Roy Haynes, Legendary Jazz Drummer, Dies at 99

Mar. 15, 2025

Roy Haynes in March 2015.Photo:Jack Vartoogian/Getty

Jack Vartoogian/Getty

Roy Haynes, a prolific jazz drummer who had more than a seven-decade-long career, has died at the age of 99.

A representative for Haynes confirmed news of his death to PEOPLE.WRTIandThe New York Timesfirst reported that the drummer died on Tuesday, Nov. 12 in Nassau County, N.Y. after a brief illness.

Roy Haynes in October 1998.Hiroyuki Ito/Getty

Hiroyuki Ito/Getty

By 1945, the moved to New York City and became a full-time professional drummer, working under Luis Russell’s band, perPercussive Arts Society.During that time, he collaborated with saxophonist Lester Young and played in Charlie Parker’s quintet from 1949 to 1952. The following year, he began working with singer Sarah Vaughan, a working relationship that lasted until 1958. Thereafter, he collaborated with Thelonious Monk, Eric Dolphy, Lennie Tristano, and Stan Getz.

In the late 1960s, Haynes worked with vibraphonist Gary Burton and launched his jazz-rock project the Hip Ensemble. In 1971, he released an album calledHip Ensemble. In the following years, Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Haynes collaborated with Chick Corea, and in the 1980s and 1990s he worked with Pat Metheny.

Throughout his career, Haynes won two Grammy Awards in his career: best jazz instrumental performance, group in 1989 forBlues for Coltrane - A Tribute to John Coltraneand best jazz instrumental performance, individual or group in 2000 forLike Minds. He also earned the nickname “Snap Crackle” for his style of playing.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Roy Haynes in Paris in March 2009.Guignebourg Denis/ABACA/Shutterstock

Guignebourg Denis/ABACA/Shutterstock

Haynes released his final albumRoy-Altyin 2011.

source: people.com