The jazz music world has lost another giant. Louie Bellson passed away February 14, 2009. More detailed information can be found on his website which is updated by his loving wife.
There were many great big band drummers, but only a handful whose names were repeatedly mentioned as being the all-time best in the world. Louie was one of those. I had the pleasure of seeing him play with the big band that another one of those world-class drummers led, the Buddy Rich band. That was, as far as I can recall, the first time I ever saw Louie play live. Though he was considerably older than the other drummers on the stage (people like Dave Weckl, Vinnie Colaiuta, Steve Gadd, and so on), he drove the in ways none of them could match.
Some time after that, I had the pleasure of playing at the Monterey Jazz Festival a couple of times. The second time, in 1992, Louie was there to perform. I had an opportunity to meet him and talked him into a picture with Dizzie Gillespie (below). That was just months before Dizzy’s passing. In 2007, I stumbled across this photo and thought Mr. Bellson might enjoy seeing it. I sent it to him and he sent a very kind letter in reply. I’ve enjoyed being on his mailing list since then and have been amazed and impressed that he continued playing until very recently.
We’ll miss you Louie. Thanks for the wonderful inspiration you’ve been to me for more than half my life. And thank you Mrs. Bellson for your irreplacable love and support for Louie for all these years. Our condolances and prayers go out to you…
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