George Edward “Butch" Ballard is a celebrated drummer, now 88, who swung with the Cootie Williams, Duke Ellington, and Count Basie big bands, to mention just a few of the items on his resume. Beyond that, however, this cat is truly an American phenomenon, an African-American from a working class family who realized his childhood dream through a total obsession with the drums during the time of segregation and through to the present day.
AAJ contributor Victor L. Schermer sat down with Ballard recently and the passion that has driven Ballard throughout his long career rings through loud and clear.
Check out Butch Ballard: Legendary Philadelphia Drummer at AAJ today!
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