Aug. 25, 2008 — Murrey "Buddy" Harman, who laid the groundwork for Nashville drummers as a member of the original A-Team of session players, will be remembered in a memorial service Tuesday. Among the more than 18,000 recordings that featured his work are classics by Brenda Lee, Elvis Presley, Tammy Wynette and the Everly Brothers.
Buddy was among a handful of musicians who created most of the music recorded at Nashville’s Columbia and RCA studios during the 1950s, ‘60s and early ‘70s. That includes the rolling percussion on Elvis’ "It’s Now Or Never," the militaristic playing on Johnny Horton’s "The Battle Of New Orleans," the chugging drive on Lynn Anderson’s "Rose Garden" and the restrained work on Patsy Cline’s "Crazy."
The drum kit was so much a part of his identity that he created rhythms even when he was resting last Thursday, just hours before he died.
"I just went into Dad's room," daughter Summer Harman told UPI, "and he was playing drums in his sleep. He had a smile on his face and was tapping on his chest."
In addition to his recordings, Buddy had a unique place in the history of the Grand Ole Opry. The radio show prohibited drums for more than 30 years after it was originated. The first man to take on the role of the Opry’s house drummer was Buddy Harman.
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