Mike Reed
Mike Reed
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Mike Reed was a renowned American jazz drummer, composer, and bandleader who is widely recognized as one of the most influential figures in modern jazz.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on March 18, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois, Mike Reed passed away on January 10, 2015, at the age of 84.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Reed was an American by nationality, and his profession spanned multiple genres within jazz music. He is best known as a drummer, but also made significant contributions as a composer and bandleader.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in Chicago, Reed developed a passion for jazz at a young age. Influenced by the city's vibrant jazz scene, he began studying music at the age of 12, learning to play the drums and piano. This early exposure laid the foundation for his future success as a musician.
Major Accomplishments
Throughout his illustrious career, Reed collaborated with numerous prominent musicians, including Max Roach, Lee Morgan, and Kenny Wheeler. His work was marked by innovative compositions that pushed the boundaries of jazz. Some of his most notable achievements include:
Developing a distinctive style characterized by intricate time signatures and complex rhythms
Creating original music for various ensembles, from small groups to large orchestras
Experimenting with new sounds through collaborations with musicians across different genresNotable Works or Actions
Reed's extensive discography features numerous critically acclaimed albums. Some notable releases include:
"Modernism" (1960), a collaborative effort with pianist Jimmy Jones and bassist Sam Jones
"A Life In Jazz" (2001), a retrospective collection of his work from the 1950s to the 1990sImpact and Legacy
Mike Reed's impact on modern jazz is immeasurable. His innovative compositions, combined with his dedication to mentoring younger musicians, have inspired generations of jazz artists.
As a bandleader, he demonstrated an unwavering commitment to artistic expression, often challenging conventions and exploring new sonic landscapes. This willingness to take risks has left an indelible mark on the genre, inspiring countless musicians to experiment and push boundaries in their own work.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Mike Reed's enduring legacy can be attributed to several factors:
His groundbreaking compositions continue to influence contemporary jazz
As a master drummer, he set new standards for technical proficiency and musicality
Through his teaching and mentoring, he helped shape the next generation of jazz musicians
Quotes by Mike Reed

I just wanted to do something on the scale of a neighborhood street festival--except cool.

In the first half, both teams came out a little sluggish. We talked at the half about picking it up. We told them they had to dig deep inside to play our game in the second half. We started the second half strong, and that gave us a little bit of confidence. Everyone stepped their game up a little.

They hit some key foul shots down the stretch. Our girls gave us a chance to win. They played hard tonight.

It was good to get a look at the pitchers we used today and get them some innings. We didn't adjust to their pitching too well but we got out there and played, which is good early in the season.

They're tech savvy, bright, innovative, hard-charging. They're looking for a community that allows them new opportunities and that provides some buzz.

Developing countries can't afford to buy Windows-based software. The basic Windows operating system costs a year and half salary for the average Vietnamese citizen.

Cy did real well on the boards, and she made some big buckets in the third when we made our run.


