Richie Albright–Country’s & Waylon’s Most Iconic Drummer–Has Died
Drums are not considered a featured instrument in the realm of country music, and never have been. It’s an accompaniment; an accessory. Drums weren’t even allowed on stage at the Grand Ole Opry for the first few decades, and when Bob Wills defied the edict, the set had to be placed off stage, lest the crowd see them and be shocked. This leaves the legacy of legendary drummers plying their craft to a select few.
But arguably no drummer had a greater impact on country music than Richie Albright. And no country drummer had a greater impact on music at large than Richie Albright. Not just front his smart and tasteful playing, not just from his signature bass drum heartbeat that laid heavy into the half time, and not just from the critical role he played in helping make the career of Waylon Jennings what it was as Waylon’s right-hand man. It’s from the role he played inspiring an entire generation of “Outlaws” from the past and present to take the music into their own hands, and follow their own drum.
Richie Albright was the most important drummer in country music history, and one of the most influential side players in the genre ever, and did it from an instrument traditionally frowned upon in country music for stepping out, if even being present.
“There’s another way of doing things, and that’s rock ‘n roll,” is the quote attributed to the Baghdad, Arizona-native. This is the title of the sixth chapter of Waylon’s biography, and what Richie conveyed to Waylon after the Hall of Famer was rendered dejected at the direction of his music under the oppressive thumb of producer Chet Atkins, RCA Records, and the Nashville Sound present on Music Row in the early 70s. Waylon was thinking of quitting music altogether, and perhaps becoming a DJ. The quote by Richie inspired him, and inspired an entire generation of country music performers.
It was all about taking notice how rock ‘n roll performers were allowed to write their own songs, record with their own bands, and call their own shots that inspired both Waylon and Richie to put their foot down and demand creative control over their music. And when they won it, it opened the music up, and the possibilities for country emanating from Music Row like never before, and still inspires artists and songwriters looking to fight the system today.
Richie Albright and Waylon Jennings were best friends. They first began playing together in 1961 when Waylon formed his backing band called The Waylors. After Waylon Jennings avoided death in The Day The Music Died while performing in the band of Buddy Holly, he was adrift. Eventually landing in Arizona and a regular gig at JD’s in Tempe, Richie came on the scene. Waylon and Richie moved to Nashville together in 1966, and from there started a musical revolution.
Though there were a few moments during the career of Waylon Jennings the two took breaks from each other, they stayed mostly side by side until Waylon passed away in 2002. And since Waylon used his own band on many of his recordings, Albright appears on many of Waylon’s most iconic songs. Richie tirelessly helped to keep the memory of Waylon alive after his passing, touring with The Waylors even after Waylon’s death, backing up Shooter Jennings and others. It was announced Wednesday morning that Richie Albright died on Tuesday, February 9th at the age of 81.
“To many Richie was an Outlaw, legendary drummer and right-hand man to Waylon Jennings, but to those who knew him best he was a loyal friend, a tireless worker, a loving husband, and a proud father,” a message from his family says. “Richie’s first love and passion was music, which he was blessed to spend more than 50 years devoting his life to. His role in the Outlaw movement will ensure that his legacy will be with us forever. When Richie wasn’t on the road it was impossible to keep him still—even in his last days. His days were spent surveying land and weekends tending to his farm in Leiper’s Fork.”
Making it to #5 on Saving Country Music’s list of the Greatest Drummers of All Time from any genre, and certainly someone who should be considered for inclusion into the Country Music Hall of Fame in the future as a musician, the loss of Richie Albright is titan. His drums currently rest in the Country Music Hall of Fame as part of the museum’s Outlaws and Armadillos exhibit.
Richie Albright is survived by his wife, Linda, his sons, Brian and Trey, his daughter, Richel, and his brother, Jerry. He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Margie Albright, and his oldest brother, Charles.
Trigger
February 10, 2021 @ 10:13 am
There’s a few people I can truly say I wouldn’t be doing this if it wasn’t for them. Richie Albright is definitely one of them.
wayne
February 10, 2021 @ 10:17 am
A fitting tribute. Bringing notice to these “side-men” that were so crucial to the development of the main star is a must for understanding music history.
Di Harris
February 10, 2021 @ 10:37 am
Wow Trig,
This has to be hitting you hard.
Thoughts with you.
Love drums.
