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1. Buddy Rich

It is fair to say that Buddy Rich was put on this Earth pretty much to make everyone else look bad. He possessed an unparalleled combination of jaw-dropping technique, flabbergasting speed and the ability to craft a solo that was as compelling as any drama.

Buddy was in his early 50s at the time of the clip here, but the raw intensity of his playing puts younger players to shame. His left hand alone could provide enough material for a lifetime of study. Rich was possibly and very probably the greatest drummer in the world.

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