Jazz drummer Roy Haynes died on Tuesday at the age of 99.
Leslie Haynes-Gilmore, his daughter, shared with The New York Times that her father peacefully departed after a short battle with illness on the South Shore of Long Island.
For over seventy years, Haynes made his mark on the music scene, playing alongside legends like Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, and Sarah Vaughan.
A recent tribute praised his significant contributions and lasting impact, calling him "an irrepressible force" who managed to stay stylish and relevant throughout his incredible career, which began in the bebop era.
Born on March 13, 1925, Haynes grew up in Roxbury, Boston, and kicked off his musical journey in the early 1940s, turning drumming into his full-time career by 1945. During the '40s, he worked with the famous saxophonist Lester Young and was part of Charlie Parker's quintet from 1949 to 1952.In 1952, Haynes turned down an offer to join Duke Ellington's band, choosing instead to work with smaller groups that allowed him more creative freedom.
In 1952, Haynes declined an opportunity to join Duke Ellington's band, opting instead for smaller musical groups that offered greater creative freedom for musical expression.
His contribution stands out as remarkable, gracing the recordings of figures such as Miles Davis, Sarah Vaughan, and Thelonious Monk, establishing his name among the jazz elite.
Before the 1960s dawned, Haynes had already left his mark on the industry, featuring his talent alongside icons like Ray Charles and Stan Getz.
Transitioning seamlessly into a bandleader role, he continued to make waves, releasing his debut album "Busman's Holiday" in 1954.
In 1988, Haynes was honored with his first Grammy Award nomination for his collaboration with Chick Corea in the category of Best Jazz Instrumental Performance Group. Throughout the following two decades, he celebrated victory at the prestigious awards ceremony twice out of eight nominations. The year 2012 marked a significant milestone in his career when he was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Grammys.
Among Haynes' accolades was the Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres given upon him by the French government in 1996. Additionally, he received honorary doctorates from the Berklee College of Music and the New England Conservatory. His exceptional contributions to music were recognized in 2004 when DownBeat magazine honored him with induction into their Hall of Fame, a testament to his consistent presence in their readers' and critics' polls over 14 instances.
