Ray Bauduc

Ray Bauduc (June 18, 1906 – January 8, 1988) was an American jazz drummer best known for his work with the Bob Crosby Orchestra and their band-within-a-band, the Bobcats, between 1935 and 1942.

His New Orleans origin instilled in him a love for two-beat drumming, which he retained when he played with Bob Crosby's swing-era big band.

His precise, disciplined, yet fiery patterns and syncopated fills, helped New Orleans drummers make the transition into swing from the rigid, clipped progressions that had defined the previous era.

In early 1947, he joined Bob Crosby's new group, leaving in 1948 to play with Jimmy Dorsey, where he stayed for the next two years.

[1] In 1955, he formed a band with Nappy Lamare from the Crosby orchestra which found considerable success, touring nationally and recording several albums.