Sad news as both the drumming and jazz world has lost one of its greats; Ralph Peterson Jr. Ralph passed away today (March 1st, 2021) at the age of 58 of complications to cancer. He was a highly respected drummer, percussionist, bandleader, and teacher (professor of Percussion at Berklee College of Music).
Ralph was one of two drummers to have performed with The Jazz Messengers. He was picked by the great Art Blakey to be the second drummer in the 2-drummer Jazz Messengers Big Band until Art’s death in 1990.
Ralph’s working life includes more than 150 albums and has led to collaborations with the likes of Terence Blanchard, Branford Marsalis, David Murray, Roy Hargrove, Michael Brecker, Regina Belle, Betty Carter and The Roots in a career that spans almost 35 years
Below is a video that Bret Primack (a.k.a. The Jazz Video Guy) posted today, it is a rebroadcast (with a new reflective opener) of an interview he conducted with the late Ralph Peterson Jr. a mere two months ago. It’s a fantastic interview that really lays out Ralph’s career and a great way to learn more about him.
Today we mourn the passing of the explosive drummer Ralph Peterson Jr. and celebrate his legacy and the gifts he has left us.
Ralph Peterson Jr. Drummerworld: HERE
Ralph Peterson Jr. Wikipedia: HERE
Ralph Peterson Jr. May 20th, 1962 – March 1st, 2021.
