Max Roach – Short Biography
Max Roach was a groundbreaking American jazz drummer, composer, and bandleader who left an indelible mark on the world of music. Born on January 10, 1924, in Newland, North Carolina, as Maxwell Lemuel Roach, he would go on to become one of the most influential and innovative drummers in the history of jazz.
Roach’s musical journey began at a young age when he started playing drums in church. His early exposure to gospel music and his natural talent set the stage for his future in the world of jazz. In the 1940s, Roach moved to New York City, where he quickly became part of the burgeoning bebop scene. He joined the band of Dizzy Gillespie and later became a key member of the Charlie Parker Quintet, playing alongside the legendary saxophonist.