Though Buddy Rich’s views on rock drummers were often contentious, they were consistent with his personality — outspoken, passionate, and fiercely protective of jazz as an art form.

When I say “drum solos are primal,” I couldn’t possibly be speaking from more personal experience. They were the first thing I ever loved about jazz – specifically Buddy Rich’s solos on ...

“This is like Buddy Rich saying Ringo couldn’t drum. Because, coming from Buddy Rich’s sensibility, Ringo can’t drum. But coming from our sensibility, Buddy Rich is a load of s***.