Acclaimed drummer and vocalist Grady Tate dies aged 85

The prodigious jazz drummer and vocalist Grady Tate has died at the age of 85. His first big break came in 1963 (aged 31) when he was invited to join the Quincy Jones big band. From there, he went on to drum for Jimmy Smith, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie and countless more.

He spent six years on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Carson and famously played with Simon and Garfunkel on their live Central Park concert. As a solo artist, Tate successfully added his distinctive baritone to hard bop and soulful jazz. Musicians and fans have paid tribute on social media:
 

> RIP to a man who was a legendary drummer, singer and overall entertainer, Mr. Grady Tate. A true unsung hero. pic.twitter.com/8rZwnvQvyr > > — Christian McBride (@mcbridesworld) October 10, 2017

> Grady Tate, one of THE great drummers, has died. He was famous for never travelling with any equipment. > > — Louis Barfe (@AlanKelloggs) October 10, 2017

> Farewell to Grady Tate, one of the most swingin' drummers who also had one of the most distinct beautiful voices I… https://t.co/M3xulS4hnn pic.twitter.com/bc0nlPYlYx > > — E.J. Strickland (@EJ_Strickland) October 10, 2017