Roach Provided the Dislocated Sounds That Defined Modern JazzMax Roach, the bebop percussionist whose innovative playing style helped kickstart the modern jazz movement, died at a Manhattan hospital Wednesday. He had been ill for several years.
By his 30th birthday, Max Roach was already considered the greatest jazz drummer ever by his peers.
By his 30th birthday, Max Roach was already considered the greatest jazz drummer ever by his peers.
Having played on seminal recordings with Thelonius Monk, Duke Ellington and Miles Davis, by the time he passed away, the 83-year-old master percussionist was known worldwide as an innovator, activist, teacher, genius.
Roach was elected to the Downbeat magazine Hall of Fame in 1980, and the Grammy Hall of Fame 15 years later."Max was one of the founders and original members of the A-Team of bebop," said fellow music legend Quincy Jones. "Outside of losing a giant and an innovator, I've lost a great, great friend. Thank God he left a piece of his soul on his recordings so that we'll always have a part of him with us."
You've been promoted Mr Roach. Job well done!
Story By Larry McShane, AP
Roach was elected to the Downbeat magazine Hall of Fame in 1980, and the Grammy Hall of Fame 15 years later."Max was one of the founders and original members of the A-Team of bebop," said fellow music legend Quincy Jones. "Outside of losing a giant and an innovator, I've lost a great, great friend. Thank God he left a piece of his soul on his recordings so that we'll always have a part of him with us."
You've been promoted Mr Roach. Job well done!
Story By Larry McShane, AP