And I am 85 and saw all the great bands on stage at the 3 great Broadway movie theaters in NY...NY Paramount, Strand and the Capitol. We saw a great stage show and first run movie for 55 cents . Those days will never be but these videos are just priceless. Doing the foxtrot and jitterbug, just hot stuff.
I can say from personal experience that Gene was a great person. That's my father Eddie Shu playing Sax at the beginning of this video. I didn't see him after I was 8 but we spent a lot of time back then on the road with Gene. He was a very nice Uncle. Bought me my first sled when I was 2. Let me play drums with him onstage when I was 4. By the way if you click my picture and scroll down you can see all of this performance and several others of my father with Gene. Aloha, Evan
LENNART, Yes!!! Talk about a cool guy, and another innovator (he invented the double-bass set up). I was a teenager when my drum teacher told me about Louis doing a drum clinic at a fancy hotel in Portland, OR, so I went. He comes out in a suit (of course), takes off the jacket, and says, "I better take this off. 'Cause I'm going to be doing some sweatin'." Very classy guy.
Evan Shulman That's awesome! There's something about Genes playing that appeals to me in some ways more than the guys with crazy chops....the swing, the tone, the feel, the vibe. Love GK!
Krupa had great touch and subtlety he didn't try to dominate the music in way that Rich would. Gene had an elegance and poise sympathetic to the music whilst Buddy exploded all over the tune enforcing his style, technical excellence and insane speed on proceedings. For me Krupa was fluid meandering river of a drummer whilst Rich was the churning, turbulent Rapids. Whilst Gene looked serene and composed, Buddy on the other hand seemed almost angry and aggressive at times. Loved them both for all their difference in styles, they were both incredible drummers who have had a huge influence in the evolution of drumming into the modern era.
What a gracious man he was. He never criticized other drummers; just recognized the contribution they were making in their own way. That's a sign of an authentic human being. Thank you for this video. I never knew all this and I grew up loving and playing this kind of music. I was a young teen in the 50's. Still enjoying this music 70 years later!
My mother is Ceil Dylos and wasn't Joseph Dyko a cousin who looked like Gene? Was Genes mother Anne? I think she was around when I was a baby in 1950 abd she took care of me and lived with my mother in Chicago until she died.
About 70 years ago I was about to enter junior high school . I was amongst of students supposedly with good musical aptitude , and we were going to be the first band and orchestra at J.H.S. 128 in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn . In that group was a (very) few who were really talented. One was named Raymond Bordonaro , who played the drums . He was incredible at it , and his hero was Gene Krupa, who I had never heard of . When we watched, in amazement at his drumming, he always mentioned Krupa as his idol . I was a very average trombonist , and years later often wondered about Ray, since he was exceptional . Had be gone on to great musical achievement ?; I hadn’t , but my son ( some 50 years later ) has ( Twin Shadow ) , so, I’m really contented to have had my early musical experience and maybe passed some of that on to him. 🎼 🎸 . George Lewis, Sr.
I'm more of a Metal guy, and I've been playing drums for 25 years, but when I hear Krupa's sound, I'm just stunned. English is not my mother tongue, so I lack the words to describe what I feel about his style. It's more than speed or power... It's like hearing each piece of wood and metal sing in harmony. I've seen so many drummers "fight" their drumkit, when it's obvious Krupa was making love to his...
I sure am glad that so many folks still love Gene Krupa! I sure do! As for the whole 'Who was the best drummer?" thing....well the best drummer in the whole world is YOU while you are playing YOUR drums so strive to be the best and be at your drums as often as possible!
When I saw the Gene Krupa Story, I was amazed how Sal Mineo Learned to play drums JUST for the movie. Krupa taught him some stuff but mostly Mineo learned on his own; thats where I got curious about Gene Krupa…I learned to "fly" just like him, but took it to another level.
Im' 84.I saw Buddy Rich, Benny Goodman, Lionel Hampton, and Louie Armstrong in Srattle and I went to interview Harry James for my Holy Names high school paper in 1954,also Louie gave me his autograph.
Had the pleasure of seeing this wonderful musician perform at the Thebarton Town Hall in Adelaide South Australia in July 1954. 19 years old at the time. Great memories.
Gene, a man who introduced me to music 50 years ago, I still love rock n roll, blues etc, but Gene and Benny, they are embodied in me for ever, life itself.
The greatest influential drummer that ever existed. He'll forever be known as the No. 1 drummer and big band leader. And also the first showing respect to the fullest to the originators, regardless of ethnicity and background. And also, he is the inventor of the true drum break, the true base of hip hop culture. He is the greatest drummer of all time!
Gene was my first inflence on the drums; then came rich and Louie with their power and blinding speed which just floored me. But gene, with his gorgeous rhythms and marvelous touch generated as much excitement as any pyrotechnics ever could. yes, Krupa's playing lingers in my heart above all other's .
I started playing at 7 after hearing Benny & gene in the crib since 1951, my parents played them all the time, and I was influenced by Gene since birth.............. I never realized it was his influence that shows in my drumming to this day in 2017. How lucky am I??
Thanx for sharing the great document about the great musician. I love many drummers but Gene will always be the closest to my heart. BTW - Comparing the musicians is stupid sport very popular amongst the people who never play any instrument.
For me one of the nicest things about this video is the graciousness and respectful nature of Louie Bellson toward Gene. While people on the "outside" often argue over who is the best or the greatest, the very musicians they are discussing are friends and colleagues who aren't worrying about that stuff...
There in the 1930,s my Dad played Sax with Gene Krupa but the war Came along and then I came along. As a little Kid playing Trumpet it was Gene Krupa and all of the big Bands that were winding down. Buddy Rich could produce a hurricane, but Gene was a beat man and his personality showed well in his Playing. Gene Krupa was Gene Krupa.
Very interesting insights from Louie Bellson in these interviews. One in particular, how Gene would plain mostly singles, and would tell Louie and Buddy that he can't do what they do and that they could play rings around him. It's hard to describe what made Gene so great, but it's indisputable that he was considered one of the greatest by fans and colleagues alike.
I met Gene Krupa back in the early 60's at the Metrapole Cafe in New York City. I got to know him real good. I also met alot of other jazz musicins, Like Louie Belson, Lionel Hapton, Henry "Red" Allen, Jack Teagarden, an the list goes on an on plus Sol Yaged who is still playing that clarinet at the age of 92, Oh yes and Buddy Rich of course, But Buddy I met Up Town and In New Jersy.
