Legendary jazz drummer Joe Morello dies at 82

[alh1020]

March 13, 2011, 12:54 PM EST

IRVINGTON, N.J. (AP) -- One of the most famous drummers in jazz music history has died.

Family members say Joe Morello died Saturday at his home in northern New Jersey. A cause of death was not immediately available.

Morello, who was 82, was best known for his work with the Dave Brubeck Quartet. He was a member of the group for more than 12 years and was featured on such jazz classics as "Take Five" and "Blue Rondo a la Turk."

Morello also played with many leading jazz musicians over the years, including pianist Marian McPartland's Hickory House Trio in the early `50s.

After Brubeck disbanded the quartet in 1968, Morello turned to teaching and writing instructional books.

Legendary jazz drummer Joe Morello dies at 82 - MSN Music News