Roy Haynes

American jazz musician, a drummer and bandleader, whose illustrious career spans many decades. Haynes has played with greats like Charlie Parker, Sarah Vaughn, Eric Dolphy and Thelonious Monk, Pat Metheny and Chick Corea and many more. A primarily self-taught drummer, Haynes used to tap out rhythms on his desk at school. By the early 1940s he had established a reputation for himself that caught the attention of musicians and bandleaders. In 1945 he joined the group led by Luis Russell playing at the Savoy Ballroom in New York City.. He has been awarded many prizes at home and abroad including the Danish Jazzbar prize (1994), the Chevalier des l'Ordres Artes et des Lettres in 1996 and Best Drummer honors in the Downbeat Readers Poll Awards also in 1996.His album, "Te Vou!" was recognized as Best Contemporary Jazz Recording. In September 2001 his album, a tribute to Charlie "Bird" Parker was released. The living legend continues to play well into his 80s. He has three children, Craig, Leslie and Graham. Sons Craig and Graham are also musicians (as are some of his grandchildren); Craig is a drummer and Graham is a cornetist. Link to Wikipedia biography