Massive Respect Gene Krupa, the fruit he brought to the table was good! Can we 'step away' from the age old 'social fo pah' of 'Who is the Greatest?' No one is the 'Greatest', there are only the 'Greats'. Enjoy the ride and the music. For example; Who is to say that... Meanwhile... three thousand years ago,some where in the world, there was a drummer percussionist entertaining the peoples, who, indeed truly, was the Greatest? There was no recording devices and the 'records', proof, and written history of such were lost. Thank the Lord for Gene Krupa; The fact that we 'have the records' of music he left us with, is reason enough to celebrate and enjoy his beautiful contribution to the 'world' and the 'ears' of it. Massive Respect
The most important time in a drummer's life is when they realize that speed and complicated rhythms are merely tools, and the most important things are creativity and applying appropriate beats to fit the music. Super fast complicated rhythms may impress other drummers, but if they don't fit the music they will not impress the crowd. Gene was a ground breaker, and while he may not be as technically advanced as Buddy, IMO he had more creativity and fit the music better. Buddy was great, but too many times I have listened to him play bits that might as well been white noise to anyone other than fellow drummers. Just an old drummer's 2 cents.
Spot on! This is far more musical, too many drummers suffer from drummers masturbation and it bores the death out of me, a bit like a prog rock guitar solo that goes on ten minutes more than it needs to!
OldGamer Yes, but drum solos aside, when BR plays with a big band, no one can compare. He really knew how to blend and drive the band in a subtle and incomparable way. It is a great testimony to Buddy that he did not allow his spectacular technic to conflict with the band. Gene was a pioneer who paved the way, but Buddy was better. But yes, Gene is great fun.
I fell in love with Gene Krupa and playing the drums by watching Sal Mineo play him in "The Gene Krupa" story. Little did I know that as an adult I'd be leaving high school to play with a big name rock group. Only now, years later, do I even realize what debt of gratitude I owe these two men. RIP.
@@finmoc6545 Sal did a MARVELOUS job of copping the trademark moves of Krupa, didn't he? Sadly, Mineo was murdered in an alley just behind my apartment in LA. A sweet and talented man. RIP.
The very same thing happened to me! I happened to see "The Gene Krupa Story" on TV when I was 11 years old. That was it. That's what I wanted to do. I am now 67 and still enjoy playing. Thanks Gene!
Gene Krupa is gonna be forever remembered as a Drumming Legend! He seemed like such a good person too. And he effortlessy stunts on them with his showmanship. Much respect.
Can anyone recall a drummer playing on a stringed instrument? His display of talent never seems to end. Fantastic-One would want to dance around forever. Truly miss this era of talent and music.
My dad was a Big Band style Drummer. Krupa was his Hero. He did a great Sing,Sing,Sing. I remember my Dad coming to one of our Band practices in the early 70's. He sat in an wailed on the drums. I still have his brushes somewhere.
When 1 listens to Blues & Trad jazz, G. Krupa's Methods are in all 20th C. music Styles he was my test but we know is Ur gen' gave great foundations so Thank U,
It's amazing how Krupa could go between mix and match hands. Also it's apparent that earlier drummers less inclined to drive the beat with the bass drum as we are taught to do now.
That first set , that drum solo was excellent. Space, accents, rhythm, not all speed, speed, speed. The listener can hear the notes rather than a blurr. Buddy was fast but Gene spoke to the Audience.
Gene was musical. Buddy was fast as hell, but also very competent. I prefer listening to Gene. Buddy is a blast to "watch". My Dad was a Jazz drummer who played with Glenn miller and who idolized Gene Krupa.
+RepJock88 I honestly don't know. My Dad passed away about 25 years ago. Divorced from my Mom well over 50 years ago. I do know that it was during the war. My sister told me one of my Dad's sisters has a photo of him jamming with Krupa. We've been trying to get a copy for a while.
This video is unparalleled. Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich were considered the great drummers of their day. They were both incredibly great. What separated Them was the fact that they both had their own individual style.
Sal apart having a great resemblance with Gene, really nailed his youthful demeanor and spirited energy. Sal really deserved credit of mastering perhaps not the drumming, but the glowing of the great Gene Krupa.
Thid is the coolest drum thread ever,,,you guys talking about buddy & Gene,I'm 53 yrs old so 1962...Kupra from a young guys View,I hear so many things ,Lets start here aI started drumming @ age 12,Loved old black n white movies & Cartoon soundtracks,Three Stooges,Laurel & Hardy and Tarzan,,,following me yet? Big Band let loose songs in movies would get the tempo up band stands up! And the Jungle Drum beat born from drum solo king Gene Crazy Arms Kupra,was put to musical notes big band sound Benny Goodman Gene Kupra,was hot & everywhere! Think about ,Cartoons,That up tempo Swing was The hard of that day,,,lol I'll bet your parents banned it cuz it was the devils music haha,,Admit you guys I'm young but nobody had shit on Kupra he had the beats,and his solo's he'd belt out the tonality & rythm notes keeping the tempo on his drums as the brass section,,,Thus Making Gene Crazy Arms Kupra,,,C'mon say it with me guys,,, A one man Orchestra! DAMN RIGHT,Now listen to drum solo's of his ,art Blakely,Buddy,Ginger Baker Oh And That LED ZEPPELIN Guy you like,,there's a reason,John Henry Bonham,aka Bonzo Bi-ceps,& does One bass drum rolls like butter,,He will make you think he's got a double bass kit,but nope! My 2nd kit was like his Ludwig Vista Light the shells made of Lucite mine were white but under lights changed colors Bonhams were clear orange/red.But Guys. He also has a son. JASON BONHAM,,,Tunes his drums open ring classic for that big tank effect. BUT THESE DAYS THE PERCUSSIONIST OF MMM THE LAST 35 YEARS IS NEIL PEART OF RUSH,,,He like those that approach the solo with the orchestrated ,Jungle,Tribe off yer butt and on your feet and build that tempo up to Quadruplets sounding like a Dragster is ripping thru your soul. And as for buddy Rich he is the best Imulater,,,But not the Artist nor as talented in any fashion form ,technical, Showmanship as Gene Kupra THE Originator of the solo,First to use a kick drum,And Zyldian Cymbals as far as adding splash crash & an actual ride Cymbal. Conductor,Writer,Arranger,Production,,,Madman,,,My dad was in the Club business and when i asked him who the crazy arms guy was,He was impressed, and let me stay up to watch Man wiyh the Golden arm,,,And Giant & when your a jet,,ahhh West side Story,,,You hear Kupra Everywhere man.I hope you guys read this I enjoyed reading your thread ,,,Greatness!
