Musician. Born Bernard Rich in Brooklyn, New York, he was arguably one of the finest and innovative jazz drummers of all time. His career began in 1937, playing with Joe Marsala at New York's Hickory House. In 1939, he joined Tommy Dorsey's band, and later went on to play with such jazz artists as Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Ventura, Louis Armstrong and with fellow drummer great and friend Gene Krupa. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, he toured with his own bands and opened two nightclubs, Buddy's Place and Buddy's Place II, which were regularly filled by fans to watch a great master drummer. He introduced new tunes with elements of rock into his repertoire, demonstrating his ability to adapt to changing styles, establishing himself as a great all around drummer. He was also a favorite on television talk shows, including the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, Mike Douglas Show, Dick Cavett Show and Merv Griffin Show. He received much recognition throughout his career such as the Downbeat Magazine Hall of Fame Award, Modern Drummer Magazine Hall of Fame Award and the Jazz Unlimited Immortals of Jazz Award. He toured the world, performing for millions, which included world leaders the King of Thailand, the King Hussein of Jordan, the Queen of England, plus U.S. Presidents Franklin Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan. He died of heart failure following surgery for a malignant brain tumor.

Musician. Born Bernard Rich in Brooklyn, New York, he was arguably one of the finest and innovative jazz drummers of all time. His career began in 1937, playing with Joe Marsala at New York's Hickory House. In 1939, he joined Tommy Dorsey's band, and later went on to play with such jazz artists as Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Ventura, Louis Armstrong and with fellow drummer great and friend Gene Krupa. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, he toured with his own bands and opened two nightclubs, Buddy's Place and Buddy's Place II, which were regularly filled by fans to watch a great master drummer. He introduced new tunes with elements of rock into his repertoire, demonstrating his ability to adapt to changing styles, establishing himself as a great all around drummer. He was also a favorite on television talk shows, including the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, Mike Douglas Show, Dick Cavett Show and Merv Griffin Show. He received much recognition throughout his career such as the Downbeat Magazine Hall of Fame Award, Modern Drummer Magazine Hall of Fame Award and the Jazz Unlimited Immortals of Jazz Award. He toured the world, performing for millions, which included world leaders the King of Thailand, the King Hussein of Jordan, the Queen of England, plus U.S. Presidents Franklin Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan. He died of heart failure following surgery for a malignant brain tumor.

Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith