Jazz Musician. A drummer, he was among the greats of the "hard bop" genre, of which also included Art Blakey, Max Roach and Elvin Jones. He will perhaps be remembered for his work with Dizzy Gillespie. Born Granville William Roker, Jr., his mother died prior to his teenage years. Mickey would move with his grandmother to Philadelphia. It would be his uncle who proved inspirational and introduced Mickey to records, in addition to buying him his first drum kit. Greatly influenced by fellow Philadelphia native "Philly" Joe Jones, Roker (following service with the United States Army) gradually made a name for himself during the 1950s, on the club circuit in both Philadelphia and New York. During the 1960s, he became a favorite drummer of such artists as Nancy Wilson and Milt Jackson. His recordings can be traced back as early as 1960, when he contributed to Gigi Gryce's album "Saying Somethin'!" (1960). Roker had a lengthy and successful association with the Blue Note record label and contributed to many of Duke Pearson's albums of which include "Wahoo!" (1964), "Sweet Honey Bee" (1966) and "Now Hear This" (1968). Roker was prominently featured on Herbie Hancock's acclaimed album "Speak Like a Child" (1968). During the 1970s, Roker worked with Dizzy Gillespie on a half of dozen albums of which included "Dizzy Gillespie's Big 4" (1974) and "Dizzy's Party" (1976). Roker continued to record on albums into the 2000s, up until his death from diabetes and lung cancer.
Jazz Musician. A drummer, he was among the greats of the "hard bop" genre, of which also included Art Blakey, Max Roach and Elvin Jones. He will perhaps be remembered for his work with Dizzy Gillespie. Born Granville William Roker, Jr., his mother died prior to his teenage years. Mickey would move with his grandmother to Philadelphia. It would be his uncle who proved inspirational and introduced Mickey to records, in addition to buying him his first drum kit. Greatly influenced by fellow Philadelphia native "Philly" Joe Jones, Roker (following service with the United States Army) gradually made a name for himself during the 1950s, on the club circuit in both Philadelphia and New York. During the 1960s, he became a favorite drummer of such artists as Nancy Wilson and Milt Jackson. His recordings can be traced back as early as 1960, when he contributed to Gigi Gryce's album "Saying Somethin'!" (1960). Roker had a lengthy and successful association with the Blue Note record label and contributed to many of Duke Pearson's albums of which include "Wahoo!" (1964), "Sweet Honey Bee" (1966) and "Now Hear This" (1968). Roker was prominently featured on Herbie Hancock's acclaimed album "Speak Like a Child" (1968). During the 1970s, Roker worked with Dizzy Gillespie on a half of dozen albums of which included "Dizzy Gillespie's Big 4" (1974) and "Dizzy's Party" (1976). Roker continued to record on albums into the 2000s, up until his death from diabetes and lung cancer.
Bio by: C.S.
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