Buddy Rich is considered one of the greatest drummers to have ever played the skins. He worked with the bands of Bunny Berigan, Artie Shaw and Tommy Dorsey, developing into one of the best big-band drummers of the swing period. In 1946, he formed his own big band with financial help from Frank Sinatra with whom the belligerent drummer had had stormy relations since their Dorsey days. Buddy Rich is a controversial figure. Some rate him as the greatest drummer of all time, and others as insensitive and flashy. Technically, he is phenomenal; fast, accurate and endlessly driving.