Roy Haynes

Who is Roy Haynes?

Roy Owen Haynes is an American jazz drummer and bandleader. Haynes is among the most recorded drummers in jazz, and in a career lasting more than 60 years has played in a wide range of styles ranging from swing and bebop to jazz fusion and avant-garde jazz. He has a highly expressive, personal style and is known to foster a deep engagement in his bandmates.

He has also led his own groups, some performing under the name Hip Ensemble. His most recent recordings as a leader are Fountain of Youth and Whereas, both of which have been nominated for a Grammy Award. He continues to perform worldwide.

His son Graham Haynes is a cornetist; his son Craig Haynes and grandson Marcus Gilmore are both drummers.