* 1980: Best Jazz Instrumental Performance, Group (for The Buddy Rich Big Band '79 album)
* 1981: Best Jazz Instrumental Performance, Big Band (for Live at Buddy's Place)
* 1982: Best Jazz Instrumental Performance, Big Band (for A Salute to Mel Lewis)
* 1984: Best Jazz Instrumental Performance, Big Band (for Swing, Swing, Swing)
* 1986: Best Jazz Instrumental Performance, Big Band (for The Buddy Rich Big Band Plays the Music of Charlie Parker)
Down Beat Magazine Readers Poll
* 1967-1969, 1972-1980, 1982, 1983, 1985-1987: Best Drummer
* 1967-1968, 1970-1987: Best Big Band
Modern Drummer Magazine Readers Poll
* 1979-1987, 1990-1997: Best Drummer
* 1979, 1980, 1984-1986: Best Big Band Drummer
JazzTimes Magazine Readers Poll
* 1979-1981: Best Drummer
* 1979, 1981: Best Big Band Drummer
Other Awards
* 1981: National Endowment for the Arts "Jazz Master" Award
* 1985: Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame
* 1987: International Association of Jazz Educators Hall of Fame
* 1988: Los Angeles Jazz Society "Lifetime Achievement Award"
* 2000: Hollywood Walk of Fame star