As a man who was 21 years of age, and all I wanted at that time was to be a heavy meatal, hard rock drummer, boy did I get a lesson when I saw this man perform at a drum clionic in Dayton Ohio in 1983. this man opened up a whole new world of music to play besides hard rock and heavy metal. I started listening more and more to Louie and begging to open up to new possibilities of other forms of music to play . Thank you Louie Belson, and May God have you in Heaven Playing, I expect to see him there myself knowing that not only I am a Christian, But Louie was to. What a talent that I will always treasure seeing him play. and even at the age that he was at then he in my book was the most awsome Drummer that ever lived.. May his legacy remain forever by Gods Will.. From Benjamin L Smith.
Dear benjamin smith: Thanks so much for sharing this. You stated that Louie was a Christian. I did NOT know this! Thanks again and may rhe Lord bless you!
Yep parents playing soft big band and soft lower volume make their kids ignore it. Big Band drummers doing the drum solo well way before Anyone else. That the secret to getting the young into any music play it at the volume it intended to be played, even classical is loud if you match an Orchestra’s volume. And play the up tempo loud parts the kids that loved that form of music loved. And mention how musicians listen to everything and play everything often. I seen heavy bands do country well and vise versa. Favorite memory the country band doing multi day country festival on closing number after rain has chased most off playing a fantastic set of heavy metal.
There aren't enough superlatives in the English language to do Louie justice! I LOVED the way he tuned his drums! So musical & the cymbals are the best, hands down! Legend! Icon! So outstanding!! R.I.P. Louie. Heaven has an outstanding band now!
I attended a two day drum clinic at Cal State Northridge in the late 70s starring Louie Bellson and Billy Cobham. It was really thrilling!! It ended with a big concert featuring the CSUN jazz band along with Billy and Louie, as I remember. Of course both drummers were amazing. I sent a comment to Louie Bellson‘s website when he was still alive and only a few years before he died. In the comment I stated that I really loved the clinic. One of the things he said in response (yes, he actually wrote me back about it!) was, “That clinic with Billy Cobham is still in my heart.”
Older than that. I had the privilege of recording Louie and his band at Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo in 1978, and we went out after the show to celebrate his 65th birthday. He's pushing 80 here. ;)
Simply a class act across the board!! Thankfully these performances were recorded for us to revisit at any time. It is always spectacular to see Louie in such great shape doing what he did best. Of course that would be playing his heart out for all of us to enjoy.
I was fortunate to see Louis perform a few times many years ago. When I did get a chance to speak with him he kept telling me about his new set of drums that was coming out. It was the gold remos. His exact words to me were, the color is real severe!! I believe they were built to match his playing which was real severe!! A class act always. A tremendous human being always. Not only a great drummer but he could write , read and play both the treble and bass clef. With honor and Grace, thank you for all that you have given us. We are still learning from you to this day in 2022!! 🙏🥁❤️
Fantastic player and a great performer..a true showman....i always shed a tear for Loius when watching him at work..the master!...god bless Loius Bellson
Simply stunning! The subtle dynamics of his cymbal and brush work are just breathtaking. The double bass pioneer playing with 4 sticks!!!! Wholey Shizz!!! Louie you are legendary (not was). Consummate professional and gentleman. LB is certainly in the top 5 all-star drummers of the modern age. Goosebumps, shivers and even a few tears. Thank you so much for this download. 💚💚
Louie Bellson..one of the best all time jazz drummers of all time. He has to be great....He's Italian. His first wife was Pearl Bailey. started playing drums at three years of age. At age 15, he pioneered the double-bass drum set-up. At age 17, he triumphed over 40,000 drummers to win the Slingerland National Gene Krupa contest. They adopted a little boy, Tony, in the mid-1950s, and a little girl, Dee Dee J. Bellson, who was born on April 20, 1960. Son Tony Bellson died in 2004, and DeeDee Bellson died on July 4, 2009 at age 49, just 5 months after her father, who died on Valentine's Day 2009. After Pearl Bailey's death in 1990, he married his second wife, Francine, in September 1992. Trained as a physicist and engineer at MIT, Francine Bellson (née Wright) became his manager. The union lasted until his death in 2009. At the 2004 event celebrating his 80th birthday, Bellson said, "I'm not that old; I'm 40 in this leg, and 40 in the other leg." Bellson maintained a tight schedule of clinics and performances of both big bands and small bands in colleges, clubs and concert halls. In between, he continued to record and compose, resulting in more than 100 albums and more than 300 compositions. Bellson's Telarc debut recording, Louie Bellson And His Big Band: Live From New York, was released in June 1994. He also created new drum technology for Remo, Inc., of which he was vice-president. On February 14, 2009, Bellson died at age 84 from complications of a broken hip in December 2008 and Parkinson's disease. He is buried next to his father in Riverside Cemetery in Moline, Illinois.
Yes, and he use to travel every weekend from Moline, ill. to Chicago to study with one of the greatest teachers/percussionist's of all time -Roy Knapp, who has a list of very successful drummers all the way down from Gene Krupa and up to contemporary Denny Sewell, Hal Blaine, etc. I too, was fortunate to have studied with Roy Knapp in the early 1960's. What a man he was and what a legend.
Thanks Robert! didn't know that. about Roy Knapp.. Knew a little about Joe Sefcik, George Lawrence Stone, Billy Gladstone due to my interest in Joe Morello. Joe's drum solo Live at Carnegie Hall "Castilian Drums" is one of my favorite drum solos. All those cats helped to lay the foundation for all drummers.. I'll look into Roy Knapp...Tx for sharing and your interest.
Raphael Falzarano Don't know of any videos but what I do have are pictures from Gene Krupa's testimonial dinner just 2-3 months before he died. In them are Roy Knapp, Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich and Bobby Colmby and what appears to be Ella Fitzgerald. Roy's son Don Knapp (a great drummer and percussionist) gave them to me several years ago.I also have an 8x10 glossy of Roy singed to me. If you want I'll make you copies of what I have. Send me your address at: bob.delich@gmail.com Also, if you want a great piece of history get Rob cooks Book called "Franks For the Memories." It has tons of data on Roy, Gene, Bellson and all the famous guys that studied with Roy. P.S. I have Christmas cards from Louie and Pearl.
I can’t believe how lucky I was to have seen BOTH Louie Bellson AND Buddy Rich at the relatively small but excellent Berklee Performance Center back in 1986 or 87, shortly before Buddy’s passing. Each band played their sets, then they came together onstage for the encore. I felt like that guy in the Memorex ads with the music blasting my hair back. I never really appreciated drumming virtuosity until that night. Just incredible.
I am going to put Louie Bellson way above everyone else on the same pedestal I put Buddy Rich and Carl Palmer on now. Just mind-blowing. Speed, dexterity, originality, feel, explosiveness, just the entire package. Exactly my kind of drummer too!
Thanks so much for sharing!...What a joy to watch and listen to!!!...Incidentally, I met Mr. Bellson around this time at a clinic...He was kind enough to talk with me, sign my poster, and when I asked him why he played his China cymbal upside down, he didn't even laugh at me...A true gentleman on and off the stage!
Many say that Buddy was the greatest jazz drummer in history - who's to argue? He was phenomenal. Many others has wonderful techniques, also. But Louise Bellson was also unique, a great driving force of versatile expression.
Louie Bellson is tremendously underrated. The names you hear are, of course, Rich, Krupa, Morello, perhaps Weckl in a more modern reference. This is a beautifully musical and sharply executed bit of drumming. On a side note, it's a miracle that hi-hat didn't fall over, as closed as the feet were.
Louie was IMO the *only* drummer who could keep up with Buddy Rich. It’s a shame that Remo drums didn’t really catch on, because these Acousticon shells sounded fantastic. Louie was one of my favorite drummers of all time, and from everything I’ve ever heard about him, he was a really nice guy, too.
Many say he was better than Buddy Rich, and those people have a point. One reason being that Rich's solos were almost predictable Louis Bellson was never boring, and a much nicer person than Rich also. That bit can never be argued, it's a fact.
A very nice man indeed,in 67 he was drumming on the jerry lewis tv show,my dad played tenor sax and I never missed a recording or a rehearsal,louie let me play a little and gave me drumsticks too.
I played 4th trumpet on his band once... at Rochester High School... think it was 1989 or 90. Great experience. He was a gentleman and very professional.
In my opinion he was the best in his era. His hands just as fast as Buddys. He was the 1st to play 2 base drums and had that down. Super musical and tasty. I love you LOUIE.
Jeff Zipman His hands were NOT "as fast as Buddy's". That's simply non-sense (there is no video to support this claim). Louie was a great guy, but you shouldn't transpose this fact to his drumming. That's dishonest.
Ivo Maropo no one was "as fast" as buddy. Some came extremely close. Louie and Joe Morello come to mind. Plus it's not a popularity contest or to see who is god. Buddy didn't see it that way. He believes other musicians should listen to EVERYONE. My advice to you: chill out and watch a great drum solo
The first to play double bass that we know of we really don't know what happened in the past but true he is a inventor artist drummer musician rest in peace
@@mikemike7345 He was the first to incorporate two bass drums into a drum set. Ray McKinley was the first to play two bass drums, but they were separate from his drum set.
Right back at you Whity !! When I was a kid I was either going to play single or double. Then I saw LB on the tonight show. Him and Ed had double. Great video Whity get beet up Dennis Stone drumming, Late.
And dig that strong G above a High C nailed twice by the lead trumpet player at the end. He hits it, drops out to get another breath to nail it like a laser over the finishing drum kick. Awesome.
Very well said, thank you. Btw, I went to the shoemaker 10 years ago and asked him to add some higher heels to my drumming shoes, Louie once mentioned it gives him perfect control of the bass pedals, he was right. :) Watch 12:55...
My drummer has a 24" Remo Powerstroke bass drum head on his kit hes been playing[hard and often] for 20 years now and still unbroken it was given to him by Louie Bellson.Louie had only played on it a few times and gave it to him after his tech swapped it out.He said it makes him want to play to a higher standard.
1976 (?) LB was doing a clinic at Drums Unlimited in Bethesda Maryland. I was 22ish and I was sent by the head of our small music department ( St Mary’s College of Md) to deliver to him an invitation to be a quest musician with our college band. After a quick hello … a few minutes … turned into at least a thirty minute conversation … he was so easy and welcoming. Great player ? Absolutely. Nice as hell person ?…. Far nicer than that other guy.
Louie Bellson inspired Paice, Bonham, Mitchell, Moon, Ward, et al. Where and what would Heavy Metal be without those drummers emulating the great L.B.?
Louis was born in 1924 so that makes him 68 years old when he did this. I've seen him many times and especially when he played at Disneyland in Anaheim .He was one of a kind and the likes of which we won't see again.
Louie didn't smoke, drink,or do drugs...He wouldn't allow alcohol to be served at his drum clinics....I was fortunate to be called to do a drum battle with him in 1995.........A shining moment for me...I miss this guy....Class all the way..........Ralph Onofrio.
What I admire more about Bellson is that unlike Rich, he never disparaged other styles and tried to be current with his playing whereas Buddy stuck to the same rule and kit. Bellson was using Toto-Tom’s, chinas and other percussion that Buddy looked down on. Bellson didn’t have the strength that Buddy did, but he was a more soulful and more open to others styles than what he naturally knew.
Who loves Louie´s playing still in 2019? Thumbs up!
..mee ! sure ..Let the greatest LIVE ! R
Why would any music no longer be good because of the passage of time?
Follow up from 9 years ago 9/5/24.......................Yep, Louie was a beast...RIP Valentines day 2009
As a man who was 21 years of age, and all I wanted at that time was to be a heavy meatal, hard rock drummer, boy did I get a lesson when I saw this man perform at a drum clionic in Dayton Ohio in 1983. this man opened up a whole new world of music to play besides hard rock and heavy metal. I started listening more and more to Louie and begging to open up to new possibilities of other forms of music to play . Thank you Louie Belson, and May God have you in Heaven Playing, I expect to see him there myself knowing that not only I am a Christian, But Louie was to. What a talent that I will always treasure seeing him play. and even at the age that he was at then he in my book was the most awsome Drummer that ever lived.. May his legacy remain forever by Gods Will.. From Benjamin L Smith.
Learned of Duke Ellington and Louis Bellson at 14, was also a (aspiring) metal drummer. Changed everything. Especially the way I played...
Dear
benjamin smith: Thanks so much for sharing this. You stated that Louie was a Christian. I did NOT know this! Thanks again and may rhe Lord bless you!
Yep parents playing soft big band and soft lower volume make their kids ignore it.
Big Band drummers doing the drum solo well way before Anyone else.
That the secret to getting the young into any music play it at the volume it intended to be played, even classical is loud if you match an Orchestra’s volume. And play the up tempo loud parts the kids that loved that form of music loved.
And mention how musicians listen to everything and play everything often. I seen heavy bands do country well and vise versa.
Favorite memory the country band doing multi day country festival on closing number after rain has chased most off playing a fantastic set of heavy metal.
if the sky clears up, you may had your pray.
There aren't enough superlatives in the English language to do Louie justice! I LOVED the way he tuned his drums! So musical & the cymbals are the best, hands down! Legend! Icon! So outstanding!! R.I.P. Louie. Heaven has an outstanding band now!
Simply amazing. I always enjoyed his playing. He was a true master. Rest In Peace. Thank you for the great music.
As a Metal drummer, I've a lot to be grateful for, from this man...
I attended a two day drum clinic at Cal State Northridge in the late 70s starring Louie Bellson and Billy Cobham. It was really thrilling!! It ended with a big concert featuring the CSUN jazz band along with Billy and Louie, as I remember. Of course both drummers were amazing. I sent a comment to Louie Bellson‘s website when he was still alive and only a few years before he died. In the comment I stated that I really loved the clinic. One of the things he said in response (yes, he actually wrote me back about it!) was, “That clinic with Billy Cobham is still in my heart.”
Louie Bellson the greatest jazz drummer of all time IMO. Listen to his solo at the Live at the Philharmonic 1967. It's unreal!!
So...he would have been close to 70 years old here. Still damn tight! For all you double bass drum people....this guy invented it.
Older than that. I had the privilege of recording Louie and his band at Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo in 1978, and we went out after the show to celebrate his 65th birthday. He's pushing 80 here. ;)
Yea, no he isn't. He was born in 1924, so if this was 1992, he was 58.
68 actually
Right, my bad
Math challenged?
Simply a class act across the board!! Thankfully these performances were recorded for us to revisit at any time. It is always spectacular to see Louie in such great shape doing what he did best. Of course that would be playing his heart out for all of us to enjoy.
Lois Bellson, one of the top three drummers of all time.
Always an education and great pleasure to hear play.
Way dah go kid!
I was fortunate to see Louis perform a few times many years ago. When I did get a chance to speak with him he kept telling me about his new set of drums that was coming out. It was the gold remos. His exact words to me were, the color is real severe!! I believe they were built to match his playing which was real severe!! A class act always. A tremendous human being always. Not only a great drummer but he could write , read and play both the treble and bass clef. With honor and Grace, thank you for all that you have given us. We are still learning from you to this day in 2022!! 🙏🥁❤️
Fantastic player and a great performer..a true showman....i always shed a tear for Loius when watching him at work..the master!...god bless Loius Bellson
Not a competition. Louie Bellson was one of the greatest ever. I loved the way he played.
Simply stunning! The subtle dynamics of his cymbal and brush work are just breathtaking. The double bass pioneer playing with 4 sticks!!!! Wholey Shizz!!! Louie you are legendary (not was). Consummate professional and gentleman. LB is certainly in the top 5 all-star drummers of the modern age. Goosebumps, shivers and even a few tears. Thank you so much for this download. 💚💚
Holy sizzle my damn fn' nizzle !!! 🤣
This makes me so freakin'🤸 happy !!! 💪💫
Bellson Krupa Rich 🌟🌟🌟💖
not mordern age but ok.. he was amazing. 30 years ago
Louie Bellson..one of the best all time jazz drummers of all time. He has to be great....He's Italian. His first wife was Pearl Bailey. started playing drums at three years of age. At age 15, he pioneered the double-bass drum set-up. At age 17, he triumphed over 40,000 drummers to win the Slingerland National Gene Krupa contest. They adopted a little boy, Tony, in the mid-1950s, and a little girl, Dee Dee J. Bellson, who was born on April 20, 1960. Son Tony Bellson died in 2004, and DeeDee Bellson died on July 4, 2009 at age 49, just 5 months after her father, who died on Valentine's Day 2009. After Pearl Bailey's death in 1990, he married his second wife, Francine, in September 1992. Trained as a physicist and engineer at MIT, Francine Bellson (née Wright) became his manager. The union lasted until his death in 2009. At the 2004 event celebrating his 80th birthday, Bellson said, "I'm not that old; I'm 40 in this leg, and 40 in the other leg." Bellson maintained a tight schedule of clinics and performances of both big bands and small bands in colleges, clubs and concert halls. In between, he continued to record and compose, resulting in more than 100 albums and more than 300 compositions. Bellson's Telarc debut recording, Louie Bellson And His Big Band: Live From New York, was released in June 1994. He also created new drum technology for Remo, Inc., of which he was vice-president. On February 14, 2009, Bellson died at age 84 from complications of a broken hip in December 2008 and Parkinson's disease. He is buried next to his father in Riverside Cemetery in Moline, Illinois.
Yes, and he use to travel every weekend from Moline, ill. to Chicago to study with one of the greatest teachers/percussionist's of all time -Roy Knapp, who has a list of very successful drummers all the way down from Gene Krupa and up to contemporary Denny Sewell, Hal Blaine, etc. I too, was fortunate to have studied with Roy Knapp in the early 1960's. What a man he was and what a legend.
Thanks Robert! didn't know that. about Roy Knapp.. Knew a little about Joe Sefcik, George Lawrence Stone, Billy Gladstone due to my interest in Joe Morello. Joe's drum solo Live at Carnegie Hall "Castilian Drums" is one of my favorite drum solos. All those cats helped to lay the foundation for all drummers.. I'll look into Roy Knapp...Tx for sharing and your interest.
Robert Delich Forget to ask...any decent videos with Roy Knapp to be found anywhere?
Raphael Falzarano Don't know of any videos but what I do have are pictures from Gene Krupa's testimonial dinner just 2-3 months before he died. In them are Roy Knapp, Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich and Bobby Colmby and what appears to be Ella Fitzgerald. Roy's son Don Knapp (a great drummer and percussionist) gave them to me several years ago.I also have an 8x10 glossy of Roy singed to me. If you want I'll make you copies of what I have. Send me your address at: bob.delich@gmail.com Also, if you want a great piece of history get Rob cooks Book called "Franks For the Memories." It has tons of data on Roy, Gene, Bellson and all the famous guys that studied with Roy. P.S. I have Christmas cards from Louie and Pearl.
Thank you for the background!
I can’t believe how lucky I was to have seen BOTH Louie Bellson AND Buddy Rich at the relatively small but excellent Berklee Performance Center back in 1986 or 87, shortly before Buddy’s passing. Each band played their sets, then they came together onstage for the encore. I felt like that guy in the Memorex ads with the music blasting my hair back. I never really appreciated drumming virtuosity until that night. Just incredible.
Louie bellson the god father of swing the drums
I am going to put Louie Bellson way above everyone else on the same pedestal I put Buddy Rich and Carl Palmer on now. Just mind-blowing. Speed, dexterity, originality, feel, explosiveness, just the entire package. Exactly my kind of drummer too!
Excellent Drummer....Thanks for posting !
Holy shit, definatley one of the best drummers EVER
Thanks so much for sharing!...What a joy to watch and listen to!!!...Incidentally, I met Mr. Bellson around this time at a clinic...He was kind enough to talk with me, sign my poster, and when I asked him why he played his China cymbal upside down, he didn't even laugh at me...A true gentleman on and off the stage!
A stellar performance from the great Louis Bellson.
Love this version of caravan.... And with Louie Bellson as drummer...!!! Awesome....
One of the greats drummer artist he had it all rest in peace
Many say that Buddy was the greatest jazz drummer in history - who's to argue? He was phenomenal. Many others has wonderful techniques, also. But Louise Bellson was also unique, a great driving force of versatile expression.
When an artist like Louis B and Buddy R. Reach that
Level of kunning and abbility its Even
There is no “greatest.” Bellson and Rich were both on another planet when it came to playing the drums. I do prefer the tuning of Louie’s kit though.
