Hudson Music Publishes Buddy Rich: One of a Kind

Hudson Music has announced the publication of Buddy Rich: One of a Kind (The Making of The World’s Greatest Drummer), a comprehensive, beautifully written and edited book focusing on the iconic man behind the astounding music. The name of Buddy Rich will be forever synonymous with the word “drums,” making this singular work a must for drummers and drum students, music and entertainment fans of all ages, jazz aficionados, and all of those who ever picked up a pair of drum sticks…or wanted to. For more information on this book and others in the superb Hudson Music library, visit hudsonmusic.com.

In this meticulously researched biography that has been more than eight years in the making, author Pelle Berglund presents the first, complete work on the life of Buddy Rich, still considered by many to be the greatest drummer in jazz history. By way of interviews with many of Buddy’s band members, friends, musical cohorts, and family members—many conducted by the author himself—along with extensive sourcing of quotes from practically every interview ever given by Buddy Rich, a complete and incisive chronology of Buddy’s life is detailed, along with insights into what drove him and what he thought about the various situations and people he encountered throughout his life.

“One of a Kind” recounts each chapter of a life lived in the spotlight: the childhood vaudeville star that was “Traps The Drum Wonder,” young jazz drummer on 52nd Street with Joe Marsala, early big band work with troubled trumpet giant Bunny Berigan, star sideman with Artie Shaw, Harry James, and Tommy Dorsey; and leader of the many incarnations of the Buddy Rich Big Band and small groups. A twentieth century icon, Buddy’s relationships with Shaw, Dorsey, Count Basie, Johnny Carson, Frank Sinatra, Mel Torme’, Gene Krupa, Norman Granz, Lana Turner, and his own family, including wife Marie and daughter Cathy, are insightfully explored.

Never-before-seen photos of Buddy culled from the private and singular collection of curator Charley Braun, featured in a gorgeous, 16-page photo section, add a new perspective on Buddy’s life. Beyond providing a complete timeline of Buddy Rich’s life and career, “One of a Kind” provides a glimpse into the complex mind of a musical titan who demanded greatness from himself and those around him, and became one of the most celebrated and controversial stars in music history.

Also includes a touching and spot-on introduction by drummer Max Weinberg, and a link to additional online photos, video and audio.