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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