My dad played with Zutty Singleton in 1951 in Switzerland. I was surrounded by jazz at home and when I heard Krupa I fell in love with drums. There were probably technically more skilled players at the time (Rich, Webb, Bellson) but Gene swung. His showmanship hid the fact that he actually was a very musical and subtle player. In music there is no "best" but Krupa is my favourite of all the swing drummers.
I lived in Detroit in 1943-4 era. I saw the Krupa- Rich drum battle live on stage at the downtown theater (they had different big bands weekly) Live was much more impressive. It was bad ass jive. Vern Lauterbach- Lansing Mich.
Vern Lauterbach I was born too late. I LOVE this music & should have been born 30 or more years before I was. Just happy to be alive & listen & sometimes watch it. Heard stories from my parents who were actually my grandparents. They adopted me so there is my EARLY intro into this music. I can't tell you how many 78's she had & the story goes that they met at a dance hall. Must have been GREAT to have lived it.
+BigBill Lucas I agree, but also agree with Louie Bellson who said he did a lot with less complicated parts that brought the house down. The girls still wanna dance :) Bernard Purdie said exactly the same thing :)
Just before Louie Bellson pased away I talked to him and he was one of the nicest people i have meet.Gene was alsoe very nice and a spirtual person.Buddy was Buddy but he could be very warm and careful.
OH! YEAH!!! THE POLISH PRIDE FROM THE SOUTH-SIDE! A BIG PART OF GENE'S GENIUS WAS THAT HE COULD PLAY MORE MELODICALLY THAN MANY REAL GOOD HORN PLAYERS, THAT AND OF COURSE HE COULD SWING LIKE NOBODY'S BUSINESS THEN AND NOW!!!💥💥💥
Krupa, invented the modern drummer. No one can really dispute that. There wouldn't have been a Buddy Rich, if not for Krupa. As well, as all the rock drummers. Somebody, had to do it first.
Dino Danelli of The (Young) Rascals learned from Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich, he also toured with Lionel Hampton at 15, he was a jazz drummer first and underappreciated by the press.
A typical white comment who forget who invented jazz drumming, all the great black drummers like Baby Dodds, Chick Webb, Jo Jones, Sid Catlett, Cozy Cole, Sonny Greer, Kaiser Marchall, Hampton, Zutty and others were there before Krupa and without them, he would never have become what he was.
The brilliant Eric Bryce who became very loved music teacher & mentor in a tough high school. The 1st book he had us drummers, practice & study til we could recite play 50% 'The Method' cos any kid who could do more was virtuoso & freak. Eric was keen on xylophone, pianio, brass strings, & Krupa's music was everything t music
Krupa was and still is the King of drums to me . However Benny knew music inside and out . His Piano man Teddy was probably the greatest ever. I can just about bet You any piano man worth his salt today was influenced by Teddy . Like Hargus Robbins or Lou Roberts etc . I first heard Gene when I was 7 and started playing myself . I'm 60 now and still playing and I truly miss all of these guys . R.I.P . Heaven definitely has the greatest band . Angels 😇
As an old drummer, I loved watching and listening to Buddy Rich doing his amazing solos... I always wondered if the men & women in the audience also appreciated his speed like I did ....
Krupa always swung, he was swing personified, as was Goodman, Lionel Hampton and Teddy Wilson and all connected with Oliver,Armstrong,Henderson, Ellington,Don Redman,Bix Beiderbecke, Jabbo Smith, Bunny Berigan,Jess Stacy Teagarden Basie and many others. Steve Allen,narrator and the interviews with Louis Bellson and the priceless films make this video very important to music students and history archives
I was blessed to get to personally know Gene in his last few years of life. Gene Krupa was one of the kindest persons who ever lived. He was also the greatest master musician we ever had. I actually got to watch him practice!!!! I remember how he was so knocked out when I told him how much I loved Zutty, Bix and Bunny Berigan.
My father idolized him! My parents gave me a kit when I was 10 and my dad was so proud that I could play. This was a great documentary and it's good to hear he was a kind person.
My father was a drummer. He also started at around age 9 and was playing strip houses in San Francisco at age 15. He introduced me to Mr Krupa and he remains my favorite drummer, (aside from my dad) He uses a standard kit as compared to the drummers today and his version of Sing Sing Sing was the best. (also aside from my dad)
The debate may rage on forever, who was 'better', Buddy or Gene...but I would have wanted to hang out with Gene rather than Buddy because Gene seemed to be a way cooler fellow. Can you imagine chillin' with Gene, roasting phat joints and talking Jazz and Drums? :D
Crazy 8s Drums hell yeah i can :D i think that buddy had edge in speed but gene... man , i can never help myself but smile when i watch him, i just never want to stop watching him. The way he moved , the way he enjoyed music ....buddy didnt have that. Buddy was aware of how good he was and behaved like that.. gene seemed more like he didnt give a damn and just wanted to have fun and enjoy himself :D
I think Rich wasn't a pleasant guy - his ego got in the way. Krupa was the opposite. I really hate comparing them - they both had their styles. But - I really liked Krupa. Maybe because he's the sadder of the two.
Basically comparing drummers is a futile task, each has his own approach, his own skill set, in the time they lived. Krupa became one of the first drum personalities, succeeding drummers increased the stakes, and as Rich did the tempo. the evolution of jazz determined drumming styles to evolve, each with its own favorite,
DEeMON Everyone is saying that but it's untrue. There are clear strata of talent. Benny Goodman, or any band director can easily rate every drummer he's ever played with. They'll name Gene as best, a couple other guys as "OK," and everyone else as "horrid." If what you are saying was true we'd have more than a tiny number of star drummers, but we don't. We have Krupa, Rich, Ringo, and Bonham, and that's it.
What a great guy, and a fantastic drummer. Sure, the comparison to Keith Moon is inevitable -- and why not? Gene was the first, and the inspiration for many.
Saw “The Gene Krupa Story” in the theater with my parents . My father - who looked similar to Mr. Krupa- passed when I was ten, but my mother found a way to give me a set of Slingerlands for my 12th birthday. This documentary is a bit like therapy for the ‘born’ drummer. To one of the commentators, there is a God, and old drummers who know Jesus don’t die.. they just keep on keeping on.
