Louie Bellson has passed away

Re: Louie Bellson has passed away

feeds@yuku.com (CPThrasher) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 13:55:50 GMT

I noticed that his double kick technique got much better later on, wonder how much of that was aided by better pedals than were available in the 40's and 50's? I have never done double, but Louie just might inspire me to.

Re: Louie Bellson has passed away

feeds@yuku.com (CPThrasher) — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 21:11:42 GMT

And my thanks to Mainely, Aaron, and Bart. I have to admit my great ignorance of Louie Bellson, but because of you guys I have made up for some lost time tonight. What a wonderful spirit. My parents used to love to tell the story about the time they rode an elevator with Pearl Bailey and to think Louie was her husband makes me feel . . . I don't know . . . it's just really neat. God bless them!

Re: Louie Bellson has passed away

feeds@yuku.com (Mainely Drummer) — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 10:35:44 GMT

Amazing performances, especially the 1956 thing with Steve Allen.

Re: Louie Bellson has passed away

feeds@yuku.com (Bart Elliott) — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 09:22:05 GMT

I've added a little tribute to Louie this week on Drummer Cafe TV.
I hope to do something a little more detailed later on, as time will allow.

Re: Louie Bellson has passed away

feeds@yuku.com (debbie) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 20:40:00 GMT

i saw him at a modern drummer fest long time ago, where he did that solo hi-hat thing that he did so well. it was really mindblowing.

i have not researched his body of work nearly as much as other players', but it's clear he influenced countless drummers. he really seemed like a gentle and humble soul, and that alone gives him a big standing in my book. i loved that, like elvin, he was pretty much playing to the end. that's extremely inspiring, and speaks to the power of...

Re: Louie Bellson has passed away

feeds@yuku.com (corneilius) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 12:39:58 GMT

It's really interesting to notice all of the experiences various players have had with Louie - he touched a lot of people.
I own about 4 pairs of NewBeats, so thanks Louie for the R&D with Zildjian back in the day! and for all of the world class performances...

Re: Louie Bellson has passed away

feeds@yuku.com (purple sparkle ludwig) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 08:21:25 GMT

That's a great quote Billy! I love it!---"dude can play too"! Also, good to hear about Maura and coming home too, that's awesome, Hang in there!

Re: Louie Bellson has passed away

feeds@yuku.com (llabarge) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 19:43:39 GMT

from the Bellson website
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.
Condolences and cards to:
Mrs. Louie Bellson
c/o Remo, Inc.
28101 Industry Drive
Valencia, CA 91355

...

Re: Louie Bellson has passed away

feeds@yuku.com (billy ward) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 16:35:53 GMT

That's lovely, purple! I just gave this quote to Zildjian:
"My teacher in Cincinnati, Jack Volk, was a fellow Rogers artist in the early sixties and knew Louie Bellson well. My very first clinic was a Rogers' clinic featuring Louie Bellson and Roy Burns. After seeing Louie play, I couldn't WAIT to get two bass drums - and did within a few years! Louie's performance was, of course, detailed and awe-inspiring, but I remember his humanity almost more than his drumming....

Re: Louie Bellson has passed away

feeds@yuku.com (purple sparkle ludwig) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 16:25:34 GMT

I've had the honor for the last 5 years of putting on the Louie Bellson Heritage Days event in Rock Falls,IL (with a lot of help of course). It has been unbelievable to get to know this man! To go from being a kid,waiting up to see him on Johnny Carson to being a friend is, well, unbelievable to say the least! Have you ever heard an unkind word spoken about him? I haven't, and with good reason! He was simply a Great human being. This past Oct. at the festival we witnessed what I...

Re: Louie Bellson has passed away

feeds@yuku.com (Mainely Drummer) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 11:47:28 GMT

Thanks for that link, anyone notice how precise and clean the notes are in his solos?

Just amazing, graceful playing, perfect symmetry and balance.

Re: Louie Bellson has passed away

feeds@yuku.com (kenjit) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 11:43:02 GMT

Just watched old VHS recording of his performance with the Gil Evans orchestra. During his extended solo, he would take off the top head of snare and move with a big grin of seventeen year old to the smaller set right next to his massive kit with Roto Toms etc,. Amazing.
Just realized though this is only recorded performance I have of Louie, what are your favorites that I should check out?

Re: Louie Bellson has passed away

feeds@yuku.com (goodness) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 11:33:57 GMT

Sad news indeed. I am remembering both Louie Bellson and James Brown by listening to Soul On Top.

Billy G.

Re: Louie Bellson has passed away

feeds@yuku.com (aaroncushing) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 11:25:21 GMT

here's what Hudson Music has put together:
http://www.hudsonmusic.co...tid=45:features&Itemid=57

Re: Louie Bellson has passed away

feeds@yuku.com (yogidrummer) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 10:21:49 GMT

I had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Bellson in a clinic many years ago with Steve Smith and Dom Famularo. Even then, I knew I was seeing something really special as not many people could have been sure how much longer he'd be around. He made it another twelve years after that, and I could tell at that clinic how much spirit and life he had just by his presence. He'll be truly missed.

Re: Louie Bellson has passed away

feeds@yuku.com (kenjit) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 08:13:34 GMT

I'll always remember that big smile behind massive 2 kick drum set-up. Rest in Peace, Louie.

Re: Louie Bellson has passed away

feeds@yuku.com (bryanmeyers) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 07:59:20 GMT

Ditto to Willy Bard. He will be missed.

Re: Louie Bellson has passed away

feeds@yuku.com (Willy Bard) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 07:50:29 GMT

Sad for us but I think we can celebrate someone who lived a very full life and managed to retain his sense of humanity and grace in a very difficult industry.

When I posted my reply in the "who's for dinner" thread, I hadn't heard about Louie's passing but I added him and Pearl because I would have loved to get the story behind their relationship in the context of the times.

Re: Louie Bellson has passed away

feeds@yuku.com (Jeff Halpern) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 07:40:38 GMT

What a superb drummer he was, and he did it to a ripe old age too. I was one of the unfortunate ones to never see him play live (only vids for me).

Re: Louie Bellson has passed away

feeds@yuku.com (Jaaye) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 07:33:54 GMT

I was lucky enough to see him play in person a few years ago in Chicago. It was amazing to me how he could be this quiet, kindly, semi-stooped gentleman, but as soon as he sat down it was like he was possessed by a demon. He was gracious enough to give me an autograph, it's the prize of my collection. He signed one guy's sticks and it was like he saw God. We won't ever see another one like him, that's fer damn sure.

Louie Bellson has passed away

feeds@yuku.com (billy ward) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 21:28:56 GMT

Hey - I am so saddened by this news. Louie was such a great man - such a gifted drummer! I am honored to have known him and experienced his love of drums and people. My very first clinic was a Louie Bellson clinic (as a nine year old) and it riveted me to drumming - to rudiments and even better, to graciousness. Louie defined class. Such grace! He had superb skills on the drums and was a true giver. He expanded the abilities of the drum set with his double bass kit - his exploring... He was...