Charlie Persip

A powerful and dynamic drummer, Charlie Persip was best known for his explosive work with Dizzy Gillespie's big band in the mid-1950s, where he became a leading exponent of modern big band drumming. His driving, energetic style was also a key feature on many classic hard bop sessions with artists like Lee Morgan, Donald Byrd, and Gil Evans. Later in his career, he became a respected educator and led his own big band, 'Superband.'