Trivia

His family encouraged his musical talent, and he was playing drums and singing in public at age 5. After his voice changed, he stopped singing for several years and concentrated on drums, inspired by a meeting with Jo Jones, the longtime drummer with Count Basie. He spent four years in the Air Force, performing in military bands, then studied English and drama at what is now North Carolina Central University, graduating in 1959.

He was a versatile jazz musician who was nominated for Grammy Awards as a singer, but was better known as a drummer who helped popularize the "soul-jazz" style of the 1960s. He worked in a trio led by pianist Billy Taylor, and anchored the "Tonight Show" band with Doc Severinsen, for six years in the 1960s and 1970s. He performed with Simon and Garfunkel at their 1981 reunion concert at New York's Central Park.

Has one son, Grady, Jr.