Jazz Musician. Born Edmund Leonard Thigpen, his father was Ben Thigpen, a known jazz drummer in The Andy Kirk Band during the 1930s. He spent his early childhood living in St. Louis and moved with his mother to Los Angeles following his parent's separation. While there, he attended Thomas Jefferson High School and briefly studied sociology at Los Angeles City College before pursuing a career as a drummer. During the early 1950s, he relocated to New York City where he played with the Cootie Williams Band prior to his service in the United States Army during the Korean War. Upon his return home, Thigpen established himself as a gifted drummer with a wide range of playing ability (known for his technique with brushes) in high demand throughout the 1950s and 1960s. He performed and recorded with Dinah Washington, Johnny Hodges, Gil Melle and Ella Fitzgerald, but it was Billy Taylor from 1956 to 1959 and Oscar Peterson from 1959 to 1965 with whom he achieved his greatest body of work. In 1972, he moved to Copenhagen where he performed with American musicians during their overseas tours. In addition, he served as an educator in the art of drumming throughout cities in Europe. As well as recording with many jazz greats, he released several solo efforts including the albums "Out of the Storm," "The Element of Swing" and "Mr. Taste." He died following an extended period of illness.
Jazz Musician. Born Edmund Leonard Thigpen, his father was Ben Thigpen, a known jazz drummer in The Andy Kirk Band during the 1930s. He spent his early childhood living in St. Louis and moved with his mother to Los Angeles following his parent's separation. While there, he attended Thomas Jefferson High School and briefly studied sociology at Los Angeles City College before pursuing a career as a drummer. During the early 1950s, he relocated to New York City where he played with the Cootie Williams Band prior to his service in the United States Army during the Korean War. Upon his return home, Thigpen established himself as a gifted drummer with a wide range of playing ability (known for his technique with brushes) in high demand throughout the 1950s and 1960s. He performed and recorded with Dinah Washington, Johnny Hodges, Gil Melle and Ella Fitzgerald, but it was Billy Taylor from 1956 to 1959 and Oscar Peterson from 1959 to 1965 with whom he achieved his greatest body of work. In 1972, he moved to Copenhagen where he performed with American musicians during their overseas tours. In addition, he served as an educator in the art of drumming throughout cities in Europe. As well as recording with many jazz greats, he released several solo efforts including the albums "Out of the Storm," "The Element of Swing" and "Mr. Taste." He died following an extended period of illness.
Bio by: C.S.
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