Legendary Jazz drummer Joe Morello dies at 82

One of the most famous drummers in jazz music history has died.

Family members say Joe Morello died Saturday at his home in northern New Jersey. A cause of death was not immediately available.

Morello, who was 82, was best known for his work with the Dave Brubeck Quartet. He was a member of the group for more than 12 years and was featured on such jazz classics as “Take Five” and “Blue Rondo a la Turk.”

Morello also played with many leading jazz musicians over the years, including pianist Marian McPartland’s Hickory House Trio in the early `50s.

After Brubeck disbanded the quartet in late 1967, Morello turned to teaching and writing instructional books.