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In 1983, I was 18-years-old and planning to attend the Berkley School of Music in Boston. A Buddy Rich fanatic from the time I was five-years-old, I never missed an opportunity to catch the band any time they were within a two hour ride from my home in Washington DC.
The band was in town for two nights in Geogetown at Blues Alley, (two sets each night) and I wasn't going to miss a minute. As usual, Buddy was impeccable. I was fortunate enough to become friends with a few guys in the band and was invited on the bus to meet Buddy. I thanked him for all of the happiness he brought me over the years, simply by watching and listening to him. He genuinely seemed touched and I went home in a daze; what a great evening.
Two weeks later the band was back in town at the Carter Baron Ampha Theater, so I went to say hello to Lee Musiker, Buddy's piano player. He told me Buddy wanted to see me on the bus. I thought he was just kidding but Steve Peck, the bands manager, confirmed. It turned out that Buddy's valet had just left two days before and the "gig" could be mine if Buddy agreed. You can just imagine what was going on in my head. Here I was being presented with the most far fetched fantasy I could have dreamed of. So I composed myself and got on the bus. Well, there was Buddy looking as dapper as always, he said "Kid, sit down, I understand you want to work for me." I told him that it wasn't a matter of wanting to, that I had to. I actually felt it was my destiny. Buddy had some concerns but after a little convincing the job was mine. He told me to work out the details with Steve Peck and he would give me a shot.
A few days later, I had my bags packed, I met the band in Baltimore and I was on my way. As Buddy's valet, I had a unique relationship with him. I was responsible for making sure he was comfortable at all times. It didn't matter where or when, if Buddy wanted something it was my job to get it. As most of you know Buddy was not the easiest guy to please and there were certainly times when I wasn't sure I could take another day. However, I think this story paints a pretty clear picture of our relationship.
It was about four months into the tour and we were winding our way back to the East coast. The band was set for one night at Blues Alley again. Buddy knowing DC was my home, Buddy asked me what my plans were. I told him my parents were having my extended family over (Grandparents, aunts, uncles etc.) over for a visit the following day before we headed out of town again. Buddy asked "Are you having a party?" I indicated that it was just a family get together, to which Buddy replied "No one invited me." Naturally, I said I would love for him to come. After getting Buddy situated in the hotel that night I got home around 3:00 AM and crashed in my own bed. The next day about noon, the Buddy Rich Band bus arrived at my house, off walked Buddy and the band. It was almost more than I could handle. Remember, I had not been home for four months, my drums were still set up in my room with all of the Buddy Rich posters and memorabilia on the wall just as I had left them. It was one of the most memorable days of my life.
I remained on the road with Buddy for almost one year. That year with Buddy shaped my life. He was my idol, my teacher and my friend. I loved him and think of him every day. ~Marc Ratner
I was able to see Buddy perform a few times in New Jersey, and he and his Big Band always put on a great show. Just one short little ditty about a concert Buddy and his Big Band gave at a small High School in Mt. Olive N.J. on March 21, 1986.
As typical, he was doing a tremendous drum solo. A lady walked down the aisle and over to the middle in front of the stage. She held up a camera to take a picture. Right there, Buddy stopped, opened up his arms and posed, the camera flashed, and Buddy picked up right where he left off. What showmanship! What awareness of his audience!
He brought the music to the people and at a reasonable price (he understood the working man). One of the greatest musicians there's ever been. I think Mozart would have loved to see him perform. He touched many people and is very much missed. ~Terry Lack
In 1976, I saw Buddy at a club in Cincinnati. I got there very early to get a good seat. Incredibly, I ended up at the front table, just five feet from Buddy's bass drum. At the end of the set, where Buddy would come out front to introduce the band, Buddy asked his band boy to bring him his cigarettes, which the guy promptly did. He neglected to provide Buddy a light though. Buddy asked him for a light but the band boy told him that he didn't have one. Buddy then asked the band for a light. Incredibly, no one could produce any form of fire. Frustrated now, Buddy then asked the audience for a light.
At the time, I smoked, so I eagerly threw up my hand and said "Here ya go, Buddy." Buddy jumped down from the stage to my table. I was stunned. I handed him my Zippo. Buddy lit his Kent and then he paused to look at the lighter and then look at me. He then said to me "I remember you. You were in Pittsburgh last night weren't you? Yeah. You came up to me as I was getting on the bus and asked me for a light and I haven't seen my lighter till now. Thanks for coming tonight." He then pocketed the lighter and turned away from me. By the way, this is all on the mic so the audience was cracking up. Me, I was in disbelief! Here's my idol hamming it up with me! I was only 20. He started up on the stage but then turned and came back to my table and said "Let's here it for the kid and his lighter" while handing it back to me. Applause and laughter erupted. It was incredible.
After Buddy left the stage, I jumped up onto it and took Buddy's now squashed cigarette butt. I then left the club to see Buddy in his red Mercedes 450 SL chatting with Cathy who'd sang on the gig with Beverly Getz.
I waited for their discussion to end. I then approached the vehicle. Buddy rolled down the window. I asked for his autograph which he happily gave me. What a night! The cigarette butt is framed along with BR's signature and hangs in my home today. ~Todd Remmy
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