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Louie Bellson Last viewed: 3 minutes ago

Posts: 6432 Threads: 290

From drummingbulldog

I was fortunate enough to see Louie on three occasions. When I got into drumming my Mom was a big support. She used to push for me to go to the Jacksonville Jazz Festival. The one cool thing that Jacksonville has had for as long as I can remember. I saw him play with Woody Herman's band there in 85 or so. Then, in 86 and in 87 I went to see him at the Florida Theatre. Not only was he and Pearl Bailey awesome, they were nice people. The first time I met him I shook his hand and was blown completely away. This at that time was one of the last of the original big band era drummers. The second time I met him I brought a Remo poster for him to sign. After the show I approached him and he remembered me from the previous year. He signed my poster and I asked him if I could have a pair of sticks. He went behind the drums and got his seat case and reached in it and gave me a brand new pair of Mike Balter 5a nylon tipped sticks. Again, I was speechless. It wasn't because he gave them to me that I was floored. It was because he didn't have to. He looked you in the eye when he talked to you and he made time to talk with others as well. He knew and loved his fans. He was a cool guy. I was 15 at the time so I played with the sticks but I still have one. I will never part with it.

Another great story, funny how you guys know my old neigbor better than I do,lol. My Daughter lives in Atlantic Beach and I have been to Jax several times, very nice city!

Jeff C


Thank you!
Jeff C

"Enjoy every sandwich" Warren Zevon
Posted on 13 years ago
#21
Posts: 5550 Threads: 576

and i had a chance to buy his snare for $500.00 at sam ash long ago

April 2nd 1969 scarfed pink champagne holly wood and 65/66 downbeat snare, and , supra same year very minty kit old pies
66/67 downbeat with canister
Super 400 small round knob
1967 super classic obp





once the brass ceases to glitter, and the drum looses its luster, and the stage remains dark, all you have left is the timbre of family.
Posted on 13 years ago
#22
Posts: 1597 Threads: 96

Of all the old time greats Louie Is still my favorite his licks and his approach to double bass drums rocks even today...

Posted on 13 years ago
#23
Posts: 357 Threads: 62

You don't hear the term classy often anymore but I think Louie personified the word. I am not saying he was without flaws. He was a marvelous player who championed youth and was just a great positive role model. As a young metal guy back in the 80's I liked his kit too because he had two bass drums. Krupa and Rich played the same kit without the extra kick drum but Louie made it look fun. He was always smiling. Just like Buddy Rich, even though you kind of knew what to expect he always played something different. I think Buddy was and is the best technician I ever saw and he always made me giggle like a kid in wonder and amazement but I think Louie really played more music from his drums than anyone except for maybe Krupa. Krupa swung a band like no one else. Buddy was the star and Louie just did it right. I have met Tommy Aldridge and Billy Cobham too. Dom Famularo was nice too. Louie was like the Bob Newhart of the drums. He always had on the tux and he played his @$$ off.

Gretsch Nitron Glass New Classic 2010 8/10/12/14/16/22
Yamaha Cherry Wood Recording Custom 1987/2005 8/10/12/13/14/16/22
Ludwig Black Diamond Pearl 1966 5x14 S.S./13/16/22
Gretsch wood finish 1959 5x14/13/16/22
Slingerland Radio King Capri Pearl 5x14 Radio King
Gretsch Silver Sparkle Catalina Club Bop 2008 18/14/12/10/5x14
Gretsch Silver Sparkle/Black Stripe Catalina Club Mod kit 22/10/12/16
Posted on 13 years ago
#24
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