clothes, too. Haynes is quick to boast about his inclusion in a best-dressed list created by Esquire magazine in 1960. That list included iconic trumpeter Miles Davis.
Haynes is known for his unmistakable sound and everlasting style.
-DAN BOWENS
Produced by Peter Facini, Fox 5 News Managing Editor

[@Eastpointe]

I’m back here in 2023, and was thinking of the Great Roy Haynes. He has so be thee oldest living jazz legend-icon-national treasure. I feel like he’s not playing anymore and in the care of his close knitted family. The Most High really blessed Mr. Haynes to live a very long, healthy and phenomenal life!❤🙏🏽

[@benjohnson8669]

Wow, He looks 73. In the top ten jazz drummers to have ever played! Love it!

[@restlessmind5770]

My Father's best friend. Howard Kline from Nj. He and Roy were very tight. I seen this growing up.

[@irenelamboneill9615]

There are no words to express how much I love, admire and appreciate you, Roy Owen Haynes! You are inimitable!

[@brigitterakotomalala534]

Wow I was at his night show at Blue Note this month. 94 yr old. and he was as great as ever! I even did a selfie with him ... my greatest souvenir from my NYC journey ...

[@louiscarrillo5873]

KING!!!!!!!!!!!!! MY HERO MAN...AND ETERNAL INSPIRATION

[@lunfardo]

I was there. Hope Roy is staying strong and healthy!

[@patanderson8725]

The finest version of "My Favorite Things, " featured him on drums at the 1963 Newport Jazz Festival in the John Coltrane Quartet live: once I heard that, I became an instant fan of jazz, especially from bop on forward for life: now, I'm 68, and still cooking with it... Rob

[@musicality8425]

"Steps/What was" will always be the tune that ripped goosebumps into my musical soul. Haynes' masterful performance on "Now He Sings, Now He Sobs" is...well, a masterful performance.

[@flyingwing9839]

A LEGEND!!!

[@marcellomentasimonsennico5670]

Listen to RH on Andrew Hill’s “Smokestack”, on Monk’s two Five Spot live albums, and on his own “Out of the Afternoon”. Some of the best drumming ever.

[@stevenchurney2416]

Majestic

[@heftyalan1152]

I saw him on Letterman and age means nothing as he was amazing. Lots of little flourishes and each time coming back in on time.

[@drumsNstuff79]

A real treasure he is! The hippest coolest cat around and always will be! he's so musical and free spirited behind the drums. I just love it.

[@yvesbajulaz]

Man, this cat has found the secret to staying young... amazing

[@udomatthiasdrums5322]

still love Roy!!

[@donroberts1420]

Such an inspiration is Roy Haynes. Will never forget his wonderful pinging ride on "Now he Sings, Now he Sobs" with Chick Corea & Miroslav Vitous

[@andrewyka]

He is Legend Sands and play Great !!! Jazz.He is Monster!!!

[@manuelergcruz]

7 Decade career yet he looks younger than at 7 Decade Old Man. How I wish I could reach his age and still be healthy like him.

[@DiegoFerreira-ok1wl]

Yeahhh Roy!!!!!

[@DaDarkGuy]

That looks like Jaleel Shaw on sax. What a monster as well!

[@richardleedrums]

And still... audience clapping on 1 and 3! smh

[@Coltraneultra]

hey does anyone know the name of the song they’re playing around 1:00??? I got it almost but not quite thx

[@urizelig2715]

bemsha swing

[@omegablue77]

And they finish with another Monk tune at the end Trinkle Tinkle.

[@karlsballs]

Roy is the man. Legend.