Quotes by Buddy Rich

About Buddy Rich:

Bernard was an American jazz drummer and bandleader. Rich was billed as "the world's greatest drummer" and was known for his virtuoso technique, power, groove, and speed.
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But, I don't think any arranger should ever write a drum part for a drummer because if a drummer can't create his own Interpretation of the chart and he plays everything that's written, he becomes mechanical; he has no freedom.

Buddy Rich

But I think that any young drummer starting out today should get himself a great teacher and learn all there is to know about the instrument that he wants to play.

Buddy Rich

They're simply following what was laid down in front and they play the same thing. So, there's no great challenge In being a classical drummer.

Buddy Rich

I can't sit down long enough to absorb any kind of learning.

Buddy Rich

Almost everything I've done, I've done through my own creativity. I don't think I ever had to listen to anyone else to learn how to play drums. I wish I could say that for about ten thousand other drummers.

Buddy Rich

And, well of course, Count Basie, and I think all of the black bands of the late thirties and early forties, bands with real players. They had an influence on everybody, not just drummers.

Buddy Rich

And, you know, I think the original recording of Ravel's Bolero, probably whoever played percussion on that, will never have It played better than that.

Buddy Rich

But primarily, the drummer's supposed to sit back there and swing the band.

Buddy Rich

But, when you have to resort to turntables, trick lights, flashing lights, fire and all that, you're actually saying, I need this because what I do is not all that together.

Buddy Rich

Every drummer that had a name, had a name because of his individual playing. He didn't sound like anybody else, So everybody that I ever listened to, in some form, influenced my taste.

Buddy Rich

I can think of a lot better things to do with my hands than to cut them up on the rim of a drum.

Buddy Rich

I consider every drummer that ever played before me an influence, in every way.

Buddy Rich

I mean, I think I liked every band I ever played in because each band was different, each band had a different concept, and each band leader was different... different personalities and musical tastes.

Buddy Rich

I play a percussion instrument, not a musical saw; it needs no amplification. Where it's needed, they put a microphone in front of the bass drum. But, I don't think it's necessary to play that way every night.

Buddy Rich

I think it's a fallacy that the harder you practice the better you get.

Buddy Rich

If he's a true symphony artist, he knows better than that because he knows that the only truly creative musician is the jazz musician.

Buddy Rich

It takes us about four or five days to get an album out.

Buddy Rich

So, practice, particularly after you've attained a job, any kind of job, like playing with a four piece band, that's... an opportunity to develop.

Buddy Rich

So, to come In with a set routine it's something I've never believed in. It should depend on how you feel, because you play what you feel.

Buddy Rich

There were so many individual styles thirty or forty years ago.

Buddy Rich

Author Bio

  • NameBuddy Rich
  • DescriptionJazz drummer and bandleader
  • BornSeptember 30, 1917
  • DiedApril 2, 1987
  • CountryUnited States Of America
  • ProfessionDrummer; Bandleader; Composer; Conductor; Jazz Musician