E. Shaughnessy, Carson drummer
LOS ANGELES - Ed Shaughnessy, the jazz drummer who for nearly three decades anchored the rhythm section of Doc Severinsen's "Tonight Show" band, has died in Southern California. He was 84.
LOS ANGELES
- Ed Shaughnessy, the jazz drummer who for nearly three decades anchored the rhythm section of Doc Severinsen's "Tonight Show" band, has died in Southern California. He was 84.
William Selditz, a close family friend, told the Los Angeles Times that Shaughnessy had a heart attack Friday at his home in Calabasas, outside Los Angeles.
The New Jersey native began his jazz career as a teenager, playing with Billie Holiday, Benny Goodman and Count Basie.
From 1963 to 1992, Shaughnessy was a late-night television fixture as part of the house band on NBC's "Tonight Show."
He is survived by a son and three grandchildren.
-Associated Press