One of the greatest drummers ever...hip to the end! I know that even Buddy Rich had tremendous respect for this legend. This performance was spectacular..great swing and awesome chops!
Just thought of your dad today when talking with friends about all-time great jazz drummers like Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, and of course J.C. Heard. I knew of J.C. Because of wrestling with his son Eric in practice at Warren High School (and having my ass kicked regularly). Got a chance to see and hear him play at the Belmont Hotel on Wayne State University’s campus. What a great talent and so gracious. Your dad actually attended Casa Tech a few years before my dad did.
Hi David, how are you doing? I hope you and your loved ones were not affected by COVID-19. You found me in Japan. My business brings me to Japan; although due to COVID-19 entry restrictions, I have not been here since last December. Great to hear from you, and thank you for your comments about my dad. Eric
I went to Detroit (we lived an hour away) to hear Clark Terry at the Detroit Institute of Arts in maybe 1983. Clark was working as a single with a local rhythm section. Of course he had J.C. Heard on drums. I still have a very clear memory of how elegant and swinging JC was. Just like in this video.
I had the distinct privilege of meeting J. C. Heard when I worked for Grinnell's music store at Oakland Mall, Troy, MI (sometime between 1972 and 1975). As a result of that meeting I had to go and hear him perform. I attended one performance at a club near 15 Mile Road and Stevenson in Troy, MI and another which I believe was located on 14 Mile Road. He was very gracious and, at the first performance I mentioned, was kind enough to get my friends and I a table right next to the bandstand. I'm both surprised and pleased to find videos of his performance on RUclips.
I used to go see J. C. at Jasons out in Waterford with a friend who was a drummer. My friend would go crazy when J. C. played. He said his brush work was better than anyone. I mostly remember is smile, personality and him saying "Make them happy" when we would applaud. A true legend.
Awesome video! Can't wait to learn some of these chops. I recently started playing drums again after 35 years away...I'll be listening to this again, and again. I Got to meet the late Mr. Heard at a Jazz bar on Woodward Ave. in Royal Oak back around 1980. What a privilege!
Hi David, I don't recall a club on Woodward in Royal Oak around 1980 but do you remember the place on Franklin Rd., near 12 Mile Rd. and Northwester Hwy, called Marlowe's (spelling may not be correct)? My father's big band used to perform on Monday nights. That was a fun place. Earl Klugh used to hang out there a lot.
Eric Heard I think I know the place as "Excaliber". My drum teacher's band was the house band for a while there. :) He has some wild stories to tell about things that went down there...He keeps them to himself...for his health...I just decided recently to get serious again about drumming. I contacted Ringo Starr's drummer Kenny Aronoff(Ringo had a band for the Grammy week performances and TV special)today and we are set to meet for lessons next month. I don't plan on making money with the music. Good thing...there never has been much money in it.
Eric Heard Oh, and the club on woodward was a disco in the 70's and early 80's before going Jazz for about a year. I think it was called Coral Gables back in the 70's. Anyway, my drum teacher was doing a gig there. Your dad had a table in the audience. My teacher was kind enough to introduce me as an "up and coming drummer". Your father was very gracious to me. He spent time talking with me... :) I was impressed with his credentials and demeanor. It was only later that I got to hear some of this work and was "blown away". :)
David Kramer Hi David, Coral Gables is where I hung out in the 70's and 80's. I can't imagine my dad hanging there...lol. He never had much good things to say about disco.
I remember Coral Gables. A friend of mine and I went there intending to pick up some females but, alas, all they were interested in was for us to buy them drinks. I did get drunk and somehow drove from Coral Gables to the Traffic Jam at Wayne State University for more drinking. I have absolutely no recollection of what route I drove to get there. After that, I had to give my friend my car keys and let him drive me home. (Didn't get lucky at TJ's either.)
One of the highlights of my life as a musician was to play and record with your Dad Eric. He was a wonder, kind and encouraging to me in the extreme, I’ll always be grateful to have known him. His drumming… words fail, incredible clarity of vision. He knew HOW he wanted to play, AND how to do it- AND who he was doing it for- all of us! Thanks for posting! Are you aware of any actual concert footage from his memorial concert?
Hi LaShell, my grandmother used to tell me about her sisters living in Washington DC area. I think I've seen some photos of your grandmother. Great to hear from you. Do you have any photos of your grandmother with my grandmother? If so, I would love a copy. Where are you living these days? How did you find this site? Many questions...
Your dad was one of the greats that I need to study some more. He exemplified the joy of performing and playing to the crowd, as opposed to some of the more dark, introspective post-bop musicians who get bitter when people don’t understand complex chord changes etc. Your dad really drew you in here, and what a terrific swinging drummer.
Eric, THANK you so very much for sharing this! Your dad meant the world to me. What a great guy, and as AMAZING as his drumming was, (and it was amazing) his greatest attribute was his humanity. I am so thankful that I met, and got to know your dad. If you are still in the area, we should meet up for lunch or coffee some time. Thanks again for sharing, warms my heart, and inspires my soul! The fact that he is not in the PAS hall of fame is a crime, we need to correct that.
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One of the greatest drummers ever...hip to the end! I know that even Buddy Rich had tremendous respect for this legend. This performance was spectacular..great swing and awesome chops!
Just thought of your dad today when talking with friends about all-time great jazz drummers like Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, and of course J.C. Heard. I knew of J.C. Because of wrestling with his son Eric in practice at Warren High School (and having my ass kicked regularly). Got a chance to see and hear him play at the Belmont Hotel on Wayne State University’s campus. What a great talent and so gracious. Your dad actually attended Casa Tech a few years before my dad did.
