Buddy Rich was one of the most influential and celebrated jazz drummers of all time, born on September 30, 1917, in Brooklyn, New York. His father, Jack Rich, a Jewish immigrant, was a house painter, and his mother, Dolly Gordon, a Jewish immigrant, was a seamstress. Rich's early life was marked by his interest in music, which led him to begin taking drum lessons at the age of 10. His talent and dedication soon earned him a job with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra in the early 1930s, where he honed his skills alongside some of the greatest musicians of the era.

Rich's breakthrough as a leader came in 1937 when he joined the Artie Shaw Orchestra, quickly becoming an integral part of the ensemble. However, his fiery personality and high expectations clashed with Shaw's more laid-back approach, leading to his departure in 1938. Rich went on to join the Harry James Orchestra, cementing his reputation as a virtuosic drummer and earning him the nickname 'the world's greatest drummer.'

Throughout his illustrious career, Rich was known for his incredible technical ability, breathtaking speed, and power, as well as his charismatic stage presence. He released numerous landmark albums, including 'Compact Jazz: Buddy Rich' and 'Rags to Riches,' which showcased his mastery of jazz and swing. Rich's collaborations with other legendary musicians, such as Dizzy Gillespie and Oscar Peterson, are the stuff of jazz legend, and his influence can still be felt today. Despite his passing in 1987, Buddy Rich's legacy as a drumming legend continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike.

Rich's personal life was also marked by turmoil and tragedy, including a tumultuous marriage and the loss of his father at a young age. However, his dedication to his craft and his unwavering passion for music remained a constant throughout his life. In the words of critic and biographer, Dan Morgenstern, 'Buddy Rich was a drumming genius, a showman, and a true original – a master of the art of drumming who continues to inspire and awe audiences to this day.'