Louis Bellson

Well, we just lost a major part of the "drum world franchise" folks: Louis B. is gone. He left us on Valentines day, this past saturday. Two people I love dearly had events on that day, he was one of them. the other, my grand daughter who enjoyed a birthday. So, as one makes the transition that we all must make at some point, another moves up to fill the space left behind and enjoy her day in the sun. Louis showed me much in terms of style, grace, fortitude and determination, just to name a few positive elements of his character.
Sweet Lou: I miss you already........ But! I know that you are in a much better place than what you've left.

Boomer
PS: If you are into it, check out his discography and you will find many similarities between us as I am an active student of Louis Bellson.

A great drummer
he willl be missed.


Good that your Project with Louis
was filmed.





1970's with roto toms.



Many Roto Toms on the Jonny Carson Show.
And Power 4 stick playing.
1980's.

Pure Magic.


__________________________________

Outtasight
Colin.

Sad News - In Memoriam - February 15, 2009
We regret to announce the unexpected passing of Louie Bellson on Feb 14, 2009.
Tenative plans are for an L.A. area funeral, followed by funeral and burial in Moline, Illinois, his boyhood home. Details forthcoming.

The Guestbook is now closed to new entries. Rather than write there, send your
Condolences and cards to:

Mrs. Louie Bellson
c/o Remo, Inc.
28101 Industry Drive
Valencia, CA 91355

http://louiebellson.info/news.html

This is a sad news!
Louie was an innovative drummer,i did not have a lot of his records but will try to find his best ...rest in peace MR Bellson.Peace,Stef

My condolences to his family and to you Boomer on losing a friend and an inspiration.

He contributed so much to the music world and drummers in particular. He will truly be missed. RIP Louie !

Peace, TED

Wow, what a sad thing to hear. Louie was one of my all time favorites, and a true gentleman.

I had the great pleasure of meeting him years ago, and it was one of the highlights of my life.

He will be missed.

R.I.P., Louie. God must be puttin' one heck of a band together.

Sad news. One of the true legends and most influential drummers of an era gone by, yet still so much alive through the music.
Skin Deep is going to be played loud through my speakers tonight...

Louie Bellson: short biography

http://www.hudsonmusic.com/site/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=170:louie-bellson-tribute&catid=45:features&Itemid=57

Billy,

You probably didn't know this but Louis lived about 4 miles from me in an upscale district called Silver Creek Valley Country club. He stored his drums at a music store called "The Musicians Warehouse" which is about the same distance from where I live. The store has a very large room in the back where Mr. Bellson would rehearse with his big band, play concerts and conduct clinics.

He also attended church here in San Jose and would sometimes perform there. I had the good fortune of meeting him once. Such a nice gentle man with nothing less than an encouraging word.... The father of the double bass, and of course he played his patootie off.

This is a MAJOR blow to not just the drumming, but the entire music community. We have lost a true music legend and a definite drumming icon...
I will mourn....

BC, I know that you and Louis were close, hang in there.

And a very happy B-Day to your grand daughter.

Don.

When I watch the Hudson Music short(?) I remember when he first showed me the quadra grip bit with four sticks. He said: "Hey 'B", ever think of playing with 4 sticks?"........ Of course, I said Louis, you are joking, right? He smiled and said "no "B", check this out" and proceeded to open my mind to another level of musical possibilities that I had not ever considered up to that point. Every time I have been in his presence he has pulled a little rabbit out of his proverbial hat and always with a smile or a chuckle. A great orchestrator and musical visionary, Louis Bellson........ and quite funny too but sometimes the laugh would be accompanied by serious eyes. Boomer

Luigi Paulino Alfredo Francesco Antonio Balassoni

Now THAT'S a name!!!!

Your new Occupation will now be to perform for The Most High.

Rest well, Louis...

Was just talking about Louis Bellson yesterday before hearing the news . . . what an uplifting spirit . . . and he could do it all on the drums in any genre. Duke Ellington said he was THE best drummer and that's hard to dispute in terms of all-around musicianship. I'm thankful to have witnessed this man spin rototoms and kick a band in utter perfection a couple times. It's easy to forget his pioneering interracial marriage to Pearl Bailey. Louis changed the world for the better with his humanity and his skills. You can hear that serious smile in his playing.

I've known of his personal importance to you, Boomer, so my heart goes out to you as you find ways to celebrate your time and experience with Mr. Bellson.

This is sad news....The drumming world lost another giant... There will never be another Louis Bellson....That's a fact.

http://www.louiebellson.info/

Louis Bellson - A musical
drummer, with 'dare'.

What a man. What a life.
What an example. I know
he thought himself, lucky
but Pearl found 'a pearl'
in him, too.

And that Carson video is
just so fab!! I just love
his touch!!

RIP, Louis.

I wonder if rock drummers would be playing big drum kits and double bass drums if it wasn't for Louie Bellson?

rarebit wrote:I wonder if rock drummers would be playing big drum kits and double bass drums if it wasn't for Louie Bellson?

I believe so, rarebit. Had not L.B. added that second bass drum, someone else surely would have.

I've heard that Jim Chapin is in poor health.

... check out "Live in New York" ... listened to it all day...what an absolute master and progressive force Louis Bellson was...
My condolences goes out to his family and friends...Boomer hang in there..
I think Louis Bellson had a rich life and I'm grateful he was/is there and shared his gifts with the world!

Peace
Niki

Woody wrote:I've heard that Jim Chapin is in poor health.

That wouldn't surprise me. Last time I saw Jim, was at a private clinic with Dom Famularo, and he was slowing down then, and that was a few years ago. He's gotta' be pushing 90, if he isn't there already. Jim is such a great guy. I learned alot from him over the years.

I guess we all get old.

Russ

No guessing about it, Fusion... Just keep livin.

I got this email fron Hudson Musics website.



I have recently been made aware that Jim Chapin is ill. His profound effect on our artform is unmeasurable in its scope. Too often, we lose the giants in our field without the opportunity to relay to them how much they have affected our lives. Here is an opportunity to let Jim hear your well-wishes. please send it to:

Jim Chapin c/o Gloria Rasmussen
20861 Pine Tree Lane
Estero, Florida 33928

All emails and/or cards will be read to Jim, as I understand his eyesight isn't that great.

Donations, should you want to give one, are acceptable in check form made out to cash.

D. Slam wrote:

rarebit wrote:I wonder if rock drummers would be playing big drum kits and double bass drums if it wasn't for Louie Bellson?

I believe so, rarebit. Had not L.B. added that second bass drum, someone else surely would have.

True, but not quite like Bellson! I doubt even he was the first.

He was a great human being, first then came his great drumming, and boy could he go. I was watching him play beside Buddy Rich on YouTube, and Louie stayed right with him, Buddy couldn't smoke him, that's how good he was. He also was very caring and loving. He also married a black woman in the early 50's when it was not a popular thing to do. That in itself tells you what kind of man he was.