Idris Muhammad (born Leo Morris; November 13, 1939 – July 29, 2014) was a musician who rose to prominence under the name Idris Muhammad. In Arabic (Arabic: إدريس محمد) he is known by the same transliteration. He changed his name after converting to Islam.
He was an American artist best known as a jazz drummer, respected for a flexible, groove-oriented approach that made him a first-call collaborator in jazz, soul, funk, and R&B sessions.
Biography
Born Leo Morris in New Orleans, Muhammad began playing professionally at a young age. Over the course of several decades he built a reputation both as a bandleader and as a versatile sideman, appearing on numerous recordings and contributing to the development of several modern jazz and soul styles.
Notable collaborations
Throughout his career he recorded with many prominent figures in jazz and related genres. Notable collaborators include:
- Ahmad Jamal
- Grant Green
- Grover Washington
- Hank Crawford
- Gene Ammons
- Houston Person
Death
Idris Muhammad died on July 29, 2014, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was 74 years old.