Anyone who could be comfortable trading licks head-to-head, live and in living color, on network TV, with the great Buddy Rich, had to possess some serious chops and the confidence to back them up.  Ed Shaughnessy was such a drummer and his talent and class earned him the respect and appreciation of the music community and his fans alike.

 

Known best for his many years as drummer for The Tonight Show Band during the Johnny Carson era, Ed Shaughnessy was a big band and jazz great whose pedigree included experience with Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Count Basie, Roy Eldridge, Billie Holiday, Charles Mingus, Jack Sheldon, and many more.  In addition to his performance and recording schedules, Ed was always committed to education, maintaining a full schedule as a teacher and clinician until his passing in May of this year.

 

Ed Shaughnessy graced the cover of the first Classic Drummer Hall of Fame edition and his loss in 2013 continues impact those touched by his music and those fortunate enough to call him a friend.