Roy Haynes, American jazz drummer and bandleader, was a true pioneer in jazz drumming. Born in 1925 in Roxbury, Mass., he influenced generations of jazz drummers and helped change the direction of rhythmic improvisation. In a career that spanned over 80 years, Haynes played a role in innovating and influencing some of the greatest jazz recordings of all time. His work influenced the nature of jazz improvisation through "intelligent and joyous drumming."
Haynes, whose nickname was"Snap Cackle" because of his snare and cymbal patterns, was known for his crispness and finesse. He worked with the best jazz musicians of each decade. He played with Lester Young and Charlie Parker in the 1940s. He worked with Bud Powell, Sarah Vaughan and Theloonious Monk in the 1950s. He went on to work with Stan Getz ad Gary Burton in the 1960s and Chick Corea in the '70s and '80s. He worked with Pat Metheny in the 80's and 90s.