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Bernard "Pretty" Purdie

Acting
Freshness: Jan 30, 2026
3Total Films
4.3 Highest Rated
Born: Jun 11, 1939

About Bernard "Pretty" Purdie

Bernard Lee "Pretty" Purdie (born June 11, 1939) is an American drummer, and an influential R&B, soul, funk and jazz musician. He is known for his precise time-keeping and his signature use of triplets against a half-time backbeat: the Purdie shuffle. He was inducted into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame in 2013. Purdie recorded Soul Drums (1968) as a band leader and although he went on to record Alexander's Ragtime Band, the album remained unreleased until Soul Drums was reissued on CD in 2009 with the Alexander's Ragtime Band sessions. Other solo albums include Purdie Good! (1971), Soul Is... Pretty Purdie (1972) and the soundtrack for the blaxploitation film Lialeh (1973). In the mid-1990s he was a member of the 3B's, with Bross Townsend and Bob Cunningham.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Bernard "Pretty" Purdie reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 3 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Comedy

The majority of Bernard "Pretty" Purdie's filmography leans towards the Comedy genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 0% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Bernard "Pretty" Purdie remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Lialeh, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Bernard "Pretty" Purdie Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Bernard "Pretty" Purdie's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Bernard "Pretty" Purdie.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2007 Larry Coryell: A Retrospective - Flop Similar →
2001 Bucky Pizzarelli - Swing Live drummer Flop Similar →
1974 Lialeh Himself - Drummer (uncredited) Flop Similar →

Bernard "Pretty" Purdie - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Bernard "Pretty" Purdie?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Bernard "Pretty" Purdie is "Lialeh" with a rating of 4.3/10.

How many movies has Bernard "Pretty" Purdie acted in?

Bernard "Pretty" Purdie has been featured in at least 3 major films throughout their career.