Billy Hart: A Life in Rhythm

William "Billy" Hart, born November 29, 1940 in Washington, D.C., is one of the most recorded and respected jazz drummers in history. Over a career spanning more than five decades, he has performed with icons including Wes Montgomery, Herbie Hancock, McCoy Tyner, Wayne Shorter, Stan Getz, and Miles Davis.

Hart was voted #1 Jazz Drummer in the 2015 Modern Drummer Reader's Poll and received the DC Jazz Festival Lifetime Achievement Award that same year. The Jazz Journalist's Association named him Traps Drummer of the Year for 2013. His album Enjoy the View — with Bobby Hutcherson, David Sanborn, and Joey DeFrancesco — earned a 2015 Grammy nomination for Best Jazz Instrumental Album.

Beyond the stage, Hart has shared his knowledge as an educator at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, the New England Conservatory of Music, and Western Michigan University. Explore the site for news and awards, a full biography, and press resources.