Mel & Buddy

[bloke]

I was really lucky to have lived through the era of America's and the world's greatest musical artists.

You know damn well they didn't run through this more than one time - if that - before performing it on TV.

[cktuba]

It doesn't hurt to have 2 of the most talented musicians of all time on stage. And that's without taking into account the massive talent level of the band.

[bloke]

Buddy brought his band to our high school.

Typically, he fired his bass player that night (a short in his cord).

The drummer in our high school jazz band was given the busted head off of Buddy's snare drum (busted that night - he should have fired himself) along with an autograph.

We knew he was the greatest drummer to have ever been - so far, but it probably didn't occur to us that he would be the greatest drummer of all time.

[travisd]

If you haven't already heard them, and are looking for a laugh, search YouTube for "Buddy Rich Bus Tapes". They're are a hilarious and VERY NSFW profane collection of how Buddy addressed his band off-stage.

Clams!

[bloke]

The more abusive he became, the younger and less experienced music (college students, etc.) he was forced to hire.

The thing is this: He actually was a better musician than the best people he was ever able to hire...but had no tolerance for good enough.

[cktuba]

Yep! A character flaw for sure. But, man, was he good.