Buddy Rich

Buddy Rich was best known for his speed and power without sacrificing any technique. A jazz drummer and bandleader, Buddy was a self-taught child prodigy. At the very young age of 4, he was already playing drums on Broadway and in vaudeville shows. Not only famous for his virtuoso drumming technique, but Bubby Rich is also the sixth most popular drummer on our list, it's no surprise that he appears on this list.

By the time he was a teenager, he was leading bands on international tours. At the ripe age of 15, he was the second-highest-paid child entertainer in the '30s. Rich stayed committed to his art even as big bands lost their appeal, as he played sessions for Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. Rich played with a traditional grip, but would often switch to matched grip when playing the floor toms, and there was a period where he played with brushes almost exclusively.

Born: September 30, 1917

Died: April 2, 1987

Nationality: American