Gene had a "feel" for the drums, Buddy was so contrived as in "I can beat faster". If it hadn't been for Gene Krupa paving the way in 1938, Buddy Rich would have never been heard of.
Fantastic - we're all playing on our drums and practice pads now, right?! Did you guys notice how Gene was using a lot of hi hat independence (bass drum bombs too!) during the reunion performance with Benny near the end of this vid? (Listen around 46 minute marker on Ding Dong Daddy - you can also see his foot beneath the vibes) - Just what Louie had been saying about Gene: he was practicing the "modern" stuff, always had his ears open. I was only 5 when Gene died, never got to meet him, but I did meet and speak with Louie in the 1980s - what a gentleman! Took the time to talk with me about drums and even asked me what I thought of the new Ping Ride he was trying out. I miss all these guys - what an era...! Thanks for the post Crazy 8s!! It was Gene's playing on Sing Sing Sing 1938 that got me hooked on big band.
The trio that started before the 43:55 mark, was truly awesome; they were all ‘in the zone’, and casting a spell over audience. I notice on that track and others, that Krupa is reflecting to the audience what he is hearing, he is modeling the proper response to the music being played; which is to say, that he was listening even as he played, he wasn’t just ‘performing’, he was enjoying what he was doing, what others were doing. He was inviting us to join him in the music. Wonderful talent. Edit: I caught Gene on one those reunion tour events at Ravenna Park north of Chicago in 1970 or ‘71. I noticed that the performance degraded significantly after the rather extended break. I suspect the musicians were enjoying some mood-altering elements during their time off the stage. 🙂
Far as I'm concerned, Krupa is the "World's Greatest Drummer". Krupa could take Rich to school.. I never understand why Krupa was so lambasted by critics and fans. Thanks for posting this!
I started drums at a fairly early age when my mother won a crossword puzzle in a St. Louis newspaper and first prize, oddly, was 3 months free jazz drumming lessons. The clarinet was put aside and I said "sure, let's do it". My teacher was Rick Mason who said he'd learned from gene Krupa. Rick had his own jazz club in East St. Louis and used to sneak me in because I was under age. His favorite drum solo was from "caravan" using fluorescent type drum sticks with the lights out. We moved to California but I continued to play drums. A few bands, lots of jamming, some tours in Europe, worked in a studio in Amsterdam for a while. Even got to meet Elvin Jones some years back, shortly before he passed away. Spent a week in studio with him while recording in Brussels. If ANYBODY knows anything about Rick Mason I would be happy to hear about it. Meanwhile, IMO Gene Krupa was a one-of-a-kind and no matter how many great drummers followed him, he had that something special that stands out and makes hi, I believe, possibly the greatest drummer ever.
Been listening to Gene since I was about 10 in '56 and I first heard those Sing Sing Sing toms on the Carnegie Hall recording and when I see something like the Big Noise cut in the opening of this doc, he puts a smile on my face still..how he uses the kick drum astounds me...the few times I have played full kit, I was working quite hard just to keep the beat, let alone use it to phrase things...
I am 86, I saw buddy rich and krupa and all the big bands of that era live in detroit when I was a teenager.
And I am 85 and saw all the great bands on stage at the 3 great Broadway movie theaters in NY...NY Paramount, Strand and the Capitol. We saw a great stage show and first run movie for 55 cents . Those days will never be but these videos are just priceless. Doing the foxtrot and jitterbug, just hot stuff.
Lucky lol that would of been something to see.
@@thenamelessyeti4583 e digo sorte dele ter visto
How nice Vern!
@@marycarson2923 WHATS < LUCKY LOL > ??????
All of us older aficionados are lucky to see this . If only our parents could look back and see their idols of the past. Internet came too late.
I can say from personal experience that Gene was a great person. That's my father Eddie Shu playing Sax at the beginning of this video. I didn't see him after I was 8 but we spent a lot of time back then on the road with Gene. He was a very nice Uncle. Bought me my first sled when I was 2. Let me play drums with him onstage when I was 4. By the way if you click my picture and scroll down you can see all of this performance and several others of my father with Gene. Aloha, Evan
HOW ABOUT LOUIS BELLSON EY???
LENNART, Yes!!! Talk about a cool guy, and another innovator (he invented the double-bass set up). I was a teenager when my drum teacher told me about Louis doing a drum clinic at a fancy hotel in Portland, OR, so I went. He comes out in a suit (of course), takes off the jacket, and says, "I better take this off. 'Cause I'm going to be doing some sweatin'." Very classy guy.
Evan Shulman That's awesome! There's something about Genes playing that appeals to me in some ways more than the guys with crazy chops....the swing, the tone, the feel, the vibe. Love GK!
Evan Shulman wow!
Nice story Evan.
Krupa had great touch and subtlety he didn't try to dominate the music in way that Rich would. Gene had an elegance and poise sympathetic to the music whilst Buddy exploded all over the tune enforcing his style, technical excellence and insane speed on proceedings.
For me Krupa was fluid meandering river of a drummer whilst Rich was the churning, turbulent Rapids. Whilst Gene looked serene and composed, Buddy on the other hand seemed almost angry and aggressive at times.
Loved them both for all their difference in styles, they were both incredible drummers who have had a huge influence in the evolution of drumming into the modern era.
29 min. into it. Sal Mineo being tutored by Gene Krupa for the movie. Mind you, Mineo was 19 at the time. Totally talented as hell.
What a gracious man he was. He never criticized other drummers; just recognized the contribution they were making in their own way. That's a sign of an authentic human being. Thank you for this video. I never knew all this and I grew up loving and playing this kind of music. I was a young teen in the 50's. Still enjoying this music 70 years later!
In the Jazz Poll Gene Krupa was always number one in every year during the thirties and forties.
Started watching this and couldn't stop watching this. These musicians of this era were all on fire with their talent.
I love Louie Bellson's commentary. What a gracious, humble guy - what a great drummer too.
Luigi Paulino Alfredo Francesco Antonio Balassoni
My Grandfather and Gene Krupa were cousins.My Grandmother told me as a kid.Im TRULY honored to have this Legendary drummer as one my relatives!
My mother is Ceil Dylos and wasn't Joseph Dyko a cousin who looked like Gene? Was Genes mother Anne? I think she was around when I was a baby in 1950 abd she took care of me and lived with my mother in Chicago until she died.
