Philly drummer Robert "Baba" Crowder grew up in North Philadelphia in the 1930s. He began drumming on wooden crates and other found objects. Robert Crowder quickly grasped the fundamentals of drumming, but he wanted to learn more about this seminal African art form.
Inspired by acclaimed percussionists from around the world, such as Ladji Camara of Guinea, Chano Pozo and Desi Arnaz of Cuba, and Saka Acquaye of Ghana, Robert Crowder dedicated his life to African drumming, leaving a vast legacy in Philadelphia.
Robert Crowder, who founded a dance and drum ensemble and played with many renowned musicians, including saxophonist John Coltrane and pianist McCoy Tyner, died Friday, November 30, 2012 of a stroke at his West Philadelphia home. He was 82 years old.