Drummer, bandleader Bobby Rosengarden dies

SARASOTA, Fla., March 2 (UPI) -- Jazz drummer Bobby Rosengarden, 82, known for his wisecracks as the bandleader for the "The Dick Cavett Show," has died of kidney failure in Sarasota, Fla.

A veteran of TV orchestras, talk-show bands and recording sessions, Rosengarden played for an eclectic group of entertainers, ranging from Igor Stravinsky to Jimi Hendrix, and Dick Hyman to Arlo Guthrie, The New York Times said.

Besides traditional percussion instruments, Rosengarden was adept at the saw, washboard and spoons.

But Rosengarden was at home behind the drums, driving a big band. He played on "The Steve Allen Show," "The Ernie Kovacs Show," "Sing Along With Mitch" and the early years of Johnny Carson's "The Tonight Show" in addition to Cavett's show, the newspaper said.

After playing drums in Army bands in World War II, Rosengarden moved to New York, developing contacts while playing in nightclubs. His sight-reading skills led to frequent jazz and pop recording sessions as well as television network staff orchestras.

Rosengarden, who died Tuesday, is survived by his wife, two sons and four grandchildren.