Bellson, Louis

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Louis Bellson, one of the great jazz drummers of all time, became famous in the 1950s for using two bass drums simultaneously. He was also well known for his intense 15-minute drum solos, which he demonstrated in his performances with the bands of Benny Goodman (1943 and 1946), Tommy Dorsey (1947-1949), and Harry James (1950-1951), and the Duke Ellington Orchestra. In addition to being able to drive a big band to exciting effect, Bellson can play very quietly with a trio with equal effectiveness. A talented composer, Bellson contributed "Skin Deep" and "The Hawk Talks" to Ellington's permanent repertoire. Bellson married Pearl Bailey in 1952, and the following year left Ellington to be her musical director.

From the description of Louis Bellson collection, 1943-1996 (bulk ca. 1950-ca. 1970). (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 71128287

Archival Resources
Role Title Holding Repository
creatorOf NCSA Jazz Ensemble. NCSA Jazz Ensemble [sound recording]. University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Semans Library
referencedIn Powell, Mel. The Mel Powell papers, 1942-1991 (inclusive). Yale University, Music Library
referencedIn Stanger, Philip. Philip Stanger collection, 1886-1988 (inclusive). University of Chicago Library
referencedIn Louis Bellson collection, [19--?-ongoing]. Museum of Performance & Design
creatorOf W. Royal Stokes Collection of Music Photoprints and Interviews National Museum of American History (U.S.). Archives Center
creatorOf Stanford Jazz Orchestra. Stanford Jazz Orchestra Collection. Stanford University. Department of Special Collections and University Archives
creatorOf Bellson, Louis. Louis Bellson collection, 1943-1996 (bulk ca. 1950-ca. 1970). Library of Congress
creatorOf NCSA Jazz Ensemble. NCSA Jazz Ensemble [sound recording]. University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Semans Library
Role Title Holding Repository
Relation Name
associatedWith Bailey, Pearl. person
associatedWith Basie, Count, 1904-1984. person
associatedWith Dorsey, Tommy, 1905-1956. person
associatedWith Duke Ellington Orchestra. corporateBody
associatedWith Goodman, Benny, 1909-1986. person
associatedWith Greer, Sonny. person
associatedWith James, Harry, 1916-1983. person
associatedWith Krupa, Gene, 1909-1973. person
associatedWith NCSA Jazz Ensemble. corporateBody
associatedWith NCSA Jazz Ensemble. corporateBody
associatedWith Powell, Mel. person
associatedWith Rich, Buddy, 1917-1987. person
associatedWith Stanford Jazz Orchestra. corporateBody
associatedWith Stanger, Philip. person
Place Name Admin Code Country
Subject
Big band music
Jazz
Occupation
Activity

Person

Active 1943

Active 1996

Information

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Ark ID: w65h8nh5

SNAC ID: 16521787