Louie Bellson

thumb|Louie Bellson Louie Bellson (born Luigi Paolino Alfredo Francesco Antonio Balassoni, July 6, 1924 – February 14, 2009), often seen in sources as Louis Bellson, although he himself preferred the spelling Louie, was an American jazz drummer. He was a composer, arranger, bandleader, and jazz educator, and is credited with pioneering the use of two bass drums. Quotes about Louis Bellson At only the age of 15, Louie Bellson asked a question that would change jazz music forever: What if one bass drum just isn't enough? After pioneering the technique of playing two bass drums at the same time, Bellson became ingrained with the most influential big bands of the '40s, including those around Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman, Harry James, and Duke Ellington. Consistently blending genres in his work, Bellson also wrote a Broadway musical, Portofino. Mary Siroky External links Category:Jazz musicians Category:Drummers from the United States Category:People from Illinois Category:1924 births Category:2009 deaths