There have been many great drummers in jazz history, ranging from Jo Jones, Sid Catlett and Max Roach to Art Blakey, Elvin Jones, Tony Williams and a dozen currently active.

But when it came to playing the impossible on the drums, whether it was technique, speed, endurance, pure power, or complete control of his instrument, there has only been one Buddy Rich.

On this film clip from a Paris concert in 1971, Buddy Rich cuts loose as only he could; check out his drum rolls at the seven-minute mark.

And to think that he did this every night.

-Scott Yanow