New York, NY — WKCR is proud to announce its annual 24-hour birthday broadcast honoring the life and legacy of legendary jazz drummer, composer, educator, and civil rights activist Max Roach, airing from midnight to midnight on Saturday, January 10, 2026, in celebration of what would have been his 102nd birthday.
Born on January 10, 1924, Max Roach stands as one of the most influential figures in the history of jazz. As a drummer, he was integral to nearly every major jazz movement from bebop onward, working alongside such giants as Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Clifford Brown, Miles Davis, Sarah Vaughan, Bud Powell, Dexter Gordon, and Cecil Taylor. His rhythmic innovations helped redefine the role of the drum set, transforming it into a fully expressive, melodic voice.
Roach was not only a master accompanist but also a visionary bandleader and composer. In 1952, he co-founded Debut Records with Charles Mingus, releasing landmark recordings including Jazz at Massey Hall. His collaboration with trumpeter Clifford Brown produced some of the most beloved recordings in jazz history. Deeply influenced by the Civil Rights Movement and his partnership with Abbey Lincoln, Roach infused his music with political urgency, most notably on the groundbreaking We Insist! Freedom Now Suite.
Never confined to a single style, Roach continually pushed musical boundaries. In later decades, he explored avant-garde jazz through collaborations with Anthony Braxton and Cecil Taylor and founded the percussion ensemble M’Boom, incorporating global rhythmic traditions. As an educator and mentor, he generously supported generations of musicians who continue to shape contemporary jazz.
Max Roach passed away on August 16, 2007, but his music, ideas, and influence remain vital. WKCR is honored to continue its tradition of celebrating his enduring legacy with a full day of uninterrupted programming devoted entirely to his work.
Listeners can tune in to the 24-Hour Max Roach Birthday Broadcast on 89.9 FM in New York City or stream live worldwide at wkcr.org.
