Louis Bellson Passes on Valentine’s Day at 84
February 16, 2009 in Artists, News by Dave Kropf
The father of double bass drumming passed away Saturday, Valentine’s Day. The drumming legend was 84 years old.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iG4Y0N9bi10[/youtube]
Source: All About Jazz
We regret to announce the unexpected passing of Louie Bellson on February 14, 2009.
Tenative plans are for an L.A. area funeral, followed by funeral and burial in Moline, Illinois, his boyhood home. Details forthcoming.
Condolences and cards to:
Mrs. Louie Bellson
c/o Remo, Inc.
28101 Industry Drive
Valencia, CA 91355One of the world’s greatest drummers, Louie Bellson has been an exciting crowd pleaser for over 60 years. A well-respected educator and one of the nicest people in the music business, the still-active Louie Bellson is a class act.
Born Luigi Paolino Balassoni, Bellson won a nationwide Gene Krupa drum contest in 1940 and was heard by Tommy Dorsey, who was quite impressed. The drummer started at the top in 1941, playing with Benny Goodman; after serving in the military, he worked with the big bands of Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, and Harry James. His trademark was using two bass drums in his set. From the start, Bellson was able to construct fascinating solos that could hold one’s interest for as long as 15 minutes, yet he also enjoyed playing quietly with combos.
A great loss! I was once at PASIC (Columbus, OH, I think) many years ago. I was walking across the exhibit floor. Out of the corner of my eye I see someone about to run into me (or me into them). It was Louie Bellson! We both stopped mid-stride and he smiled, patted me on the shoulder and shook my hand before returning to his journey. What a sweet guy! I stood there stunned for a minute thinking of what had just transpired. It’ll be with me forever.
R.I.P. Mr. Bellson. One of the greats!
Terry
Atlanta, GA
He was walking the PASIC floor in Austin this past year, and I probably could’ve grabbed an interview. I hate I didn’t take advantage of that.
Ain’t nothing wrong with going out at 84… not a thing.