Ed Shaughnessy Dies: Former 'The Tonight Show' Drummer Reportedly Suffered a Heart Attack

Famous former drummer for "The Tonight Show" has died at the age of 84, according to The New York Times.

Ed Shaughnessy was a member of Doc Severinsen's Tonight Show band for almost 30 years. The famed drummer died of a heart attack in his California Home.

Shaughnessy was famous for his "drum battles" on the show, going against respected drummers such as Buddy Rich. He performed with artists such as Aretha Franklin, Jimi Hendrix, James Brown and Johnny Cash during show segments. The jazz drummer took the "The Tonight Show" gig soon after Johnny Carson had taken over as host. When Jay Leno took over in 1992, Doc Severinsen still toured to perform concerts, along with Shaughnessy, The Times said.

Shaughnessy was married to singer Ilene Woods, who passed away in 2010, for 47 years. Woods was the voice of Cinderella in the Walt Disney animation "Cinderella," The Times says.

While Shaughnessy was best known for his big band television status, the jazz drummer also worked with Billie Holiday and Benny Goodman. Shaughnesssy was a professional drummer by the time he was in high school, according to The Times, recording as a back-up drummer and participating in Manhattan jam sessions. He also played in early ensembles of the "Sesame Street Orchestra," according to jazztimes.com.

Last year Shaughnessy released his autobiography "Lucky Drummer."