Bobby Orr

Who is Bobby Orr?

Bobby Orr is a jazz drummer and session musician. He began playing drums at the age of three, encouraged by his father, a drum Major. In 1954 Orr also played the trumpet, as a member of Basil Kirchin's band however he had difficulties with his embouchure and returned to the drums.

In the 1950s and 1960s, he was a fixture on the London jazz scene, principally as a founder member of Joe Harriott's quintet and for Tubby Hayes and Shake Keane. He also served as a house drummer at Ronnie Scott's Club, backing top American visitors such as Zoot Sims, Al Cohn, Milt Jackson, and Dizzy Gillespie.

In 1970 Orr toured Europe with Benny Goodman. Unusually for Goodman this tour consisted entirely of British big band musicians with the exceptions of guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli and trombone player Nat Peck. Later in the decade he also toured with Billy Eckstine and Sammy Davis, as well as Tommy Whittle and Don Lusher.

In the 1990's Orr toured extensively with the UK Glenn Miller Band.

As an aside from his jazz career, he also played on many recording sessions for pop and rock artists such as Donovan.

As of 2010 Orr was still playing and teaching drums at the age of 82.