Remembering Ray Drummond: Jazz Bass Legend Dies at 78
The world has lost another musical giant with the passing of jazz bassist and composer Ray Drummond, who died at the age of 78. He was remembered by many of the jazz world, including pianist Benny Green.
“Ray Drummond was one of the first-call bassists during a vital era of music, and to those many of us the world over who love the music that’s been named Jazz, that era is everlasting,” he wrote on Facebook. “Thank you dear Ray. You are one of the all-time classic New York musicians, and to us, the community, you are forever beloved. Rest in Peace, dear and mighty bass king.”
Drummond was born in Brookline, Massachusetts in 1946. His father was an Army colonel, leading him to attend 14 different schools around the world during his formative years. He began playing the trumpet at the age of eight, ultimately switching to bass at fourteen. He began playing jazz while earning a degree from Stanford University. A move to New York City in 1977 significantly expanded his opportunities.
His early years in New York City included recording dates with Johnny Griffin, Slide Hampton, and Lee Konitz. He would become a sought-after sideman for artists including Kenny Barron, Art Farmer, Wynton Marsalis, Benny Golson, Freddie Hubbard and many more.
He also led an influential recording career as a leader with 10 albums under his name.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Ray Drummond.
In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.
