Artist Index How to use Artist INDEX

Art Blakey　

In the ’60s, when John Coltrane and Ornette Coleman were defining the concept of a jazz avant-garde, few knowledgeable observers would have guessed that in another 30 years the music’s mai ..more

Buddy Rich　

When it came to technique, speed, power, and the ability to put together incredible drum solos, Buddy Rich lived up to the billing of the world’s greatest drummer. Although some other drummers we ..more

Max Roach　

In a profession star-crossed by early deaths -- especially the bebop division -- Max Roach was long a shining survivor, one of the last giants from the birth of bebop. He and Kenny Clarke ..more

Billy Cobham　

Generally acclaimed as fusion’s greatest drummer, Billy Cobham’s explosive technique powered some of the genre’s most important early recordings -- including groundbreaking efforts by Miles Da ..more

Shelly Manne　

Shelly Manne made a countless number of records from the 1940s into the ’80s but is best-known as a good-humored bandleader who never hogged the spotlight. Originally a saxophonist, Manne switch ..more

Chico Hamilton　

Chico Hamilton, a subtle and creative drummer, will probably always be better known for the series of quintets that he led during 1955-1965 and for his ability as a talent scout than for his fine d ..more

Bobby Hutcherson　

Easily one of jazz’s greatest vibraphonists, Bobby Hutcherson epitomized his instrument in relation to the era in which he came of age the way Lionel Hampton did with swing or Milt Jacks ..more

Elvin Jones　

Elvin Jones will always be best-known for his association with the classic John Coltrane Quartet (1960-1965) but he also had a notable career as a bandleader and continued to be a major influenc ..more

Akira Jimbo　

Alphonse Mouzon (Al)　

Several different drummers helped put jazz fusion on the map in the ’70s. The one who seems to get most of the credit is Billy Cobham, but others, such as Alphonse Mouzon, contributed quite a ..more

Tony Williams　

Tony Williams’ death in 1997 of a heart attack after routine gall bladder surgery was a major shock to the jazz world. Just 51, Williams (who could be a very loud drummer) seemed so youthful, ..more

Philly Joe Jones　

A fiery drummer and a masterful accompanist, Philly Joe Jones came to fame as a key member with the first classic Miles Davis Quintet. After serving in the Army, he moved to New York in 1947, be ..more

Antonio Sanchez　

Born in Mexico City on November 1, 1971, Antonio Sanchez started playing drums at the age of five and began performing professionally early in his teens. He pursued a degree in classical piano at t ..more

Takeo Moriyama