Hate drum machines.
This is one of the reasons i read this site.
Robert's Country Blog
February 10, 2021 @ 12:18 pm
Here’s a fun bit of trivia for you. Check out Tex Ritter singing the theme to the movie “High Noon” in 1952. The “drums” were a Novachord synthesizer.
Di Harris
February 10, 2021 @ 12:40 pm
Watch “My Rifle, My Pony and Me – Dean Martin” on YouTube
https://youtu.be/AigXBl3hdcg
Robert's Country Blog
February 10, 2021 @ 12:51 pm
Yes, Dean did a whole lot more Country-Western stuff than most realize. Pretty much all of the other popular crooners did a bit, too. Great stuff !
Di Harris
February 10, 2021 @ 12:56 pm
He looks so much like my Grandfather, or my Grandfather looks so much like him.
Charlie
February 10, 2021 @ 10:50 am
Praise for country music rhythm sections comes infrequently and unfloweringly at best. None is more deserving of the highest praise than this man right here. One of the last and best of a dying breed.
Mike Basile
February 10, 2021 @ 10:52 am
There is no way to overestimate Richie Albright’s role in the career and legend of Waylon Jennings. It would be hard to imagine it even happening. Much like Willie Nelson and Paul English, this is one of those rare partnerships in music that transcended all the miles, the highs and lows, the drugs and alcohol, packing ten lifetimes into one. Hell, Waymore even named a son after him. Along with the deaths of Jerry Jeff Walker and Billy Joe Shaver, this is another reminder of a time and a music that shaped so many of our lives and is gone forever. I’m just glad it happened during my life. Thanks for the music and the memories.
Trigger
February 10, 2021 @ 11:00 am
Well said, and agreed on all points. As I was writing this, I was thinking the same thing. With the death of Paul English, Billy Joe Shaver, Jerry Jeff Walker, and now Richie, the heart and soul of what instigated the Outlaw movement is no longer with us.
Mike Basile
February 10, 2021 @ 11:39 am
Trig,
Like I mentioned to you in our email exchange a while back, I believe you do some of your best and, as another poster just said, most poignant writing in these obituaries. Just a shame there have been so many lately. I think I speak for a lot of SCM readers to say we’re glad you’re here to give such heartfelt goodbyes.
Chris
February 10, 2021 @ 11:12 am
My country music heroes have all died or are in declining health.
It’s really hard to watch.
But the joy their music has given me for the last 50 years (when I first began listening to country music) remains their continued gift to me along with my ability to keep spinning their songs and albums to my heart’s content.
Their music speaks to my soul.
I feel like I am a part of their movement as a fan for so many years.
Very poignant article, Trig.
SteveG
February 10, 2021 @ 12:05 pm
He is my favorite drummer of all time. I love Zep and appreciate the gargantuan impact and talent of Bonham, but Richie Albright’s drumming just speaks to my soul. The Waylon Live expanded deluxe edition is a total masterclass of drumming.
Sir Adam the Great
February 10, 2021 @ 2:41 pm
I’ve said it here before and I’ll say it again:
Waylon Live made me a fan. Go out and listen to the expanded edition. Absolutely killer.
Corncaster
February 10, 2021 @ 3:51 pm
Richie Albright WAS the stomp groove. What an absolute master. He made all that music FEEL good. Thank God for recordings like Waylon Live… RIP
Woogeroo
February 10, 2021 @ 6:55 pm
loved the way he played… RIP
Peter Bootsman
February 11, 2021 @ 1:46 am
RIP Richie! Hope you have a kick ass honky tonk jam session up there with ol’ Waylon!
Great piece, Trigger!
CountryKnight
February 11, 2021 @ 8:28 am
Are we to celebrate him? I am sure some hack journalist will dig up some incident and demand his musical contributions be cancelled!
He was a legend in a genre filled with them.
Jeff Wall
February 13, 2021 @ 11:21 am
Richie and his wife Linda are good people. Peace and Blessings to them
Terry Hammon
October 3, 2023 @ 2:23 pm
I just have to go back once in while to read the comments about Richie, Waymore and the Waylors. I was so proud of him when they started making noise in Arizona and then off to Nashville. Of all the writers and fans, I’m the only one who remembers watching Rich develop his talent playing on cardboard boxes in his bedroom. I miss my cousin.