1924
Maxwell Roach is born in North Carolina, and spends most of his childhood years in New York. Gospel music is an early influence; he receives a drum kit when twelve and later he studies composition and music theory at the Manhatten School of Music.

early-1950s
Roach leads his own groups, and becomes a partner with Charles Mingus in Debut Records, which records the celebrated Massey Hall concert in 1953.

late-1950s
Roach continues to lead his own groups with a galaxy of reputable sidemen: Donald Byrd, Booker Little, Freddie Hubbard, Hank Mobley, George Coleman and Mal Waldron among others.

1960s-1980s
Unlike many jazz artists, Roach's horizons widen and his ensembles become more adventurous as his career progresses. He works with choirs, string quartets, percussion groups, with innovative artists like Cecil Taylor and Anthony Braxton, performs as a soloist, and collaborates with rappers in the 1980s. Similarly his composing has expanded, writing for his many varied groups, Broadway, television and symphony orchestras. He still performs and tours today, exploring both musical form and style.

Increasingly Roach has become involved in social and civil rights issues, and since the early-1970s has taken an interest in teaching.