Ray Appleton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ray Appleton
|
|
|---|---|
| Birth name | Otis Ray Appleton |
| Also known as | "Killer" Ray Appleton |
| Born | August 23, 1941 Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S. |
| Died | October 7, 2015 (aged 74) |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Instruments | Drums |
Otis Ray Appleton (born August 23, 1941 – died October 7, 2015) was an American jazz drummer. He was known for his amazing drumming skills and for playing with many famous jazz musicians.
Contents
Who Was Ray Appleton?
Ray Appleton was a talented musician from Indianapolis, Indiana. He became a very important part of the jazz music scene in his hometown. People often called him "Killer" Ray Appleton.
Early Life and Music
Ray's interest in drums started when he was young. He would visit the local fire department to hear their "Drum and Bugle Corps" practice. This inspired him to play drums himself. He played in school bands, learning more about music. Later, he heard jazz musicians like Freddie Hubbard and James Spaulding. This made him want to play jazz music seriously.
His Music Career
Ray Appleton became a professional drummer. He traveled and recorded music with many well-known artists. Some of these famous musicians included John Coltrane, Freddie Hubbard, and Wes Montgomery. He helped create many jazz recordings.
A Challenge and a Nickname
In 1997, Ray faced a health challenge. Because of a car accident and a medical condition, he lost part of his left leg. Even with this, he continued to be a respected musician. He got his nickname "Killer" from a bassist named Larry Ridley. This nickname showed how powerful and skilled he was as a drummer.
Later Life
Ray Appleton passed away on October 7, 2015. He was 74 years old. He died from a heart condition. Ray Appleton is remembered as a key figure in the jazz community of Indianapolis.
