Louis Bellson dies
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Submitted by Jazz Suite
Drummer Louis Bellson passed away on Valentine’s Day. You can read more on his career here and here. He pioneered the double-bass-drum set-up. He was one of the good ones.
“Not only is Louie Bellson the world’s greatest drummer…he is the world’s greatest musician!” –Duke Ellington
Obviously, Duke thought highly of him. So did Basie. And a lot of others.
Here he is with Ellington:
And here he is demonstrating at Dodger Stadium with Gene Krupa and Shelly Manne.
And with Buddy Rich:
A highly recommended recording: Raincheck, on the Concord
label. A little hard to find now, but worth the search. It’s a swinger!
Learn more about the arrangements at the official Louis Bellson Web site.
