In the mid-50s, Mickey Roker returned from two years in the army, where he played in orchestras, and began his career in rock and roll bands alongside his musical studies. He then joined saxophonist Gigy Grice's band, where he made his mark on the jazz scene, and in the early '60s was sought after by Ray Bryant and Junior Mance. The mid-60s were marked by a series of recorded encounters with Sonny Rollins and numerous other collaborations with prestigious leaders such as Milt Jackson, Ben Webster, Hank Mobley, Bobby Hutcherson, McCoy Tyner and Dizzy Gillespie. He is also very close to Nancy Wilson, for whom he is the regular drummer for several years. Although he doesn't record under his own name, Mickey Roker's sideman discography is extremely rich, thanks to the numerous sessions he has recorded for other leaders and his participation in the most prestigious jazz festivals. A drummer with an unflappable swing, Mikey Roker has remained one of the most faithful rhythmicists to the bop tradition since the beginning of his career.
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