Biography
Born on 15 December 1935 in New York City, New York, USA, and passing away there on 15 March 1988, the musician began his career playing tenor saxophone in R&B settings before taking up drums and redirecting his musical path in the early 1950s. That shift brought rapid recognition, leading to his joining Charles Mingus’ band in 1956, a position he held through 1970. A subsequent period with rock ensembles found him backing Joe Cocker and Elton John, after which he rejoined Mingus. Following Mingus’ death in 1979, Richmond became a founder member of the Mingus Dynasty. He also performed in smaller groups with George Rufus Adams and Don Pullen. A forceful drummer whose style enabled him to move fluidly across jazz, jazz rock fusion, and straight rock, his lengthy association with Mingus placed him on many landmark recording sessions.
Albums