Ed Shaughnessy has died

Cafe Society
1

I’ve never started this sort of thread before, but…

Drumming legend Ed Shaughnessy has died.

I had the opportunity to meet Ed several times as I was growing up. I first met him when I was in high school and he was part of a week-long percussion symposium at the University of Texas. I later ran into him a few times when I was in college.

One time, he was loading into a room when my group was loading out. I passed him as I was lugging my junk out and he was schlepping in his drums.

I said, “You’re the star! You shouldn’t be carrying your own gear!”

His reply still rings in my ears. “Keeps you humble, Man, keeps you humble.” He was an amazing drummer, yet humble enough to crack a smile for a stupid college kid like me.

2

Famous drummer for Johnny Carson, even Buddy Rich a run for his money. IMHO he won.

I still cringe when I see guys using traditional grip. The civil war was a LOONG time ago. Drums can be made level now.
3

I played with him once. He was doing a tour and playing with various college stage bands. I was a senior in HS but played Bari Sax with this small college band after school and we did a show with him. That would have been 1980/81.

He was a really nice guy.

4

A legend passes.

RIP Ed.