Albert Heath facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Albert "Tootie" Heath
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Heath in 2014
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Albert Heath |
| Born | May 31, 1935 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | April 3, 2024 (aged 88) Santa Fe, New Mexico, U.S. |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Instruments | Drums |
| Years active | 1957–2024 |
| Relatives |
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Albert "Tootie" Heath (born May 31, 1935 – died April 3, 2024) was a famous American jazz drummer. He was known for his amazing drumming skills. Tootie was also part of a special jazz band called the Heath Brothers with his two older brothers, Jimmy Heath and Percy Heath. He played drums for many years, from 1957 until he passed away in 2024.
Life and Career
Albert Heath was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, on May 31, 1935. He started his music career early. His first recording was in 1957 with the famous musician John Coltrane.
From 1958 to 1974, Tootie worked with many other great jazz artists. Some of these included J. J. Johnson, Wes Montgomery, Art Farmer, Benny Golson's Jazztet, Herbie Hancock, and Nina Simone. He played drums on many of their recordings.
In 1975, Albert, Jimmy, and Percy Heath decided to form their own band. They called themselves the Heath Brothers. Tootie played with the group until 1978. After that, he worked as a freelance musician. This meant he played with different bands and artists whenever they needed a drummer. He recorded many albums throughout his long career.
Besides playing music, Tootie Heath also loved to teach. He was a regular instructor at the Stanford Jazz Workshop. He helped young musicians learn about jazz drumming.
Later in his life, Heath became the leader and producer of a special drum group. It was called The Whole Drum Truth. This group featured many other talented jazz drummers.
Albert Heath passed away in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on April 3, 2024. He was 88 years old.
Music Albums
Tootie Heath released several of his own albums as a band leader. He also played drums on many albums for other musicians.
Albums as a Leader
- 1969: Kawaida
- 1974: Kwanza (The First)
- 2009: Live at Smalls
- 2012: Krakkle
- 2013: Tootie's Tempo
- 2014: Philadelphia Beat
Awards and Recognition
In October 2020, Albert Heath received a very important award. The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) named him one of the NEA Jazz Masters Fellowships recipients. This award is given to people who have made huge contributions to jazz music throughout their lives. The award was celebrated in an online concert on April 22, 2021. Other jazz legends also received this honor that year.
See Also
In Spanish: Albert Heath para niños
