Roy Haynes

Roy Owen Haynes (born Boston, Massachusetts, March 13, 1925) is one of the most recorded drummers in jazz. He has had a long career and played in a wide range of styles ranging from swing to avant-garde jazz. Often overlooked because his v

Roy Owen Haynes (born Boston, Massachusetts, March 13, 1925) is one of the most recorded drummers in jazz. He has had a long career and played in a wide range of styles ranging from swing to avant-garde jazz. Often overlooked because his varied career as a sideman is difficult to canonize, Haynes' is one of the most original musicians in jazz history. He has a rare ability to combine a highly expressive, personal style ("Snap Crackle" was a nickname given him in the 1950's) with a deep engagement in his bandmates, listening and supporting and lifting the whole band rhythmically and sonically. He can do this whether gracefully backing a singer like Sarah Vaughan or in explosive interactions with the likes of John Coltrane, Chick Corea, Eric Dolphy, or Andrew Hill.

He began his full time professional career in 1945. From 1947 to 1949 he worked with Lester Young, and from 1949 to 1952 was a member of the Charlie Parker Quintet. He also recorded at the time with Bud Powell, Wardell Gray, and Stan Getz. From 1953 to 1958 he toured with Sarah Vaughan.