Noted drummer Harman dead at 79

NASHVILLE, Aug. 23 (UPI) -- Drummer Buddy Harman, known for his rhythmic beats for singers Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash, has died in Nashville at the age of 79, his daughter says.

Harman's daughter, Summer, confirmed her father died at his home this week of congestive heart failure after a career that also included performances with singers Patsy Cline and Tammy Wynette, The New York Times reported Saturday.

During his illustrious music career, Harman offered his rhythmic drumming to an estimated total of 18,000 recordings, ranging from Wynette's "Stand By Your Man" to Cash's "Ring of Fire."

His daughter said shortly before her father's death Thursday, she saw first-hand his inherent love for the drums as he napped.

"I just went into Dad's room," she said, "and he was playing drums in his sleep. He had a smile on his face and was tapping on his chest."

The Times said in addition to his daughter, Harman is survived by his wife Marsha; another daughter, Autumn; two sons, Mark and Stanley; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.