Philly Legend Reflects on Coltrane, Others
95-year-old drummer Charlie Rice has played with John Coltrane, Louis Jordan, and Chet Baker – and he may have just played his last gig. Yesterday he played at Collingswood Community Center in New Jersey and stated it would be his final performance. He sat down with Peter Crimmins and reflected on his long career.
“I loved being around Philadelphia — this is when things were bright and good,” said Rice from his Camden rowhouse. “It used to be a pleasure to go to Atlantic City, go to New York and mess around. I could go to 52nd Street and see everybody — Dizzy, Art Tatum — for free.”