Louie Bellson is tremendously underrated. The names you hear are, of course, Rich, Krupa, Morello, perhaps Weckl in a more modern reference. This is a beautifully musical and sharply executed bit of drumming.
On a side note, it's a miracle that hi-hat didn't fall over, as closed as the feet were.
Glad you mentioned Morello. He often gets overlooked but deserves to be in that company.
A genius at the drums. And 2 of the nicest people you ever want to meet are Louie and Pearlie Mae.
Joe morello
A past master if ever there was one . Sadly missed , but his genius lives on . Thanks for posting
The 90th Anniversary of Jazz Great LOUIE BELLSON
Join the Celebration!
Starting Today
Louie was IMO the *only* drummer who could keep up with Buddy Rich. It’s a shame that Remo drums didn’t really catch on, because these Acousticon shells sounded fantastic. Louie was one of my favorite drummers of all time, and from everything I’ve ever heard about him, he was a really nice guy, too.
Many say he was better than Buddy Rich, and those people have a point. One reason being that Rich's solos were almost predictable Louis Bellson was never boring, and a much nicer person than Rich also. That bit can never be argued, it's a fact.
A very nice man indeed,in 67 he was drumming on the jerry lewis tv show,my dad played tenor sax and I never missed a recording or a rehearsal,louie let me play a little and gave me drumsticks too.
One of the best!!!
Absolutely fantastic solo!!
I played 4th trumpet on his band once... at Rochester High School... think it was 1989 or 90. Great experience. He was a gentleman and very professional.
Why am I crying? Oh, Louie, you personified the word *nonpareil*.
❤
In my opinion he was the best in his era. His hands just as fast as Buddys. He was the 1st to play 2 base drums and had that down. Super musical and tasty. I love you LOUIE.
Jeff Zipman His hands were NOT "as fast as Buddy's". That's simply non-sense (there is no video to support this claim). Louie was a great guy, but you shouldn't transpose this fact to his drumming. That's dishonest.
Everyone is entitled to his own opinion bud. Keep cool.
Ivo Maropo no one was "as fast" as buddy. Some came extremely close. Louie and Joe Morello come to mind. Plus it's not a popularity contest or to see who is god. Buddy didn't see it that way. He believes other musicians should listen to EVERYONE. My advice to you: chill out and watch a great drum solo
The first to play double bass that we know of we really don't know what happened in the past but true he is a inventor artist drummer musician rest in peace
@@mikemike7345 He was the first to incorporate two bass drums into a drum set. Ray McKinley was the first to play two bass drums, but they were separate from his drum set.
oh my God 68 years old..!!! Incredible your energy
How could u thumbs down this great stuff!!!!!!!!
Double bass drums and brushes. Only Louie. Awesome drummer!!
Louie was quite amazing seeing that he was in his 60's when he played this. I would have loved to hear this live when he was a bit younger.
Without any doubt, in my heart and soul opinion, the greatest drummer that's ever lived. Beyond genius.
@Valencio Danes You're talking bollocks, you prick! Show me some better drumming than this! No chance!
Right back at you Whity !! When I was a kid I was either going to play single or double. Then I saw LB on the tonight show. Him and Ed had double. Great video Whity get beet up Dennis Stone drumming, Late.
Yeah - absolutely one of the best who EVER lived...
Lovely man , great solo as always 😊 , sadly missed , a genuine nice guy also , R.I.P.
And dig that strong G above a High C nailed twice by the lead trumpet player at the end. He hits it, drops out to get another breath to nail it like a laser over the finishing drum kick. Awesome.
I enjoy big band. Nice to hear all the band musicians featured.
has to be the purest solo iv'e seen in my life
one of a kind..
how or why would anyone dislike this! shame on you!
Very well said, thank you. Btw, I went to the shoemaker 10 years ago and asked him to add some higher heels to my drumming shoes, Louie once mentioned it gives him perfect control of the bass pedals, he was right. :) Watch 12:55...
Guy at 15:37 looking at his watch. "Is this over yet?" " I hope the bar is still open!"
Not just drumming but also music!❤
lol he looks like a very talented kid just messing around on the drums i love it!!
Amazing Band and Piano player! Wow!
