James Edward Wormworth III (born August 14, 1937, in Utica, New York) is an American jazz drummer. He was described by Leonard Feather in 1960 edition of The Encyclopedia of Jazz as “One of the most promising young drummers on the New York scene. He is the father of drummer James Wormworth and bassist Tracy Wormworth.

Born in Utica, New York, Jimmy Wormworth was the son of the African-American jazz drummer and pianist James Wormworth II and Ann Mariani, the sister of the Utica tenor saxophonist Dick Mariani. He began studying drums with George Claesgens in Utica in 1947 and was playing professionally in upstate New York while still in his teens.

Wormworth went on to tour Europe with American combos in 1956 and 1957, toured with Nellie Lutcher from February 1958, began working with Les Jazz Modes in 1958 and with Lou Donaldsonand Phineas Newborn from 1958 until 1959. Between January and May 1959 he worked with Mal Waldron in the house band at the New York club the Five Spot and began touring with Lambert, Hendricks and Ross in October 1959.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hP6rTW2dfAI