James Charles Heard (August 10, 1917 – September 27, 1988) was an American swing, bop, and blues drummer.

[2][1] He also led his own bands, including a quintet that played at Café Society and a trio with Erroll Garner and Oscar Pettiford.

[3] After returning to New York in 1957, Heard played with the Coleman Hawkins-Roy Eldridge Quintet and with Teddy Wilson's trio.

[5] In 1983, he again recorded an album as leader, accompanied by saxophonist George Benson, pianist Claude Black, and Dave Young on bass.

In 1981, Heard started a 13 piece big band which played around the state and at festivals, often featuring Dizzy Gillespie and other colleagues.

[6] With Toshiko Akiyoshi With Gene Ammons With Shorty Baker and Doc Cheatham With Benny Carter With Doc Cheatham With Arnett Cobb With Roy Eldridge With Bud Freeman With Dizzy Gillespie With Al Grey With Norman Granz With Johnny Hodges With Claude Hopkins With Illinois Jacquet With Ellis Larkins With Howard McGhee With Oscar Peterson With Sammy Price With Ike Quebec With Al Sears With Sir Charles Thompson With Mary Lou Williams With Teddy Wilson With John Wright With Lester Young