Max Roach
Max Roach (1924–2007) was one of the most important jazz drummers in history. He revolutionized drumming by moving timekeeping to the ride cymbal and making the drum set a melodic instrument.
Roach played with Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, and helped invent bebop at Minton’s Playhouse.
His album We Insist! Freedom Now Suite (1960) was one of the most radical protest works in jazz history.
Additional jazz legends from the golden age:
