Trivia

While being prepared for surgery in the hospital, he was asked by a nurse if he was allergic to anything. He replied, "Only country music".

Was widely regarded as the greatest jazz drummer worldwide during his time. Additionally, he was likely the quickest / fastest drummer of all-time.

Held a black belt in karate.

Notoriously short-tempered, he often clashed with other volatile stars, including Frank Sinatra. On TV chat shows he had a reputation for insulting or acerbic remarks, particularly regarding pop singers he found wanting.

Could not read music.

Gained fame as a drummer in swing bands and jazz bands.

Started playing drums at the age of two. He was than known as "Traps the drum wonder"

His wife Marie was a dancer and showgirl. They married in 1952 and had one daughter, Cathy Rich, in 1954.

Despite his perfectionism, he claimed to not practice very often and didn't believe it held as much value as other musicians did.

Was one of the highest paid sidemen in the jazz field when he left Harry James in 1966 to start his own big band.

His personalized license plate read, "B RICH".

Inducted into the Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame in 1986.

Formed a sextet in April 1974 which played at his own nightclub, "Buddy's Place", on New York's Second Avenue. ( UPDATE - Buddy Rich has reformed his 16 piece band and moved into a new "Buddy's Place" at 133 West 33d Street (he left the first Buddy's Place, on Second Avenue, last December, after which it closed in January). The new room appears to be an attempt to fill whatever void was left by the closing of the Copacabana.

Served in the US Marine Corps as a combat instructor.

Had no formal music training.

Inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1981.

Once was given a black eye by Dusty Springfield when the two of them got into a heated argument when they collaborated together.

Started as a child tap dancer on Broadway at the age of four. Subsequently performed in vaudeville (also as a drummer) and formed his own band at the age of 11. Was hired by Joe Marsala in 1937 and, during the swing era, played drums in the bands of Artie Shaw, Bunny Berigan, Benny Carter, Harry James and Tommy Dorsey.

A big early influence on Phil Collins, who bought his live album "Swingin' New Big Band" in 1966. After reading Rich's opinion on the importance of hi-hats, Collins stopped using two bass drums and started using the hi-hat. Roger Taylor from Queen has also paid tribute, saying, "Of just sheer technique, he's the best I've ever seen".

Used to be a drummer with Artie Shaw.

Biography in: "The Scribner Encyclopedia of American Lives". Volume Two, 1986-1990, pages 728-729. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1999.

See also The Buddy Rich Big Band and Buddy Rich and His Orchestra for additional credits.

Cousin of Jonathan Haze.