Who was your grandpa? Joesph or Edward Dylo?
Gene Krupa was very encouraging toyoung people who liked to be drummers.
Gene Krunpa was just the most enthusiastic you can tell he really loved .. music.
not just a jazz legend but a legend ,period .
Krupa was the greatest. I saw him perform with his band in Cincinnati,and you got your dollars worth. He made drums a solo instrument.
Gene was proof that you don't need technicality to bring a house down.
Robert Rodriguez YEP.
I can only watch in awe at this great man, what a drummer, what a showman and what a legend Gene Krupa
He played very tricky drum patterns ,very inventive , and always in the overall rhythm of the song
About 70 years ago I was about to enter junior high school . I was amongst of students supposedly with good musical aptitude , and we were going to be the first band and orchestra at J.H.S. 128 in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn . In that group was a (very) few who were really talented. One was named Raymond Bordonaro , who played the drums . He was incredible at it , and his hero was Gene Krupa, who I had never heard of . When we watched, in amazement at
his drumming, he always mentioned Krupa as his idol . I was a very average trombonist , and years later often wondered about Ray, since he was exceptional . Had be gone on to great musical achievement ?; I hadn’t , but my son ( some 50 years later ) has ( Twin Shadow ) , so, I’m really contented to have had my early musical experience and maybe passed some of that on to him. 🎼 🎸 . George Lewis, Sr.
I'm more of a Metal guy, and I've been playing drums for 25 years, but when I hear Krupa's sound, I'm just stunned. English is not my mother tongue, so I lack the words to describe what I feel about his style. It's more than speed or power... It's like hearing each piece of wood and metal sing in harmony. I've seen so many drummers "fight" their drumkit, when it's obvious Krupa was making love to his...
Kaospattern your English is perfect here. You expressed your feelings well. Thanks.
@@finmoc6545 Thanks :)
@Colmillo Blanco Well thanks :) . I'm French ;)
the righ word is ''DRUMMER''
Bien dit. Pure osmose.
I sure am glad that so many folks still love Gene Krupa! I sure do!
As for the whole 'Who was the best drummer?" thing....well the best drummer in the whole world is YOU while you are playing YOUR drums so strive to be the best and be at your drums as often as possible!
When I saw the Gene Krupa Story, I was amazed how Sal Mineo Learned to play drums JUST for the movie. Krupa taught him some stuff but mostly Mineo learned on his own; thats where I got curious about Gene Krupa…I learned to "fly" just like him, but took it to another level.
Great video. Many, many thanks :)
Kamil Krupa
Kamil Krupa
Great comment sir. Thank you.
R.I.P Gene you are a great American.
Joe Morello, Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa, All of them are great Jazz drummers.
don't forget Louie Bellson
Im' 84.I saw Buddy Rich, Benny Goodman, Lionel Hampton, and Louie Armstrong in Srattle and I went to interview Harry James for my Holy Names high school paper in 1954,also Louie gave me his autograph.
Had the pleasure of seeing this wonderful musician perform at the Thebarton Town Hall in Adelaide South Australia in July 1954. 19 years old at the time. Great memories.
Gene, a man who introduced me to music 50 years ago, I still love rock n roll, blues etc, but Gene and Benny, they are embodied in me for ever, life itself.
The greatest influential drummer that ever existed. He'll forever be known as the No. 1 drummer and big band leader.
And also the first showing respect to the fullest to the originators, regardless of ethnicity and background.
And also, he is the inventor of the true drum break, the true base of hip hop culture.
He is the greatest drummer of all time!
Gene was my first inflence on the drums; then came rich and Louie with their power and blinding speed which just floored me. But gene, with his gorgeous rhythms and marvelous touch generated as much excitement as any pyrotechnics ever could. yes, Krupa's playing
lingers in my heart above all
other's .
I started playing at 7 after hearing Benny & gene in the crib since 1951, my parents played them all the time, and I was influenced by Gene since birth.............. I never realized it was his influence that shows in my drumming to this day in 2017. How lucky am I??
I am 70 years old. My father always played this music to me and said , this is real music my son!
Gene is one of my drumming heroes. Loved the way he played. Unmistakeable sound!!!!!
Lionel Hampton for the Show he was the King.....
Thanx for sharing the great document about the great musician.
I love many drummers but Gene will always be the closest to my heart.
BTW - Comparing the musicians is stupid sport very popular amongst the people who never play any instrument.
Wooooow
It takes me back to childhood 70 years ago when I used to listen to these amazing musicians with my dad
For me one of the nicest things about this video is the graciousness and respectful nature of Louie Bellson toward Gene. While people on the "outside" often argue over who is the best or the greatest, the very musicians they are discussing are friends and colleagues who aren't worrying about that stuff...
There in the 1930,s my Dad played Sax with Gene Krupa but the war Came along and then I came along. As a little Kid playing Trumpet it was Gene Krupa and all of the big Bands that were winding down. Buddy Rich could produce a hurricane, but Gene was a beat man and his personality showed well in his Playing. Gene Krupa was Gene Krupa.
damn this is life affirming.
One of the best things I've ever seen in my life
say it !
Very interesting insights from Louie Bellson in these interviews. One in particular, how Gene would plain mostly singles, and would tell Louie and Buddy that he can't do what they do and that they could play rings around him. It's hard to describe what made Gene so great, but it's indisputable that he was considered one of the greatest by fans and colleagues alike.
I met Gene Krupa back in the early 60's at the Metrapole Cafe in New York City. I got to know him real good. I also met alot of other jazz musicins, Like Louie Belson, Lionel Hapton, Henry "Red" Allen, Jack Teagarden, an the list goes on an on plus Sol Yaged who is still playing that clarinet at the age of 92, Oh yes and Buddy Rich of course, But Buddy I met Up Town and In New Jersy.
Massive Respect Gene Krupa, the fruit he brought to the table was good! Can we 'step away' from the age old 'social fo pah' of 'Who is the Greatest?' No one is the 'Greatest', there are only the 'Greats'. Enjoy the ride and the music. For example; Who is to say that... Meanwhile... three thousand years ago,some where in the world, there was a drummer percussionist entertaining the peoples, who, indeed truly, was the Greatest? There was no recording devices and the 'records', proof, and written history of such were lost. Thank the Lord for Gene Krupa; The fact that we 'have the records' of music he left us with, is reason enough to celebrate and enjoy his beautiful contribution to the 'world' and the 'ears' of it. Massive Respect
The most important time in a drummer's life is when they realize that speed and complicated rhythms are merely tools, and the most important things are creativity and applying appropriate beats to fit the music. Super fast complicated rhythms may impress other drummers, but if they don't fit the music they will not impress the crowd. Gene was a ground breaker, and while he may not be as technically advanced as Buddy, IMO he had more creativity and fit the music better. Buddy was great, but too many times I have listened to him play bits that might as well been white noise to anyone other than fellow drummers. Just an old drummer's 2 cents.
I agree 100%
Music is the thing YOU got it.
Concordo com a colocação sobre bateria...mas buddy é o maior!!!
Spot on! This is far more musical, too many drummers suffer from drummers masturbation and it bores the death out of me, a bit like a prog rock guitar solo that goes on ten minutes more than it needs to!
OldGamer Yes, but drum solos aside, when BR plays with a big band, no one can compare. He really knew how to blend and drive the band in a subtle and incomparable way. It is a great testimony to Buddy that he did not allow his spectacular technic to conflict with the band. Gene was a pioneer who paved the way, but Buddy was better. But yes, Gene is great fun.
When I listen to Krupa play in an orchestra, I see the merge from Jazz to Rock. Jazz was all about swing until Krupa entered the scene
Benny & Gene Two of the Greatest King of Swing
of the Big Band era.
I fell in love with Gene Krupa and playing the drums by watching Sal Mineo play him in "The Gene Krupa" story. Little did I know that as an adult I'd be leaving high school to play with a big name rock group. Only now, years later, do I even realize what debt of gratitude I owe these two men. RIP.
tiffsaver OMG. Just watched that film two days ago. Mineo was perfect in it. Haven’t stopped watching CZcams videos of Krupa since then. He’s the man.
@@finmoc6545
Sal did a MARVELOUS job of copping the trademark moves of Krupa, didn't he? Sadly, Mineo was murdered in an alley just behind my apartment in LA. A sweet and talented man. RIP.
@@tiffsaver I knew about the stabbing a long time ago. But behind your apartment? How ghastly! BTW, his biog (by Michael Michaud) is terrific.
The very same thing happened to me! I happened to see "The Gene Krupa Story" on TV when I was 11 years old. That was it. That's what I wanted to do. I am now 67 and still enjoy playing. Thanks Gene!
@@markkryzer110
Movies can change your life. I also saw a movie called "Blow Up" about a photographer, and later became a professional!! Crazy...
Gene, is great! Love This.
What a fabulous drummer - and, clearly, THE inspiration for Keith Moon - visually, at least.
My dad saw GK live, in his prime. I'm jealous. :-)
Gene Krupa is gonna be forever remembered as a Drumming Legend! He seemed like such a good person too. And he effortlessy stunts on them with his showmanship. Much respect.
Can anyone recall a drummer playing on a stringed instrument? His display of talent never seems to end. Fantastic-One would want to dance around forever. Truly miss this era of talent and music.
Bob Haggart and Ray Baddock with the Bib Crosby band were the first to do this.
Can't get enough of this guy and his band.
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ What rhythm..What style....what.a time for MUZZIK!!
My dad was a Big Band style Drummer. Krupa was his Hero. He did a great Sing,Sing,Sing. I remember my Dad coming to one of our Band practices in the early 70's. He sat in an wailed on the drums. I still have his brushes somewhere.
Fantastiskt bra, det var mycket bättre förr. Jag är nu 83 år, bättre musik finns inte. Tack alla människor för en underbar tid. Gustav Larsson
When 1 listens to Blues & Trad jazz, G. Krupa's Methods are in all 20th C. music Styles he was my test but we know is Ur gen' gave great foundations so Thank U,
That bit with the bass was unbelievable
It's amazing how Krupa could go between mix and match hands. Also it's apparent that earlier drummers less inclined to drive the beat with the bass drum as we are taught to do now.
That first set , that drum solo was excellent. Space, accents, rhythm, not all speed, speed, speed. The listener can hear the notes rather than a blurr. Buddy was fast but Gene spoke to the Audience.
Gene was musical. Buddy was fast as hell, but also very competent. I prefer listening to Gene. Buddy is a blast to "watch". My Dad was a Jazz drummer who played with Glenn miller and who idolized Gene Krupa.
Really? Was/ did your dad know Maurice Purtill? I bet you got stories I want to hear!
+RepJock88 I honestly don't know. My Dad passed away about 25 years ago. Divorced from my Mom well over 50 years ago. I do know that it was during the war. My sister told me one of my Dad's sisters has a photo of him jamming with Krupa. We've been trying to get a copy for a while.
This video is unparalleled. Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich were considered the great drummers of their day. They were both incredibly great. What separated Them was the fact that they both had their own individual style.
Human beings are really amazing if you stop to think about it.
Sal apart having a great resemblance with Gene, really nailed his youthful demeanor and spirited energy. Sal really deserved credit of mastering perhaps not the drumming, but the glowing of the great Gene Krupa.
Thid is the coolest drum thread ever,,,you guys talking about buddy & Gene,I'm 53 yrs old so 1962...Kupra from a young guys View,I hear so many things ,Lets start here aI started drumming @ age 12,Loved old black n white movies & Cartoon soundtracks,Three Stooges,Laurel & Hardy and Tarzan,,,following me yet? Big Band let loose songs in movies would get the tempo up band stands up! And the Jungle Drum beat born from drum solo king Gene Crazy Arms Kupra,was put to musical notes big band sound Benny Goodman Gene Kupra,was hot & everywhere! Think about ,Cartoons,That up tempo Swing was The hard of that day,,,lol I'll bet your parents banned it cuz it was the devils music haha,,Admit you guys I'm young but nobody had shit on Kupra he had the beats,and his solo's he'd belt out the tonality & rythm notes keeping the tempo on his drums as the brass section,,,Thus Making Gene Crazy Arms Kupra,,,C'mon say it with me guys,,, A one man Orchestra!
DAMN RIGHT,Now listen to drum solo's of his ,art Blakely,Buddy,Ginger Baker Oh And That LED ZEPPELIN Guy you like,,there's a reason,John Henry Bonham,aka Bonzo Bi-ceps,& does One bass drum rolls like butter,,He will make you think he's got a double bass kit,but nope! My 2nd kit was like his Ludwig Vista Light the shells made of Lucite mine were white but under lights changed colors Bonhams were clear orange/red.But Guys. He also has a son. JASON BONHAM,,,Tunes his drums open ring classic for that big tank effect. BUT THESE DAYS THE PERCUSSIONIST OF MMM THE LAST 35 YEARS IS NEIL PEART OF RUSH,,,He like those that approach the solo with the orchestrated ,Jungle,Tribe off yer butt and on your feet and build that tempo up to Quadruplets sounding like a Dragster is ripping thru your soul. And as for buddy Rich he is the best Imulater,,,But not the Artist nor as talented in any fashion form ,technical, Showmanship as Gene Kupra
THE Originator of the solo,First to use a kick drum,And Zyldian Cymbals as far as adding splash crash & an actual ride Cymbal. Conductor,Writer,Arranger,Production,,,Madman,,,My dad was in the Club business and when i asked him who the crazy arms guy was,He was impressed, and let me stay up to watch Man wiyh the Golden arm,,,And Giant & when your a jet,,ahhh West side Story,,,You hear Kupra Everywhere man.I hope you guys read this I enjoyed reading your thread ,,,Greatness!
That Carvan version at 38 min 15 seconds is absolutely amazing.
Tom
My dad played with Zutty Singleton in 1951 in Switzerland. I was surrounded by jazz at home and when I heard Krupa I fell in love with drums. There were probably technically more skilled players at the time (Rich, Webb, Bellson) but Gene swung. His showmanship hid the fact that he actually was a very musical and subtle player. In music there is no "best" but Krupa is my favourite of all the swing drummers.
I lived in Detroit in 1943-4 era. I saw the Krupa- Rich drum battle live on stage at the downtown theater (they had different big bands weekly) Live was much more impressive. It was bad ass jive. Vern Lauterbach- Lansing Mich.
Vern Lauterbach I was born too late. I LOVE this music & should have been born 30 or more years before I was. Just happy to be alive & listen & sometimes watch it. Heard stories from my parents who were actually my grandparents. They adopted me so there is my EARLY intro into this music. I can't tell you how many 78's she had & the story goes that they met at a dance hall. Must have been GREAT to have lived it.
Os melhores do Jaz, os gênios da bateria e baixo acústico. maneco - Brasil.
GO GENE GO!!
That phrase quickly got turned around to "GO BUDDY GO !! "
+BigBill Lucas I agree, but also agree with Louie Bellson who said he did a lot with less complicated parts that brought the house down.
The girls still wanna dance :) Bernard Purdie said exactly the same thing :)
Just before Louie Bellson pased away I talked to him and he was one of the nicest people i have meet.Gene was alsoe very nice and a spirtual person.Buddy was Buddy but he could be very warm and careful.
Great artists all continue to practice and learn.
Something to be learned for me in that.
One of my favorite performing things is a left handed stick flip with traditional grip... Thanks Krup!
OH! YEAH!!! THE POLISH PRIDE FROM THE SOUTH-SIDE! A BIG PART OF GENE'S GENIUS WAS THAT HE COULD
PLAY MORE MELODICALLY THAN MANY REAL GOOD HORN PLAYERS, THAT AND OF COURSE HE COULD
SWING LIKE NOBODY'S BUSINESS THEN AND NOW!!!💥💥💥
The best drummers we had in my time.
Krupa, invented the modern drummer. No one can really dispute that. There wouldn't have been a Buddy Rich, if not for Krupa. As well, as all the rock drummers. Somebody, had to do it first.
Marc Kroll o k
Concordo mas buddy veio pouco depois dele e veio atropelando todas gerações seguintes. Buddy simplesmente foi absurdo.
Marc Kroll yup. Totally agree. Even Ginger Baker, my fav, who must’ve studied Krupa.
Dino Danelli of The (Young) Rascals learned from Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich, he also toured with Lionel Hampton at 15, he was a jazz drummer first and underappreciated by the press.
A typical white comment who forget who invented jazz drumming, all the great black drummers like Baby Dodds, Chick Webb, Jo Jones, Sid Catlett, Cozy Cole, Sonny Greer, Kaiser Marchall, Hampton, Zutty and others were there before Krupa and without them, he would never have become what he was.
Extraordinario Gene Krupa .Maestro Superclase..
The brilliant Eric Bryce who became very loved music teacher & mentor in a tough high school. The 1st book he had us drummers, practice & study til we could recite play 50% 'The Method' cos any kid who could do more was virtuoso & freak. Eric was keen on xylophone, pianio, brass strings, & Krupa's music was everything t music
Benny Goodman was genius for composing this piece I love everything about it!
How can anyone possibly give this a thumbs down. All are obvipously unaware. Disgracefull.
Krupa was and still is the King of drums to me . However Benny knew music inside and out . His Piano man Teddy was probably the greatest ever. I can just about bet You any piano man worth his salt today was influenced by Teddy . Like Hargus Robbins or Lou Roberts etc . I first heard Gene when I was 7 and started playing myself . I'm 60 now and still playing and I truly miss all of these guys . R.I.P . Heaven definitely has the greatest band . Angels 😇
As an old drummer, I loved watching and listening to Buddy Rich doing his amazing solos...
I always wondered if the men & women in the audience also appreciated his speed like I did ....
Krupa always swung, he was swing personified, as was Goodman, Lionel Hampton and Teddy Wilson and all connected with Oliver,Armstrong,Henderson, Ellington,Don Redman,Bix Beiderbecke, Jabbo Smith, Bunny Berigan,Jess Stacy Teagarden Basie and many others. Steve Allen,narrator and the interviews with Louis Bellson and the priceless films make this video very important to music students and history archives
Got it ! Where's Roy Eldredge in your " who's who" line up ? All in all, what a monster group!
Ich hatte Mitte der 50 Jahre die Gelegenheit Gene Krupa live zu erleben, davon
trüme ich noch heute
This man is a L E GE N D ........ WoW
I was blessed to get to personally know Gene in his last few years of life. Gene Krupa was one of the kindest persons who ever lived. He was also the greatest master musician we ever had. I actually got to watch him practice!!!! I remember how he was so knocked out when I told him how much I loved Zutty, Bix and Bunny Berigan.
My father idolized him! My parents gave me a kit when I was 10 and my dad was so proud that I could play. This was a great documentary and it's good to hear he was a kind person.
