Ron Jefferson facts for kids
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Ron Jefferson (born February 13, 1926, in New York City – died May 7, 2007, in Richmond, Virginia) was a cool jazz drummer. He was known for his smooth rhythms and for playing with many famous musicians.
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Ron Jefferson: A Jazz Drummer's Beat
Ron Jefferson learned a lot from another great drummer named Max Roach. In the 1950s, Ron played with jazz legends like Coleman Hawkins, Roy Eldridge, Oscar Pettiford, and Lester Young. Imagine playing with such big names in music!
Drumming with Les McCann
Ron was one of the first members of the Les McCann Trio. He played drums with them from 1960 to 1964. During this time, they made some awesome recordings. He also recorded with organist "Groove" Holmes and guitarist Joe Pass in the early 1960s.
A New Beat in Europe
After playing on the West Coast, Ron decided to move to Europe. He lived in Paris for a while, and then moved to Barcelona, Spain. While in Barcelona, he played with singer Ruth Brown as part of a trio. He even led his own music groups, which included talented musicians like Bobby Hutcherson.
Family and Legacy
Ron Jefferson also had a connection to another famous drummer: he was the uncle of Al Foster. This shows how musical talent can run in families!
His Recorded Music
Ron Jefferson played on many jazz albums throughout his career. Here are some of the albums where he was the leader or co-leader, and a few where he played with other artists:
- As leader/co-leader
- 1962: Love Lifted Me (Pacific Jazz)
- 1976: Vous Ete's Swing (Catalyst)
- As sideman (playing with others)
Ron played drums on many albums with other jazz stars, including:
- With Teddy Edwards: It's About Time (1959)
- With Richard "Groove" Holmes: "Groove" (1961) and Somethin' Special (1962)
- With Les McCann: Many albums like Les McCann Ltd. Plays the Truth (1960) and On Time (1962)
- With Oscar Pettiford: Oscar Pettiford (1954)
- With Joe Pass: The Complete Pacific Jazz Joe Pass Quartet Sessions (recorded 1963/1964)
- With Lou Rawls: Stormy Monday (1962)
- With Leroy Vinnegar: Leroy Walks Again!!! (1963)
- With Julius Watkins and Charlie Rouse: Les Jazz Modes (1957)
