Dave Bailey

After his service as a pilot in World War II concluded, Dave Bailey pursued drumming studies in New York. Although seldom recognized for aiding the spread of bossa nova during the 1960s, he absorbed the rhythm on a 1959 South American tour and guided many American drummers toward mastery of the style. A capable exponent of both swing and bop, he recorded and performed with Johnny Hodges, Charles Mingus, Lou Donaldson, Curtis Fuller, and Horace Silver. Jazz listeners chiefly recall his extended tenure with multiple Gerry Mulligan ensembles between 1954 and 1968, as well as his associations with Clark Terry and Bob Brookmeyer throughout the 1960s. In 1969 Bailey resumed duties as a pilot and flight instructor, suspending his musical work for a time. Beginning in 1973 he concentrated on education and administration, later becoming executive director of The Jazzmobile in New York City.