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Hip-hop reminded him of the bebop jazz of his youth.

Called upon to play New Orleans music, swing, bebop, avant-garde, fusion, modal jazz, jazz rock, acid-jazz and more, he responded with extraordinary skill and imagination.

Although he was in his 50s, he embraced rap music because he saw similarities with the energy of bebop jazz, and because may of its stars had risen out of hardship on the streets.

Heath, who was known as Tootie, was primarily a bebop and hard bop drummer but was adept in a range of styles.

Mr. Heath, who was known as Tootie, was primarily a bebop and hard bop drummer but was adept in a range of styles.