Not only an influential jazz drummer but also a gifted vocalist, Grady Tate was best known for drumming with the likes of Jimmy Smith and Wes Montgomery. His swinging but groove-conscious style proved to be a defining element of soul-jazz and the organ trio style of Smith and others throughout the 1960s. When he came out from behind the kit, Tate had a deep, rich voice that was heard on a number of excellent jazz recordings, and even on the Schoolhouse Rock! educational cartoon series. ~ Jim Allen