Abstract: Bill Cairo (1953-2021) owned Bill Cairo’s Drum House on 5 Mile in Redford, MI from 1976 until his passing in 2021. In addition to owning his drum shop and offering lessons to local aspiring drummers, Cairo was also an accomplished percussionist in his own right who would be called on to play with local and visiting musicians throughout his career. The main feature of this collection is a set of signed drum heads used by Max Roach during a gig at the State Theatre in 1996, rented from Bill Cairo’s Drum House. The collection also includes a drum head signed by Elvin Jones. Also of interest are approximately 45 photographs of customers, both local and famous, inside Bill Cairo’s Drum House as well as photos of Bill Cairo with Buddy Rich, Dizzy Gillespie, Ralph Armstrong and others not identified. The photographs offer a glimpse into the vibrant community of drummers and music-lovers that Bill cultivated in his almost 50 years as the owner of the Drum House.
Donor(s): Myron Krasicky
Dates: 1970s-2020, bulk 1996-2007
Extent: 1 LF (3 folders, 5 signed drum heads)
Collection Type: Physical
Subjects: Jazz, Big Band, percussion, drums
Related Collections and Artifacts:
- Graystone International Jazz Museum Collection
- George Migirian Drum Co. Papers