RIP Louie Bellson

[zilboy]

Jazz great Louie Bellson has died at age 84 from complications of Parkinson's Disease and a broken hip. He was one of the last great drummers of the Swing Era as well as a accomplished composer and bandleader. But most of all, he was probaly one of the nicest guys on the planet - a true gentleman.

I had the good fortune of meeting him briefly after a performance at Chicago's legendary Jazz Showcase. I asked him about his absence from the "Burning for Buddy" tribute CDs and he said that he really wanted to participate, but he and Neil (Peart) just couldn't get their schedules in sync. I had always hoped that there would be a third volume with Louie and maybe a few others like Carter Beauford, but it never happened and now it never will.

The "Old Guard" is all but gone. Now it's up to guys like Steve Smith to carry on the tradition.

I am very sad.

[Rusty James]

I had the privilege of seeing Louie Bellson perform at a drum clinic with Steve Smith a few years ago.
As Zilboy mentioned, he was a true gentleman. This cat was the shit and will be dearly missed.
RIP Louie

http://video.google.ca/videosearch?hl=e ... &ct=title#

[Laz]

A true master...

RIP

[63falcon]

Wow, one by one the last of those musicians from my Dad's era are passing away.....
I am glad there have been drummers like Peart who not only appreciate these folks, but also share that w/ their audiences, the way NealP does in the Rush shows.
Thnx for the info EQ.

[zilboy]

[quote="63falcon"]Wow, one by one the last of those musicians from my Dad's era are passing away.....
I am glad there have been drummers like Peart who not only appreciate these folks, but also share that w/ their audiences, the way NealP does in the Rush shows.
Thnx for the info EQ.[/quote]

You're welcome (zilboy removes EQ disguise)

[63falcon]

Oh, dude, I mean sorry.......good thing t you got that Kool Stew Single
Really, sorry tho'.

[GinaSuperCat]

So sad, but what a life of music. One of the greats, surely. I will always have his Odd Times and Modern Reading in 4/4 and it will always be beyond me...

I think Jim Chapin is still kicking around...

[falloutmike]

One of the nicest, most gentle souls I've had the pleasure of meeting.

Drummers- if you haven't already... please go back and experience drummers like Louie, Buddy, Gene, Papa Jo, Philly Joe. It's so easy to forget about these guys and their peers- but let's face it... if they hadn't done it first, we wouldn't be reading this forum or enjoying the craft ourselves.


just my $.02

-m-

[DrummerDaveF]

The inventor/pioneer of the double bass drum kits has died. Man, that's sad.

I await the memorial DVD (seeing as nothing will be mentioned of it here in Aus.