See the renowned drummer’s Tonight Show drum set

MIM’s newest Artist Gallery display celebrates the life and musical legacy of Bernard “Buddy” Rich, who is widely recognized as one of the world’s greatest drummers. Rich was a vaudeville star by the age of five, played in professional jazz bands as a teenager, and performed and recorded with artists such as Tommy Dorsey, Artie Shaw, and Louis Armstrong. Throughout his career, Rich led his own big bands and impressed audiences with riveting solo performances. Drummers of all genres continue to marvel at his remarkable technique and artistry today. The new Artist Gallery display features a white marine pearl Slingerland drum set Rich used for several years in the 1970s, including in many live performances on The Tonight Show hosted by Johnny Carson.

MIM also recently acquired other legendary jazz musicians’ instruments, including a 1956 Gretsch guitar Freddie Green played for thirty years as a rhythm guitarist in Count Basie’s band and a 1950s Bach cornet played by traditional jazz musician Bobby Hackett. The instruments will be on display in MIM’s galleries later this year.

 

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