Man that bass is comin thru so good!!!!
i really like how long his hi-hat clutch is, the space between the clamp and the top felt is massive, and that spiral stem is cool as hell
My drummer has a 24" Remo Powerstroke bass drum head on his kit hes been playing[hard and often] for 20 years now and still unbroken it was given to him by Louie Bellson.Louie had only played on it a few times and gave it to him after his tech swapped it out.He said it makes him want to play to a higher standard.
1976 (?) LB was doing a clinic at Drums Unlimited in Bethesda Maryland.
I was 22ish and I was sent by the head of our small music department ( St Mary’s College of Md) to deliver to him an invitation to be a quest musician with our college band.
After a quick hello … a few minutes … turned into at least a thirty minute conversation … he was so easy and welcoming.
Great player ? Absolutely. Nice as hell person ?…. Far nicer than that other guy.
Louie Bellson inspired Paice, Bonham, Mitchell, Moon, Ward, et al. Where and what would Heavy Metal be without those drummers emulating the great L.B.?
that was huge!!!!!!!!!!! Louie=LEGEND
Louie-great drummer, wonderful man. RIP!
Even Buddy Rich couldn't beat that. One of the top 2-3 drummers of all time.
And Louis Bellson wasn't high on dope like Rich was most of the time.
Great!!! Fantastic person I met him in Chicago He invented double base drum.Great technic He study whit Murray Spiewak best Teacher!!!
Yes Love It, It's So Energetic!!!
Huge respect for this man! The father od duble kick drums!
Louis was born in 1924 so that makes him 68 years old when he did this. I've seen him many times and especially when he played at Disneyland in Anaheim .He was one of a kind and the likes of which we won't see again.
Thanks for the upload.
flat flippin amazing! no stick marks on the drum heads or cymbals,and he doesn't even break a sweat!
Thee Epitome of the Professional Drummer,LOUIE BELLSON!
As close to perfect as God will ever allow !!!! How is this possible !?!?!
I hope I'm still playing like this when I'm that age :-p
J/K!
Met him at a big band jazz festival in Reno around '69. Then saw him perform one of his last appearances when he had lost his edge.
My Favorite Album of his was "NO'TE' SMOKING" Awesome drummer!!!!
Now this is how Caravan sounds...:)...They made a good effort and it was an excellent homage in the movie Whiplash...Louie is a monster!
go louie go man!!!
He was one of the great rest in peace Lewis
When soloing with just two sticks gets old, try four! HA-HA! AWESOME!
Someday he will be recalled as a pioneer of Djazz
Damn you can hear the heavy metal in the double bass drum.
Louie ... You earned the part.
Louie didn't smoke, drink,or do drugs...He wouldn't allow alcohol to be served at his drum clinics....I was fortunate to be called to do a drum battle with him in 1995.........A shining moment for me...I miss this guy....Class all the way..........Ralph Onofrio.
Wayyyyyyy awesome!!!
Super Louie la pèche a mort, quel talent, avec Buddy c les meilleurs !
WONDERFULL....
my Idol ....R.I.P.
Awesome!!
bone chilling amazing
incredible......!!!!!
I used shoes like that when they were in style in the 70's. It's true, it worked well fro me.
The joint is jumpin"!!!!
He also had a very unorthodox way of playing and it worked really Musical and that's what it's all about the music
Holly shit, I was born this year
This is great stuff. Not to found or heard today
lov it!
Все современные метал-барабанщики обязаны ему в игре на двух бас барабанах/двойных педалях. Именно он это придумал! Гений, других слов не подобрать!
world class,, fab,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Louie played several brands of drums over the years...I wonder what he thought the best were .
The two “ benchmarks” that could nail the year… he was playing the Remo PTS system ( pre tuned/ pre-tensioned heads… and the original REMO Roto-toms)…
Thank God for Rock 'n' Roll.
He's somewhere around 67 years old on this VID. FOR REAL!!!!
Perfect
What I admire more about Bellson is that unlike Rich, he never disparaged other styles and tried to be current with his playing whereas Buddy stuck to the same rule and kit. Bellson was using Toto-Tom’s, chinas and other percussion that Buddy looked down on. Bellson didn’t have the strength that Buddy did, but he was a more soulful and more open to others styles than what he naturally knew.
Fantastico....!!!