Buddy Rich Movies

Buddy Rich was one of the best drummers in his day, a man that Frank Sinatra enjoyed touring with whenever possible. This tape features the October 3, 1998 concert held in New York City to honor Rich. Five rare clips of Rich's past performances are included. As many know who saw this man play, he had a gift for rhythm and a level of stamina that made him a consummate entertainer. Both Dennis Chambers and Steve Smith perform, along with international superstar Phil Collins who sings such tunes as "That's All." Each of these guest performers is accompanied by the Buddy Rich Band. ~ Elizabeth Smith, All Movie Guide

Buddy Rich: Jazz Legend is a colorful documentary that includes performances, interviews, and rare footage of this world-renowned drummer. Part 2: 1970-1987 features highlights of Rich's career as he stars on The Johnny Carson Show, with the Muppets, and in other performances around the world. Mel Torme narrates this documentary that provides insight into the life, the music, and the virtuosity of this great drummer. Buddy's daughter, his musical associates and uddy Rich himself give commentary ~ Madeline Cavalieri, All Movie Guide

Some of the greatest percussionists in contemporary jazz pay tribute to the undisputed master of the drums, Buddy Rich, in this concert video recorded during a special benefit performance on October 14, 1989. The Buddy Rich Memorial Scholarship Concert, Vol. 2 features Steve Gadd, Dave Weckl, and Vinnie Colaiuta performing with the Buddy Rich Orchestra on some of the great man's best known songs. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

The Swing era conjures up images of sophisticated ladies, debonair gentlemen, and the big bands who entertained them with a certain élan. This program is the fourth volume in a series that captures that elegant era on film, with a look at the big bands. In this episode, the sounds of the Duke Ellington Orchestra, Louis Prima, Buddy Rich, and Tex Beneke fill the airways. "Satin Doll," "Sophisticated Lady," and "That Old Black Magic" are among the many tunes presented in their entirety. Archival clips, photographs, and personal recollections of performers and fans recall the charm of this exuberant time in American music. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, All Movie Guide

Kermit and Fozzie find treasure in the lost episodes that include cooking lessons with a Swedish Chef and episodes from "Pigs in Space" and "Veterinarian's Hospital." ~ All Movie Guide

"One O'Clock Jump," "Sophisticated Lady" and "Love for Sale" are the featured numbers in this collection from Buddy and the band. ~ All Movie Guide

Buddy Rich was, with the possible exception of Gene Krupa, the finest jazz drummer to emerge from the big-band era, and one of the few true stars of the instrument. While many drummers changed with the times, Rich remained fiercely loyal to the big-band sound, and up until his death he toured with a 20-piece ensemble featuring some of the finest players in the business. Buddy Rich and his Band: Channel One Suite features Rich performing a set of classic standards and new material in 1985, only two years before his untimely death. Selections include "Love For Sale," "No Exit," "Sophisticated Lady," "Norwegian Wood," and more. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

This program features a performance by jazz great Lionel Hampton, along with some of his famous musical colleagues. Lionel Hampton was the first musician to use the vibraphone -- the vibes -- as a jazz instrument. A member of Benny Goodman's jazz quartet in the 1030's, Hampton formed his own big band in the 40's. He has been changing with the musical times ever since, still performing, in solo or small groups. Hampton appears here with swinging drummer Gene Krupa, Teddy Wilson, songbird Johnny Mercer, blues giant B.B. King, as well as pop artists Dusty Springfield and Ocean. Hosted by the late Mel Torme, the video includes renditions of jazz classics, like "How High the Moon", and "Sing, Sing, Sing"; contemporary jazz and blues; and pop favorites including the Ocean hit,"Put Your Hand in the Hand". Hampton, the luminous king of the vibes, proves that his title is well deserved. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, All Movie Guide

This musical -- a concoction of comedy, songs, dancing, and war-time patriotism mixed together with a spy spoof plot -- opens with Tommy Dorsey and his band swinging through "Hawaiian War Chant" while Eleanor Powell taps away. Powell, it turns out, is Tallulah Winters, the band's official tap dancer, and she and the orchestra are taking an ocean liner to Puerto Rico for their next gig. Also on board are some enemy agents, anxious to secretly and safely transport their stolen plans, which include a prototype magnetic mine that can make play a big role in the war. Utilizing a plot device from a novel by Merton K. Kibble (played by Red Skelton), the enemy agents pretend to be working for the U.S. government and enlist Winters to help them with their plans. A series of misunderstandings and confusions ensue, including a baggage mix-up that leaves Kibble unwittingly in possession of the mine. Eventually Winters discovers that she has been duped and works to set all things right. Ship Ahoy takes advantage of the talents of its musical stars -- including Frank Sinatra and Jo Stafford -- to offer a nice spread of musical numbers, including "Last Call for Love," "I'll Take Tallulah," "Poor You," and "On Moonlight Bay." ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide