Louis Bellson

One of the most technically accomplished drummers jazz has known, and one of the first to employ two bass drums, Louie Bellson first gained public attention by winning a Gene Krupa talent contest in 1940. One of his early professional jobs was with Krupa’s old boss, Benny Goodman. He also worked with the big bands of Tommy Dorsey, Harry James, and, in 1951, joined Duke Ellington, who featured a number of Bellson's original compositions, including "The Hawk Talks" and "Skin Deep." In the mid-‘50s, he recorded for Norman Granz's Verve label, accompanying Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Oscar Peterson, and Art Tatum, as well as serving as musical director/accompanist for his wife, singer Pearl Bailey. Apart from his jazz compositions, Bellson also wrote for the ballet and for symphony orchestra.