Legendary Musicians’ Famous Last Words

Buddy Rich

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Buddy Rich was an acclaimed jazz drummer, and was sometimes even referred to as “the world’s greatest drummer.” He played with many greats of the era including musicians like Count Basie and Tommy Dorsey. Buddy was probably equally famed for his intense temper. After touring for many years, Buddy began to struggle with his health and was found to have a malignant brain tumor and sought to be operated on. Before the operation, a nurse asked him, “Is there anything you can’t take?” In true caustic Buddy fashion, he responded, “Yeah, country music.” After undergoing surgery, he suffered from complications with his heart and he passed away due to heart failure at the age of 96.