Bellson, Louis

Variant names
Dates:
Active 1943
Active 1996

Biographical notes:

Louis Bellson, one of the great jazz drummers of all time, became famous in the 1950s for using two bass drums simultaneously. He was also well known for his intense 15-minute drum solos, which he demonstrated in his performances with the bands of Benny Goodman (1943 and 1946), Tommy Dorsey (1947-1949), and Harry James (1950-1951), and the Duke Ellington Orchestra. In addition to being able to drive a big band to exciting effect, Bellson can play very quietly with a trio with equal effectiveness. A talented composer, Bellson contributed "Skin Deep" and "The Hawk Talks" to Ellington's permanent repertoire. Bellson married Pearl Bailey in 1952, and the following year left Ellington to be her musical director.

From the description of Louis Bellson collection, 1943-1996 (bulk ca. 1950-ca. 1970). (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 71128287

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Information

Subjects:

  • Big band music
  • Jazz

Occupations:

not available for this record

Places:

not available for this record