Renowned jazz drummer Roy Haynes hailed as “one of the greatest drummers who ever lived,” has passed away at the age of 99. His daughter, Leslie Haynes-Gilmore, confirmed that he died on Tuesday in Nassau County, New York, following a brief illness.
Early Life and Career
Haynes’ illustrious career spanned over seven decades, during which he collaborated with jazz icons such as Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, and Sarah Vaughan. Known for his innovative drumming and enduring relevance, Haynes was celebrated as a pioneer who contributed to every major development in modern jazz, from the bebop era onward.
Born on March 13, 1925 in Roxbury, Boston, Haynes began playing music as a teenager. By his early 20s, he was performing professionally. In the late 1940s, he worked with saxophonist Lester Young and later joined Charlie Parker’s quintet from 1949 to 1952.
Haynes famously turned down an offer to play with Duke Ellington, choosing instead to work in smaller bands where he had greater creative freedom. Over the years, he collaborated with legendary figures like Thelonious Monk, Stan Getz, Ray Charles, and Art Blakey.
Awards and Honors
In addition to his work as a sideman, Haynes led his own bands, debuting as a bandleader with the album Busman’s Holiday in 1954. Other notable albums include We Three (1958) and Out of the Afternoon (1962). He also played on seminal recordings like Eric Dolphy’s Outward Bound (1960) and Chick Corea’s Now He Sings, Now He Sobs (1968).
Throughout his career, Haynes earned two Grammy Awards and eight nominations. He won his first Grammy in 1988 for Blues for Coltrane and his second in 1999 for Like Minds. In 2012, he received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, followed by the Jazz Foundation of America’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019.
Haynes was also recognized internationally, receiving the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres from France in 1996 and honorary doctorates from the New England Conservatory and Berklee College of Music.
A Lasting Legacy
Roy Haynes’ profound impact on jazz will resonate for generations. His dynamic drumming, innovative style, and commitment to his craft solidified his place as a true legend in the world of music.
The jazz community and fans worldwide are mourning the loss of Roy Haynes, who passed away at 99. One user expressed their heartbreak, calling Haynes “a bridge across generations of Black music.”
The news comes amid a wave of recent losses in the music world, including jazz icons Lou Donaldson and Quincy Jones earlier this month, and Benny Golson in September.
“Within less than a week, we’ve lost both Lou Donaldson and Roy Haynes,” one fan noted. “May these legends live on forever.”
Another user reflected on the challenges of 2024, saying, “This has been a tough year, taking away so many of our elders.” A tribute summed up Haynes’ legacy: “One of the greatest drummers to ever live.”