Hi David, how are you doing? I hope you and your loved ones were not affected by COVID-19. You found me in Japan. My business brings me to Japan; although due to COVID-19 entry restrictions, I have not been here since last December. Great to hear from you, and thank you for your comments about my dad. Eric
Rest In Peace to your father ♥️♥️
If Heard wasn't smiling - it's because he was busy slaying his kit. All class.
I went to Detroit (we lived an hour away) to hear Clark Terry at the Detroit Institute of Arts in maybe 1983. Clark was working as a single with a local rhythm section. Of course he had J.C. Heard on drums. I still have a very clear memory of how elegant and swinging JC was. Just like in this video.
What an amazing drummer. Its hard to explain how I get here, but is amazing. Regards from Argentina.
Drum Master Magician 👑
The Drum Monster will eat you up, and he is known as JC Heard, YA HEARD!
I had the distinct privilege of meeting J. C. Heard when I worked for Grinnell's music store at Oakland Mall, Troy, MI (sometime between 1972 and 1975). As a result of that meeting I had to go and hear him perform. I attended one performance at a club near 15 Mile Road and Stevenson in Troy, MI and another which I believe was located on 14 Mile Road. He was very gracious and, at the first performance I mentioned, was kind enough to get my friends and I a table right next to the bandstand. I'm both surprised and pleased to find videos of his performance on RUclips.
I used to go see J. C. at Jasons out in Waterford with a friend who was a drummer. My friend would go crazy when J. C. played. He said his brush work was better than anyone. I mostly remember is smile, personality and him saying "Make them happy" when we would applaud. A true legend.
So good!
Perfection
I had the privilege of seeing him at a cocktail lounge in 1970's, what a professional to play at that skill level for a "bar crowd"!
Great!
Loved papa, but you know that
A Master
Truly the greatest drummer my father used to help him set for his gigs.
I think I knew your father. Please give him my best.
Awesome video! Can't wait to learn some of these chops. I recently started playing drums again after 35 years away...I'll be listening to this again, and again. I Got to meet the late Mr. Heard at a Jazz bar on Woodward Ave. in Royal Oak back around 1980. What a privilege!
Hi David, I don't recall a club on Woodward in Royal Oak around 1980 but do you remember the place on Franklin Rd., near 12 Mile Rd. and Northwester Hwy, called Marlowe's (spelling may not be correct)? My father's big band used to perform on Monday nights. That was a fun place. Earl Klugh used to hang out there a lot.
Eric Heard I think I know the place as "Excaliber". My drum teacher's band was the house band for a while there. :) He has some wild stories to tell about things that went down there...He keeps them to himself...for his health...I just decided recently to get serious again about drumming. I contacted Ringo Starr's drummer Kenny Aronoff(Ringo had a band for the Grammy week performances and TV special)today and we are set to meet for lessons next month. I don't plan on making money with the music. Good thing...there never has been much money in it.
Eric Heard Oh, and the club on woodward was a disco in the 70's and early 80's before going Jazz for about a year. I think it was called Coral Gables back in the 70's. Anyway, my drum teacher was doing a gig there. Your dad had a table in the audience. My teacher was kind enough to introduce me as an "up and coming drummer". Your father was very gracious to me. He spent time talking with me... :) I was impressed with his credentials and demeanor. It was only later that I got to hear some of this work and was "blown away". :)
David Kramer
Hi David, Coral Gables is where I hung out in the 70's and 80's. I can't imagine my dad hanging there...lol. He never had much good things to say about disco.
I remember Coral Gables. A friend of mine and I went there intending to pick up some females but, alas, all they were interested in was for us to buy them drinks. I did get drunk and somehow drove from Coral Gables to the Traffic Jam at Wayne State University for more drinking. I have absolutely no recollection of what route I drove to get there. After that, I had to give my friend my car keys and let him drive me home. (Didn't get lucky at TJ's either.)
One of the highlights of my life as a musician was to play and record with your Dad Eric. He was a wonder, kind and encouraging to me in the extreme, I’ll always be grateful to have known him. His drumming… words fail, incredible clarity of vision. He knew HOW he wanted to play, AND how to do it- AND who he was doing it for- all of us! Thanks for posting! Are you aware of any actual concert footage from his memorial concert?
Your dad's mom (your grandmother) and my grandmother were sisters. Thanks for posting this.
Hi LaShell, my grandmother used to tell me about her sisters living in Washington DC area. I think I've seen some photos of your grandmother. Great to hear from you. Do you have any photos of your grandmother with my grandmother? If so, I would love a copy. Where are you living these days? How did you find this site? Many questions...
Your dad was one of the greats that I need to study some more. He exemplified the joy of performing and playing to the crowd, as opposed to some of the more dark, introspective post-bop musicians who get bitter when people don’t understand complex chord changes etc. Your dad really drew you in here, and what a terrific swinging drummer.
Eric, THANK you so very much for sharing this! Your dad meant the world to me. What a great guy, and as AMAZING as his drumming was, (and it was amazing) his greatest attribute was his humanity. I am so thankful that I met, and got to know your dad. If you are still in the area, we should meet up for lunch or coffee some time. Thanks again for sharing, warms my heart, and inspires my soul! The fact that he is not in the PAS hall of fame is a crime, we need to correct that.
Sorry for the late reply. I still do live in the area. I would love to meet and share some stories.
Eric Heard Sent you a private message.
Hi Eric ..Sorry your Dad passed on its me Huey your Dads friend when you lived in Troy Apartments. Hope you are well.