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Dannie Richmond

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Charles Daniel Richmond, known as Dannie Richmond, was an American jazz drummer, best known for his work with Charles Mingus. He was born in 1931 in New York and grew up in Greensboro, North Carolina. His first instrument was the tenor saxophone, which he began playing at thirteen. In 1955 he played rhythm and blues in Paul Williams's band. His career changed when he switched to the drums, an instrument he had taught himself in his early twenties.

Music and breakthrough

That led to a twenty-one-year collaboration with Charles Mingus. The biographer Brian Priestley writes that Richmond was to Mingus what Harry Carney was to Ellington's band: an indispensable ingredient of the Mingus sound and also a good friend. Richmond also played with Joe Cocker, Elton John and Mark-Almond. After Mingus's death he became, in 1980, the first musical director of Mingus Dynasty.

Influence

His own records included In Jazz for the Culture Set in 1965, Ode to Mingus in 1979, Hand to Hand in 1980 and Plays Charles Mingus in 1981. He died in 1988 in Harlem of a heart attack. Anyone who wants to understand the sound of Mingus has to listen to Richmond: his playing put its stamp on the rough, passionate way that band sounded. He is thus one of the best examples of a drummer who helps shape a bandleader's sound.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to a recording of Mingus with Richmond and notice the drums. Can you hear how the drummer moves with the changing mood of the band?

Discography

Studio albums

In School of Rock

The chapters, maps and magazine stories of School of Rock are currently available in Dutch only.

Categories: Artists