J.C. Heard (1918 – 1988) left a large legacy to the jazz world. He’s on many important records, he played in amazing bands, he spread the jazz doctrine to Japan, and he was a vital force on Detroit’s jazz scene. Every year the Detroit Jazz Festival honors his legacy. Lars Bjorn and I honor his memory with this biography.
J.C. Heard was a drummer/percussionist, vocalist, bandleader, soloist, Japanese film star and talk show host. He could communicate with people in all walks of life. His anecdotes (and he had many) were hugely entertaining. He exemplified the best qualities of a jazz musician – a strong sense of style, confidence, personal warmth, passion, and immense talent. He didn’t play his drums so much as command them.
Heard was known as a “utility drummer” to record producers in 1940s Manhattan – able to fit into any situation and excel; he seemingly never had a bad drum day, at least on recordings. From Sidney Bechet to Charlie Parker, Heard always established a groove and kept the rhythm going. An accomplished tap dancer, he had a strong feel for rhythm and could establish a good tempo for dancers. Heard fit in with bands of any size or style, and instrumentalists or singers of any persuasion. He never lacked for work and made goo
