Max Roach
Max Roach was an influential American jazz drummer and composer known for his innovative contributions to jazz music. He is recognized for his work in the bebop genre and collaborations with prominent musicians. His career spanned several decades, earning him a reputation as a pioneer... Read More
Known for
Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat (2024)
In 1960, United Nations: the Global South ignites a political earthquake, musicians Abbey Lincoln and Max Roach crash the Security Council, Nikita Khrushchev bangs...
Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) (2021)
During the same summer as Woodstock, over 300,000 people attended the Harlem Cultural Festival, celebrating African American music and culture, and promoting Black pride...
Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell (2021)
Christopher Wallace, AKA The Notorious B.I.G., remains one of Hip-Hop’s icons, renowned for his distinctive flow and autobiographical lyrics. This documentary celebrates his life...
Personal details
Credits
| Year | Title | Character | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 |
Soundtrack to a Coup d'EtatJazz and decolonization are intertwined in a powerful narrative that recounts one of the tensest episodes of the Cold War. |
Self (archive footage) | |
| 2023 |
Max Roach: The Drum Also WaltzesThe Drum Waltzes explores the life and music of legendary drummer, activist Max Roach, his creative peaks, personal struggles and... |
Self (archival footage) | |
| 2021 |
Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)During the same summer as Woodstock, over 300,000 people attended the Harlem Cultural Festival, celebrating African American music and culture,... |
Self (archive footage) | |
| 2021 |
Biggie: I Got a Story to TellChristopher Wallace, AKA The Notorious B.I.G., remains one of Hip-Hop’s icons, renowned for his distinctive flow and autobiographical lyrics. This... |
Self - Jazz Musician (archive footage) | |
| 2020 |
70 Years of Youth RevoltA look back at the social movements, revolts and youth subcultures from the post-war period to the present day: after... |
Self (archive footage) | |
| 2014 |
Max Roach - Full Concert - 08/16/92 - Newport Jazz Festival"Recorded Live: 8/16/1992 - Newport Jazz Festival (Newport, RI)" |
Themself | |
| 1993 | himself | ||
| 1992 |
Behind the ScenesBehind the Scenes was a 10-part television miniseries aimed towards 8- to 12-year-olds about various aspects of the arts, that... |
Unknown character | |
| 1984 |
The Cosby ShowThe Cosby Show is an American television situation comedy starring Bill Cosby, which aired for eight seasons on NBC from... |
Dr. Gordon Darton | |
| 1983 |
Åke Hasselgård storyHasselgård died in a car accident 75 years ago, aged just 26, he became a legend like so many other... |
Unknown character | |
| 1982 |
Dizzy's Dream BandAll-Star concert recorded at Lincoln Center in 1982 -- Featuring Max Roach, Jon Faddis, John Lewis and Milt Jackson. |
Self | |
| 1981 |
Max Roach: Live at Blues AlleyThis 1981 live show at Washington DC's famous Blues Alley features drummer Max Roach and his band. |
Self | |
| 1971 |
Great PerformancesThe best in the performing arts from across America and around the world including a diverse programming portfolio of classical... |
Self | |
| 1960 |
Jazz on a Summer's DaySet at the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival, this documentary mixes images of water and the town with performers and audience.... |
Self | |
| TBA |
Max Roach Double Quartet Stuttgart 1990Max Roach and his double quartet live from Stuttgart, West Germany in 1990. |
Self |
Latest Release
Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat
2024 / TMDB 7.8
Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes
2023
Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)
2021 / TMDB 7.6
Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell
2021 / TMDB 7.1
Max Roach - Full Concert - 08/16/92 - Newport Jazz Festival
2014
Umbria Jazz Story
1993
Max Roach News and Articles
Got a question about Max Roach?
Max Roach's most famous albums include 'We Insist! Freedom Now Suite' and 'Drums Unlimited', which showcase his innovative drumming techniques and compositional style.
Yes, Max Roach received several awards including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1995, recognizing his impact on jazz music.
Max Roach's first album was 'Max Roach Featuring the Legendary Hasaan', released in 1960, marking his emergence as a prominent figure in jazz.
Max Roach frequently collaborated with musicians like Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and Abbey Lincoln, contributing to many jazz classics.
Max Roach's legacy in jazz includes his role as a pioneering drummer and composer, influencing generations of musicians with his innovative techniques and socially conscious works.
Max Roach's estimated net worth was around 5 million USD at the time of his passing, reflecting his successful career in music.
Max Roach primarily worked in jazz but also explored genres like bebop, hard bop, and avant-garde music, showcasing his versatility as an artist.
'We Insist! Freedom Now Suite' is significant as it combines jazz with themes of civil rights, making a powerful statement about social justice during the 1960s.