I wanted to start a tribute to Max Roach here at the Drummer Cafe. Here you can express your thoughts by leaving comments or sharing personal experiences you've had with Max Roach. Please stay on topic and refrain from commenting on other people's comments.

I've always viewed Max as being one of the founders of modern jazz, and a leading innovator of drum solo/composition. I wish I had the opportunity to see Max play, in person, but will have to keep his memory alive through his audio/video recordings ... and playing Max quotes at least once on every jazz gig!

Max is one of the big branches on the drumming tree with a lot of us llttle twigs hanging on.  I think his contribution to the art is HUGE and all the young drummers who grew up on the great drummers in the last 30 years need to go back and listen to Max. They will hear a lot of familiar stuff (and not so familiar).  Point being that Max broke ground and opened doors which led to a lot of the inspiration we enjoy today.  I doubt if we could list all the great drummers who site Max as a big influence.  One of the big reasons he has meant so much is his longevity.  His career spands decades and covers some of the biggest transitions in music history.  Hopefully, he will be remembered and appreciated by all the comming generations. 

Somebody (Bart?) thoughtfully added some links to CT and CC, I'd like to add one to the actual record that
Connie and Max did, as well as one for M'Boom and the group with Booker Little.

The impetus behind the music may be gone, but the music is still here.