Louie Bellson

I first watched Mr. Louie Bellson play with his Big Band at Shoreline in Mt View. Simply the most talented drummer I have ever watched. I have seen many drummers including the great Budy Rich. A Musical Genius with the drums Mr. Bellson was. I never herd such wonderful music from the drums before. I then saw Mr. Bellson again at a small club in Santa Cruz called the Kuwamba Club. I got there plenty early and sat front row and dead center of Mr Bellsons drum set. What a treat it was, I was in heaven. Then I got a chance to meet and talk with Mr Bellson for about five minutes. This wonderful man was a sweetheart, He left a great impression on me forever! Thank you Mr. Louie Bellson for being a wonderful Man and simply the best drummer that ever lived.
God Bless You Mr. Louie Bellson

Louie Bellson was, maybe, my first drum idol. Sure, I loved Gene Krupa, but the fact that Louie could write music, in addition to being an astonishing drummer, was what impressed me. I remember the first time I heard SKIN DEEP by the Ellington band, I listened in wide-eyed amazement! And then to learn that Louie was also the composer and arranger of the piece, well that just knocked me out. He was a real inspiration.

I am so fortunate to have seen Louie and his band play at Carmello's in Sherman Oaks in June
of 1981. The place was packed and crammed with
drummers who were virtually a Who's Who in L.A.
I stood and watched Louie's virtuosity and energy alongside the great Jake Hanna. Harvey Mason was there as well as Irv Cottler and Murray Spivak. Louie recognized all these gentlemen as his peers and friends. It was a night I'll never forget. Louie transcended music and drumming. I grew up like others watching him on Johnny Carson. His energy and
his enthusiasm inspired so many. He was also a
testament to clean living and goodness to your
fellow man. He was simply the very best.

Thanks for the nice remembrances of Louie. I have nothing but sad, grateful, and warm feelings for the memories of Louie: At Concord with Bobby Shew, Dante's long after dark, and cruises with my wife Tobi meeting the great one.
His music so wide and fine from his sticks and pen, on vinyl and cds. The easy swing of Melody for Thelma by Blue Mitchell with Louie running the changes and that wonderfully light loving cymbal ride. Bye Louie, thanks for the greatest of pulses and warmest of smiles. Alex in NZ

I loved Louie Bellson as a human being and as a drummer.I first met him at a drum clinic in 1970 when I was 15.I saw him again at Dantes and he remembered my name!Ileft my address with a band member. A couple of days later I received a beautiful letter from Loiue.recently,I saw him at a clinic at the Remo Factory. He demonstrated different odd meters at the same time with each limb.I gave him a thank you note for all the years. Again within a couple of days he wrote me.He wrote that he was a Christian brother.I know he is in heaven.He was the Fred Astaire of drumming, The most graceful and beautiful drummer, and human being. Thank you Louie!