John Riley was born on May 12, 1954, in New York City. He grew up in a musical family, with his father being a jazz drummer and his mother a classical pianist. From a young age, Riley was exposed to a variety of musical genres, and he quickly developed a passion for classical music. Riley began his formal music education at the Manhattan School of Music, where he studied percussion. He later attended the Juilliard School, where he studied with renowned percussionist Saul Goodman. During his time at Juilliard, Riley also studied with other notable musicians, including Leonard Bernstein and Aaron Copland. After completing his studies, Riley began his professional career as a percussionist. He quickly gained a reputation as a skilled and versatile musician, and he was soon in demand as a performer and recording artist. He played with a number of prominent orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. In addition to his work as a classical percussionist, Riley was also an accomplished jazz drummer. He played with a number of jazz legends, including Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, and John Coltrane. He also recorded several albums as a bandleader, showcasing his unique blend of classical and jazz influences. Throughout his career, Riley received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the world of classical music. He was a recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters Fellowship, the highest honor bestowed upon jazz musicians in the United States. He was also awarded the MacArthur Fellowship, commonly known as the "genius grant," for his innovative work in the field of percussion. One of the highlights of Riley's career was his performance at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. He was selected to perform as part of the opening ceremony, playing a solo percussion piece that showcased his virtuosic skills. The performance was widely praised, and it helped to cement Riley's reputation as one of the world's leading percussionists. In addition to his work as a performer, Riley was also a respected educator. He taught at several prestigious institutions, including the Manhattan School of Music and the Juilliard School. He also wrote several influential books on percussion technique and pedagogy, including "The Art of Bop Drumming" and "Beyond Bop Drumming." Sadly, John Riley passed away on November 4, 2021, at the age of 67. His death was mourned by the music community, with many musicians and fans paying tribute to his contributions to the world of classical and jazz music. Despite his passing, Riley's legacy lives on through his recordings, his books, and the countless musicians he inspired and influenced throughout his career.

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