Buddy Rich was an American jazz drummer and bandleader known for his exceptional talent and incredible speed on the drums. Throughout his career, he left an indelible mark on the world of music and continues to be an inspiration for aspiring drummers. In addition to his musical prowess, Rich was also known for his sharp wit and insightful observations about life and music. In this article, we have curated a collection of some of the most memorable Buddy Rich quotes that will inspire and entertain you.
Read these Buddy Rich quotes
“You only get better by playing.”
“Playing fast around the drums is one thing. But to play music, to play with people for others to listen to, that’s something else. That’s a whole other world.”
“I have a funny feeling that there is a direct correlation between the decline of the drummer and the rise in the number of self-help books on the market. Somehow drummers have been singled out to be the fall guys in the music business.”
“I can’t even read notes. But I can teach someone how to make a guitar smoke.”
“When I was a little guy, I used to practice on a drum set made out of tin cans.”
“I have to be able to hear what I’m trying to do. To do that, I have to be in a state of mind where I’m not thinking about anything.”
“I don’t believe in drum solos, unless you’re Gene Krupa or Buddy Rich.”
“I don’t know how to do anything else other than play drums. I don’t have any hobbies. I don’t play golf. I don’t play tennis. I don’t play cards. I don’t play shuffleboard. I don’t do anything. I play drums.”
“I’ve always said that the drummer is the anchor of the band. The drummer is the foundation. And if you don’t have a strong foundation, then it’s hard to build anything on top of it.”
“I don’t think that it’s so much that drummers aren’t appreciated, as it is the fact that people just don’t understand what it is that we do.”
“I don’t care what anybody says—I’m the greatest drummer in the world. Nobody can play like me.”
“I’m not a flashy drummer. I don’t do tricks. I’m not about that. I’m about the music.”
“There are a lot of great drummers out there. But there’s only one Buddy Rich.”
“I don’t have to prove anything to anybody. I just have to play my drums.”
“You have to practice like you mean it. You have to practice with intensity. You have to practice with focus. And most importantly, you have to practice with love.”
“I don’t play for the critics. I play for the people who love music.”
“Timing is everything in music. If you don’t have good timing, then you don’t have anything.”
“I don’t like to play it safe. I like to take risks. That’s what makes music exciting.”
“Drumming is not just a job for me. It’s a passion. It’s a way of life.”
“I don’t want to be remembered as the fastest drummer in the world. I want to be remembered as a musician who made people feel something.”
“Never let anyone tell you what you can or can’t do. If you believe in yourself and work hard, anything is possible.”
These Buddy Rich quotes are a testament to his talent, dedication, and love for music. Whether you are a drummer or simply a fan of his music, these quotes serve as a reminder to always strive for greatness and follow your passion. Buddy Rich’s legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians, and his words will forever resonate in the hearts of music lovers around the world.
