Big Band Era Drummer Louie Bellson Dies At 84 (Photos)

The last of the “great three” showman jazz drummers, Louie Bellson, has died at age 84. Read more on the life and death of Louie Bellson below.

One of the three drummer greats alongside Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich, Louie Bellson died on Valentine’s Day at the age of 84.

Duke Ellington said of Louie Bellson that he was “not only the world’s greatest drummer, but also the world’s greatest musician”.

Louie Bellson was also known in social circles as a genuinely nice person. Tony Bennett called him “the best person I ever met”, while Count Basie declared, “He’s just so nice! He’s a sweetheart!”

Louie Bellson sat in the big-time orchestras of Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Harry James, Duke Ellington and (briefly) Count Basie, and several of his own bands.

Louie Bellson was born Luigi Paulino Alfredo Francesco Antonio Balassoni in Illinois on July 6 1924.  Bellson’s father was the owner of a music shop so Bellson was able to try out just about every instrument before settling on drums. At the age of 16 Louie won a nationwide junior drumming contest sponsored by Gene Krupa and joined Benny Goodman’s band two years later.

Bellson served in the US Army between 1943 and 1946, but afterwards rejoined Goodman, before spending two years with the Tommy Dorsey orchestra. Then in 1951 Bellson joined Duke Ellington, causing a sensation in the jazz world.

The choice of Bellson caused quite a star with him being white.

The most famous recorded drum solo in history, supplanting Krupa’s 1938 Sing Sing Sing feature with Goodman, Skin Deep achieved real pop status. It took up both sides of a 78rpm record and rose to a shattering climax, with both bass drums thundering away, endangering the loudspeakers of radiograms from Los Angeles to London. In 1952, long before the advent of rock-and-roll, it served as a rallying call for youthful anarchy and exuberance.

In January 1953 Bellson sparked controversy by marrying black Broadway star, Pearl Bailey. The couple married in London.

After their wedding, Louie Bellson spent much of his time as Pearl Bailey’s musical director, writing her arrangements and leading her accompanying bands.

Composition became an increasing passion. Along with many jazz pieces his work included a ballet and some sacred music. During his career he received many honours and awards, including one from the US National Endowment for the Arts.

Bellson’s wife, Pearl Bailey died in August 1990. Louie Bellson is survived by his second wife, Francine. They had no children.

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Watch Louie Bellson in action in the video below:

Posted by: Monya

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