Max Roach

Max Roach was an American jazz drummer and composer known for his role in the development of bebop and modern jazz drumming. He helped expand the drummer's role from timekeeper to melodic, interactive voice, led influential groups including the Clifford Brown and Max Roach Quintet, recorded politically engaged works such as the We Insist! Freedom Now Suite with vocalist Abbey Lincoln, and explored varied ensemble formats and compositional approaches across a long career.