That’s a funny joke, thanks!
Not many could get away telling Buddy to play softer like Torme did in that clip. Amazing drummer, but that Buddy’s personality was not popular among his players is an understatement. Here’s another good one (dark!):
**** A horn player who had been playing with Buddy Rich for many years came back from vacation to hear a rumor that Buddy
had died. He didn’t quite believe it, so he phoned Buddy’s wife and said "Can I speak to Buddy please?"
Buddy’s wife said, "I’m sorry, Buddy passed away last week."
"Oh, I’m sorry to hear that," he said, and hung up.
A couple of hours later, he called her again. "Is Buddy there please?"
"No, I’m sorry. Buddy’s no longer with us," said Buddy’s wife. And hung up the phone.
Ten minutes later, he called Buddy’s wife again. "Can I speak to Buddy please?" he said.
She recognised his voice, and said: "Look, I’ve told you before, BUDDY’S DEAD!" And slammed down the phone.
Two minutes later, and the phone rang again..."Is Buddy at home please?" the horn player asked.
Buddy’s wife was furious. "I’m not going to tell you again, Buddy is dead.. D. E. A. D. DEAD. Why do you keep ringing me to
ask for Buddy???!!!!"
He thought for a moment, and said: "I just love hearing you say it." ****
The stuff of legend. Recorded on Buddy’s tour bus by a friend of mine who shall remain nameless 😊 . Not for the faint of heart:
https://youtu.be/covUesgI6fA
