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Bernard "Buddy" Rich took big band drumming to a new level of perfection, propelling ensembles with a stunning amalgam of endurance, speed, and power. However, Rich played with precision and elegance that belied his long-time claim of never practicing.
1971- Rich was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. he made his "show biz" debut at just under 2 years old, with his parents' vaudeville act, performing under the name "Traps, The Drum Wonder." He danced on Broadway by age 4, toured Australia at 6 and led his own band when he was 11.
1936- Rich started his big band work with Joe Marsala.followed by gigs with Bunny Berigan, Harry James, Artie Shaw and Benny Carter.A consummate player, Rich's arsenal ranged from light-as-a-feather sensitivity behind piano greats, to a ear-drum shattering sound in big bands. But it was the "less aged" ensembles that granted him recognition. 1939- he joined Tommy Dorsey's band, where he etched his name in stone as a big band god and roomed with singer Frank Sinatra. The two, both with heads as big as the moon, and egos the size of Russia; often clashed but maintained a mutual friendship and respect for eachother throughout most of their careers.
1944- Following a short stint in the U.S. Marines, Rich rejoined Dorsey's band, and cameoed in several successful Hollywood movies. In 1945- when big bands were going out like plaid... Rich tried his luck and formed his own band with $50,000 from Sinatra. The group played for two years until Rich finally ran out of scrilla.
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1951- untill 1966, Rich played with a variety of groups, including his own, Harry James, Les Brown, Charlie Ventura's Big Four and Norman Granz's Jazz at the Philharmonic. 1966- Rich again formed a big band (while the British rock invasion push broomed America) and won international acclaim with such masterpieces as a 10-minute "West Side Story" dilly. The band eventually became a farm system for young and upcoming players, and earned Rich guest time on the Tonight Show with pal Johnny Carson (himself a drummer).
1974, Rich was elected by the Readers into the Down Beat Hall
of Fame. 
April 2, 1987- Los angeles Ca. Rich suffered from a heart condition and, following surgery for a malignant brain tumor, died from heart failure. Sinatra gave the eulogy at the funeral...Rich's Slingerland drums are on display at the Down Beat Hall of Fame.
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other
great buddy links..................
--http://keepitlive.tripod.com/Rich/traps.htm
--http://www.waypages.com/music/jazz/legends/R/Buddy_Rich.HTM