Ed Shaughnessy (1929-2013)
I watched Ed Shaughnessy hundreds of times on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. Several of those were in anticipation to see and hear Buddy Rich.
I saw Ed Shaughnessy in Gainesville at The University of Florida.
He presented a drum clinic for the school and music department. I was a 26 - year old student at Seminole Community College. Our Jazz Band made a road trip to perform at the school.
I always liked Ed’s playing. His early days on Johnny’s Show-he played Rogers than switched to Ludwig. Louie Bellson, Buddy and Ed were the 3 drummers I recognized from the TV show. Bobby Rosengarden would start playing on The Dick Cavett Show.
Other drummers that occasionally appeared on the show were Grady Tate, Jack Sperling, Louie Bellson, Shelly Mann and Colin Bailey. Jake Hanna was the drummer on The Merv Griffin Show.
Ed Shaughnessy and those musicians had a nice gig. Watching those shows as a teenager wanting to be a musician was interesting.
I never thought about being a professional musician like them---wearing a suit & tie, reading and playing that kind of music. I did recognize they were making regular money like normal people.
Skitch Henderson had that hipster goatee. Doc Severinsen had the threads. The musicians looked like accountants and insurance salesman. For many of those musicians-the gig lasted for years.
My friend and teacher Tommy Thomas (1901-2005) held the drumseat for The Don McNeill Breakfast Club for 20+ years. 5 mornings a week broadcast live over the radio. It was also on early television. Post WW2 (1945-1965)
The Don McNeill Breakfast Club was the template for Steve Allen, Jack Parr and Johnny Carson. Prairie Home Companion imitated The Don McNeill Breakfast Club.