Jazz Drummer Ed Thigpen Dies

jazz music news

Ed Thigpen

1930 – 2010

Thigpen Drummer of Choice for Oscar Peterson, Ella Fitzgerald

One of jazz music’s brighest stars has gone out with the death of legendary drummer Ed Thigpen, who died January 13th at the age of 79 in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Thigpen, who was born in Chicago and raised in Los Angeles, moved to Denmark nearly 40 years ago after rising to the top of the U.S. jazz scene. Known for his tasteful, technical prowess and regal demeanor, Thigpen was a long-time drummer for jazz legends Oscar Peterson and Ella Fitzgerald, among the many.

The esteemed drummer Ed Thigpen, known for his elegant bearing and tasteful timekeeping in support of jazz luminaries such as Oscar Peterson and Ella Fitzgerald, died Wednesday in Copenhagen, Denmark at age 79.

Thigpen was highly in demand in both performance and studio settings, his calendar full till his death with performances around the world and his studio work heard on more than 900 recordings. He also was the subject of a 2009 documentary film, Ed Thigpen: Master of Time, Rhythm and Taste.

In addition to his brother Ben, Tigpen is survived by a sister, son, daughter and granddaughter.

for more info visit www.edthigpen.com