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Freddie Gruber (May 27, 1927 – October 11, 2011) was an American jazz drummer and teacher to a number of professional drummers.[3][4][5]
Freddie Gruber | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 27, 1927 The Bronx, New York[1] |
| Origin | New York City |
| Died | October 11, 2011 (aged 84) Los Angeles, California[2] |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Occupations | |
| Instrument | Drums |
| Years active | c. 1946–2011 |
| Website | Official web site |
Gruber grew up in the nascent New York City bebop scene. Although he started his performance career as a tap dancer, by the mid-1940s while still in his teens he had toured as a drummer with Rudy Vallée and played with Harry Gibson. In 1949 Gruber began playing with Charlie Parker among many others.[4]
After fighting his own heroin addiction, Gruber left New York City shortly after Parker's death in 1955. He settled in Los Angeles in 1957 after a stint in Las Vegas, where he continued working as a professional jazz drummer. Gruber began teaching drums in the mid-1960s at a Los Angeles music store owned by vibraphonist Terry Gibbs.[4]
Gruber's student list includes Vinnie Colaiuta, Eddie Rubin, Neil Peart,[6][7][8] Steve Smith,[9] Dave Weckl, Bruce Becker,[10] Joey Waronker,[11] Ross Garfield, and his last student before he died, Paul Goldberg. Gruber was an instructor and mentor at the Drum Channel Studio.[12]
On January 15, 2011, Gruber was honored at the NAMM Show in Anaheim, California, with a lifetime achievement award for educational excellence throughout his career.[13] The large framed award featured a classic photo of legendary jazz drummers: Buddy Rich,[14] Jo Jones (known as Papa Jo Jones in his later years), and Gruber himself. Under the photo was a plaque and a cymbal that was signed by Armand Zildjian's children.[15] Later in October 2011 Gruber died from illness.
Gruber's former drum student, Neil Peart of Rush, lauded Gruber in his literary and tutorial work.[16] Peart authored a biographical obituary tribute which was posted to the Hudson Music website and to Gruber's own web site.[1]
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