Billy Higgins was a profoundly influential American jazz drummer, known for his work in the hard bop and post-bop genres. Born on October 11, 1936, in Los Angeles, California, Higgins became one of the most recorded jazz drummers in history. His style combined a delicate touch with a profound sense of swing, making him the drummer of choice for many jazz greats.

Throughout his career, which spanned several decades starting in the late 1950s, Higgins played with a who's who of jazz, including Thelonious Monk, Charles Lloyd, Donald Byrd, and Dexter Gordon. He was perhaps most famously associated with saxophonist Ornette Coleman, with whom he played on groundbreaking albums like "The Shape of Jazz to Come." Despite facing health challenges in his later years, Higgins continued to perform and record prolifically, leaving a legacy of collaborations and contributions to numerous classic recordings. His work on albums like "Manhattan Afternoon," "The Soldier," and the "The Trio" volumes showcases not only his technical mastery but also his deep musicality and the joy he brought to his instrument. Billy Higgins passed away on May 3, 2001, leaving a rich legacy that continues to inspire drummers and musicians across various genres.