Drum Legends > Louie Bellson
Louie Bellson was described by Duke Ellington as "the worlds greatest drummer". Since then many have agreed with Ellington.
He began drumming in 1927 and at age 17 he triumphed over 40,000 other drummers to win the Slingerland National Gene Krupa contest. He pioneered the use of two bass drums in drumming.
Louie played with Jazz greats such as Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald but he's best known for his work with Duke Ellington. For the past 30 years he has fronted his own Big Band.
Check out this awesome solo for an example of Louie's playing.