My father was a drummer. He also started at around age 9 and was playing strip houses in San Francisco at age 15. He introduced me to Mr Krupa and he remains my favorite drummer, (aside from my dad) He uses a standard kit as compared to the drummers today and his version of Sing Sing Sing was the best. (also aside from my dad)
Hallå Gene Krupa in your haven. I was reminded of you by an old friend. Tanks to him l am now listening to you.
The debate may rage on forever, who was 'better', Buddy or Gene...but I would have wanted to hang out with Gene rather than Buddy because Gene seemed to be a way cooler fellow. Can you imagine chillin' with Gene, roasting phat joints and talking Jazz and Drums? :D
Crazy 8s Drums hell yeah i can :D i think that buddy had edge in speed but gene... man , i can never help myself but smile when i watch him, i just never want to stop watching him. The way he moved , the way he enjoyed music ....buddy didnt have that. Buddy was aware of how good he was and behaved like that.. gene seemed more like he didnt give a damn and just wanted to have fun and enjoy himself :D
Frederik Filo Krupa became part of the music. That is what makes him incredible to watch.
Crazy 8s Drums Gene is more of a showman than Buddy, showed his talent non stop.
I think Rich wasn't a pleasant guy - his ego got in the way. Krupa was the opposite. I really hate comparing them - they both had their styles. But - I really liked Krupa. Maybe because he's the sadder of the two.
Jake Drew His ego? I thought he was quite a modest man and open to people's style..I don't know, but how does his ego gets in the way?
Basically comparing drummers is a futile task, each has his own approach, his own skill set, in the time they lived. Krupa became one of the first drum personalities, succeeding drummers increased the stakes, and as Rich did the tempo. the evolution of jazz determined drumming styles to evolve, each with its own favorite,
DEeMON Everyone is saying that but it's untrue. There are clear strata of talent. Benny Goodman, or any band director can easily rate every drummer he's ever played with. They'll name Gene as best, a couple other guys as "OK," and everyone else as "horrid." If what you are saying was true we'd have more than a tiny number of star drummers, but we don't. We have Krupa, Rich, Ringo, and Bonham, and that's it.
What a great guy, and a fantastic drummer. Sure, the comparison to Keith Moon is inevitable -- and why not? Gene was the first, and the inspiration for many.
You will love this video. Gene Krupa is a great Drummer, and Showman!! Thanks for sharing>
Thank GOD I grew up with this....
MIKE BEST wow. I agree. It fuels the soul.
Saw “The Gene Krupa Story” in the theater with my parents . My father - who looked similar to Mr. Krupa- passed when I was ten, but my mother found a way to give me a set of Slingerlands for my 12th birthday. This documentary is a bit like therapy for the ‘born’ drummer. To one of the commentators, there is a God, and old drummers who know Jesus don’t die.. they just keep on keeping on.
Gene had a "feel" for the drums, Buddy was so contrived as in "I can beat faster". If it hadn't been for Gene Krupa paving the way in 1938, Buddy Rich would have never been heard of.
Fantastic - we're all playing on our drums and practice pads now, right?!
Did you guys notice how Gene was using a lot of hi hat independence (bass drum bombs too!) during the reunion performance with Benny near the end of this vid? (Listen around 46 minute marker on Ding Dong Daddy - you can also see his foot beneath the vibes) - Just what Louie had been saying about Gene: he was practicing the "modern" stuff, always had his ears open. I was only 5 when Gene died, never got to meet him, but I did meet and speak with Louie in the 1980s - what a gentleman! Took the time to talk with me about drums and even asked me what I thought of the new Ping Ride he was trying out. I miss all these guys - what an era...! Thanks for the post Crazy 8s!! It was Gene's playing on Sing Sing Sing 1938 that got me hooked on big band.
Bass players never let me hit their bass like that :)
The trio that started before the 43:55 mark, was truly awesome; they were all ‘in the zone’, and casting a spell over audience.
I notice on that track and others, that Krupa is reflecting to the audience what he is hearing, he is modeling the proper response to the music being played; which is to say, that he was listening even as he played, he wasn’t just ‘performing’, he was enjoying what he was doing, what others were doing. He was inviting us to join him in the music. Wonderful talent.
Edit: I caught Gene on one those reunion tour events at Ravenna Park north of Chicago in 1970 or ‘71. I noticed that the performance degraded significantly after the rather extended break. I suspect the musicians were enjoying some mood-altering elements during their time off the stage. 🙂
This was the tour I actually got to meet Mr. Krupa - a life long treasure.
The virtuosity, talent, and dedication among musicians those days were admirable. The practice, discipline, rehearsals paid off
Love it love It LOVE IT!!!!!
DEMAIS E MUITO MAIS DE BOM O GENE TEM, EXCELENTE MÚSICO, UM MAESTRO, NÃO TEM IGUAL. maneco - Porto Alegre-RS -Brasil.
rs ....bah tche
Glad I found this. Awesome!
Are you watching dad? Your boy’s are playing! :( I miss you dad. The best of the best!
My dad too---had all the Benny Goodman '78's--I learned to dance when I was 2 to these wonderful guys! 🥰
Far as I'm concerned, Krupa is the "World's Greatest Drummer". Krupa could take Rich to school.. I never understand why Krupa was so lambasted by critics and fans. Thanks for posting this!
You know little about drumming sir..
Ah....no
I started drums at a fairly early age when my mother won a crossword puzzle in a St. Louis newspaper and first prize, oddly, was 3 months free jazz drumming lessons. The clarinet was put aside and I said "sure, let's do it".
My teacher was Rick Mason who said he'd learned from gene Krupa. Rick had his own jazz club in East St. Louis and used to sneak me in because I was under age. His favorite drum solo was from "caravan" using fluorescent type drum sticks with the lights out.
We moved to California but I continued to play drums. A few bands, lots of jamming, some tours in Europe, worked in a studio in Amsterdam for a while. Even got to meet Elvin Jones some years back, shortly before he passed away. Spent a week in studio with him while recording in Brussels.
If ANYBODY knows anything about Rick Mason I would be happy to hear about it.
Meanwhile, IMO Gene Krupa was a one-of-a-kind and no matter how many great drummers followed him, he had that something special that stands out and makes hi, I believe, possibly the greatest drummer ever.
Been listening to Gene since I was about 10 in '56 and I first heard those Sing Sing Sing toms on the Carnegie Hall recording and when I see something like the Big Noise cut in the opening of this doc, he puts a smile on my face still..how he uses the kick drum astounds me...the few times I have played full kit, I was working quite hard just to keep the beat, let alone use it to phrase things...