A temporary drummer

Dave Brubeck was already a big star in the mid-1950s. He toured extensively with his own jazz band and had a vast following among college students and young professionals in the United States. He had even appeared on the cover of Time magazine in 1954.

During one of Brubeck's tours in 1956, his then drummer suddenly quit the band and a frantic search was made for a replacement for the remaining two weeks of the tour. Joe Morello agreed to fill in as the temporary, stand-in drummer. Twelve years later, he had recorded his 60th album as an integral member of that classic Dave Brubeck Quartet.

Joe Morello, that drummer extraordinaire, died on 12 Mar 2011, aged 82 years old. Thank you, Joe, you're the greatest!