Roy Haynes

American jazz drummer and leader
Born March 13, 1925, in Roxbury, MA
Died November 12, 2024, Long Island, NY
Haynes began his full time professional career in 1945. From 1947 to 1949, he worked with saxophonist Lester Young, and from 1949 to 1952 was a member of saxophonist Charlie Parker's quintet. He also recorded at the time with pianist Bud Powelland saxophonists Wardell Gray, and Stan Getz. From 1953 to 1958, he toured with vocalist Sarah Vaughan. Haynes went on to work with more experimental musicians, such as saxophonists John Coltrane (deputizing for Elvin Jones), Eric Dolphy, and Jackie McLean, as well as pianists Andrew Hill and Chick Corea.

Haynes recorded or performed with Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis, Gerry Mulligan, Dizzy Gillespie, Gary Burton, Pat Metheny, Art Pepper, Horace Tapscott, and Christian McBride, among many others. He also led his own groups from the mid-1950s, later ensembles performing under the name Hip Ensemble. Later recordings as a leader include "Fountain of Youth" (2004) and "Whereas" (2007), both of which were nominated for a Grammy Award. Well into late 2008, Haynes was still continuing to perform internationally and on December 22, 2010, he was named a recipient of a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Haynes received the award at the Special Merit Awards Ceremony & Nominees Reception of the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards on February 12, 2011.

His son Craig Haynes is a drummer with The Sun Ra Arkestra, another son Graham Haynes is a cornetist, and his grandson Marcus Gilmore and nephew Christopher Haynes are both drummers.