This day in music history.

April 2, 1987, Buddy Rich died at the age of 69 due to complications caused by a brain tumor. He was born Bernard Rich on September 30, 1917. Rich was billed as "the world's greatest drummer" and was known for his technique, power, speed and ability to improvise. He began playing drums in vauderville at 18 months, billed as Traps the Drum Wonder. By the time of his 11th birthday he was performing as a bandleader. He received no professional drum instruction ever. Over the years he worked with some of the all time greats including Tommy Dorsey, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Ventura, Louis Armstrong, Gene Krupa and Frank Sinatra who gave a touching eulogy at Rich's funeral. Gene Krupa once said "Rich was the greatest drummer ever to have drawn breath." Reportedly, on the day he died, prior to surgery when asked by a nurse if he was allergic to anything Buddy replied "Yes ... country music!"
DLAK note: I saw Buddy Rich live in about 1977, I was lucky enough to stand 10 feet from him for almost the entire show. I know its a very tricky business trying to prove who was the greatest whatever but if you could have seen that show I bet you would agree that he was the best ever.