Duffy Jackson with Count Basie and the Count Basie Orchestra "Whirlybird"

Duffy Jackson performing "Whirlybird" with Count Basie and the Count Basie Orchestra at Count Basie's 75th birthday/Diamond Jubilee in Kansas City, Missouri, August 1979.
Count Basie Orchestra:
Count Basie: piano
Freddie Green: guitar
John Clayton: bass
Duffy Jackson: drums
Saxophones: Eric Dixon, Charlie Fowlkes, Kenny Hing, Bobby Plater, Danny Turner
Trumpets: Sonny Cohn, Pete Minger, Ray Brown, Paul Cohen
Trombones: Bill Hughes, Mel Wanzo, Mitchell Wood Jr, Dennis Wilson
"Whirlybird" arrangement by Neil Hefti

[@brianhammerstein]

I saw Duffy with Basie, the band, and Joe Williams at the Gate in NYC in 1980. I shall never forget it for the rest of life.

[@garylangford1380]

Duffy played with my band at Florida several times. Wonderful drummer and one hell of a nice guy. Gone WAY too soon. RIP Duffy and thanks for all the great music!!

[@rhythmfield]

I was a teenager and met him with the band, coming through SUNY Purchase Summerfest. I was a young drummer and backstage intern. Got to meet Duffy and check out the whole show from backstage, it was overwhelming, in the best way possible, for a kid. I simply couldn’t believe what I was witnessing. Sadly, the count himself was out sick. Freddie Green was clearly very sad not having his old buddy around.

[@Drumguy48]

I saw Duffy with Basie playing this Tama kit at the Minkler Auditorium (Seneca College) as part of a series of Classic Big Band concerts they would do yearly. At the time I had not heard of Duffy . I was mesmerized by his playing , could not take my eyes off him. A superb player, his enthusiasm, joy for life and outstanding chops are well in evidence here.

[@benjiebogarts]

Signature swing jazz drumming :)

[@billbernardi7819]

I saw the Basie band in January 1980 in Austin at the Armadillo World Headquarters. I was in the Air Force and had been battling a flu. But I couldn’t miss seeing Basie. Tickets were $7 and I sat on the floor in front of the stage. Duffy was the star that night. He had a great groove and was full of energy. I swear after the show I felt better immediately.

[@user-yn4ww1yy2v]

👍🙂‼️ Killin'it!!!

[@timwingham8952]

Wonderful. True entertainment from the whole band And Duffy giving it everything! Thank you for posting.

[@patrickmarino8601]

Absolutely amazing 😊

[@jamescastillo2405]

Must have been living the Dream to play with the count bassy band. Look at the joy on the drummer's face he's living his dream🤩👍🎶🥁

[@grantkoeller8911]

Basie

[@arame29]

RiP. His father was bassist Chubby Jackson

[@piotrcieslikowski5400]

Duffy, my Dear Friend, I miss you!

[@venisin]

I wish I could get a tenor to sound like a bari like that.

[@1492chris]

There is always someone 'new' to learn about. Duffy was a boy wonder drummer no doubt. great to discover him.

[@ngunnawalmick7029]

Gee, first time I have come across Duffy Jackson. Thanks for the post. Basie finds good drummers. Love the tone of the toms.

[@raoulangelino1410]

C'est du grand ART!!

[@spacelemur7955]

I was at the outdoor concert in the park near 12th and Vine either the day before or after, I can't remember which.
It was great watching Basie being called out by old-timers from the neighborhood. He remembered many of them. It was very touching, as the public was grooving.
Truly one of the best concerts I every attended.
Duffy, did you play that day in the park?

[@reisserjean-michelakabeeth8551]

Duffy died 3 years ago .....

[@spacelemur7955]

@@reisserjean-michelakabeeth8551 Oy. Thanks for letting me know. RIP Duffy, One helluva good drummer. 🌹

[@reisserjean-michelakabeeth8551]

@@spacelemur7955 Ohhh yeah he really was, saw him many many times here in Europe in sooo many different settings

[@jackspencer8290]

This guy is Animal’s second cousin.

[@reisserjean-michelakabeeth8551]

I suspect that was in August 1979, not 1980.

[@sbullar]

It looks like Duffy lost a stick right there at the end but of course recovered like a pro.