Buddy Rich has been a famous drummer for as long as I can remember. I first heard him on records in the early ’40s when I was around seven years old. I met Buddy in person in New York City when I was in my 20’s. Buddy’s career has spanned more decades than any other drummer in history. And, he didn’t just survive, he has always been at the top. The mental attitudes needed for such a tremendous career could help all of us. Buddy can be startingly honest about himself and others. He shoots from the hip verbally. He says what is on his mind. Some of what he says I agree with and some of what he says I don’t. No matter—this column is not about any of that. Advertisement Buddy has always been dedicated to doing his very best. He has always tried extremely hard to play […]

May 1983 Issue