Donald Douglas Lamond studied at the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore before beginning his pro career with brassman Sonny Dunham's band in 1943 and with Boyd Raeburn.



Don Lamond only recorded one album - Offbeat Percussion on Command - under his own name, but he was among the regular session players through most of the Command albums produced under Enoch Light's leadership.



Don Lamond's contribution to jazz drumming came mainly during his years with Woody Herman's famed First and Second "Herds," from 1945 (replacing Dave Tough) to 1949. Though he named Sid Catlett and Buddy Rich as influences, Lamond's "big band bop" style was quite original.



Don Lamond dropped bombs in the most unlikely places, simplified fills to the bare bones, but swung that band like no other. "It wasn't Woody Herman's band," vibist Terry Gibbs said. "It was Don's band."



Don Lamond has led his own Big Swing Band in Florida since the late 1970's. He recorded a tentet set for Command in 1962 (which included Doc Severinsen), his big band cut an album apiece for Progressive in 1977 and 1982 and there was a 1981 quartet set (also for Progressive) featuring his wife Terry Lamond on vocals.



Don Lamond, an outstanding and versatile swing drummer best remembered for his contributions to Woody Herman's First and Second Herds, died of a brain tumor in Orlando, Florida, on Tuesday, December 23, 2003. He was 82 years of age.