Freddie Gruber

Who was Freddie Gruber?

Freddie Gruber was a jazz drummer and teacher to a number of professional drummers.

Gruber grew up in the nascent New York bebop scene, and played with Charlie Parker, among many others. Gruber's student list includes Vinnie Colaiuta, Neil Peart, Steve Smith, Dave Weckl and Bruce Becker. Gruber was an instructor and mentor at the Drum Channel Studio.

On January 15, 2011, Gruber was honored at the NAMM Show in Anaheim, California with a lifetime achievement award for educational excellence throughout his career. The large framed award featured a classic photo of legendary jazz drummers: Buddy Rich, Jo Jones, and Gruber himself. Under the photo was a plaque, and a cymbal that was signed by Armand Zildjian's children.

Gruber's former drum student, Neil Peart of Rush, lauded Gruber in his literary and tutorial work. Peart authored a biographical obituary tribute which was posted to the Hudson Music website and to Gruber's own web site.