Goodbye Mr. Shaughnessy

My father played the drums, I never heard him; but, I know he did. If I were to play any instrument, it would be the drums. I woke up early today, 3:30 is early to me. When I awoke, I decided to check the new (first thought for a blogger). The news said that Ed Shaughnessey died. You probably don't know his name. He was a drummer, one of the best ever. He played for the Johnny Carson orchestra, he was a jazz drummer.

One of the best compliments I have ever had in my life was from a black jazz player. He told me that I reminded him of the old time jazz guys. He told me I had attitude that reminded him of Louis Armstrong. Jazz people are the most stuck up people in the world, we are arrogant and self assured, we are at peace with ourselves. I really appreciated the compliment. I knew exactly what he meant.

The greatest jazz drummer of all time is generally considered to be Buddy Rich. The man was amazing. At a time when blacks and whites didn't even eat in the same restaurants, he played as the only white guy in a black band. This guy was so about music. Mr. Rich was so respected that other drummers had nothing to say to him, he was "Tiger Woods" good, he was that much better than the others. He had a heart attack and a broken arm and played, old school, no stopping him. Yet, he loved the music so much that he promoted others, people like Sinatra.

Mr. Rich played with Mr Shaughnessy, he respected this drummer, he respected this man. Mr. Shaughnessy earned the respect. He was a great jazz drummer and earned 30 years on the Johnny Carson show as their drummer. Mr. Rich asked if Mr. Shaughnessey and he could play together and they did, imagine Babe Ruth or Tiger Woods saying that they wanted to play with you, that is how good Mr. Shaughnessy was and he just died. I want you to hear him.

Buddy Rich and Ed Shaughnessy Play Drums