Max Roach — the indomitable drummer, activist, bandleader and composer — was born 100 years ago this month, on Jan. 10, 1924. His centenary is the perfect opportunity to reconsider how his genius changed the game, and not just in rhythmic terms. So in this episode, we talk about Max as an innovator and a liberator, a connector and a catalyst. We also consider his sterling example as an elder, with deep insights from Nasheet Waits — one of Max’s leading inheritors on drums, someone he mentored from an early age. Nasheet has incredible stories to tell, and he shares them here.

More to explore: 

• Max Roach at 100: Five stellar tracks that attest to his genius


• Drummer Max Roach Turns 100


• Max Roach Played For Keeps

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