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He was such an icon amongst jazz percussionists that Singapore music enthusiasts and music-makers accepted him as their idol way back in the 50's. He would be 115 years young if he were alive today.
Even as a school-boy in secondary school, I listened to Gene Krupa in the late 50's when he was with Benny Goodman and their recording of the hit, Sing, Sing, Sing (1937)*. It is the legend that this piece gave birth to swing and it remains my favourite to this day. He also appeared himself in a movie, 'The Glen Miller Story' (1954), played beside Louis Armstrong and 'Basin Street Blues' became cult classic.
Krupa was the man behind the drum kit set up as it became standard equipment for most drummers after him. Zildjian, the drum company, learnt a lot from Krupa. His compositions include, 'Some Like It Hot', 'Drummin' Man' and 'Drum Boogie' the enthusiast's ultimate drum dream.
Even as a school-boy in secondary school, I listened to Gene Krupa in the late 50's when he was with Benny Goodman and their recording of the hit, Sing, Sing, Sing (1937)*. It is the legend that this piece gave birth to swing and it remains my favourite to this day. He also appeared himself in a movie, 'The Glen Miller Story' (1954), played beside Louis Armstrong and 'Basin Street Blues' became cult classic.
Krupa was the man behind the drum kit set up as it became standard equipment for most drummers after him. Zildjian, the drum company, learnt a lot from Krupa. His compositions include, 'Some Like It Hot', 'Drummin' Man' and 'Drum Boogie' the enthusiast's ultimate drum dream.
Gene Krupa: 'Sing Sing Sing'
YouTube Video from: Brian Saunders.
In 1959 when this movie was shown in Singapore, a drumming competition was held to promote it. Louis Soliano who was one of the contestants won the trophy and dubbed The Gene Krupa of Singapore. Until today Louis is still among the top drummers in Singapore.
Mr Krupa recorded with his own orchestra, the famous song, On A Little Street In Singapore and was featured during the period called, The Radio Years [1940's].
He was their biggest influence. Oh yes, and Buddy Rich...
Video: http://www.youtube.com/
*100 most important American musical works of the 20th Century.
Gene Krupa: 'Drum Boogie'
YouTube Video from: Vintage Video Clips
A road named after Gene Krupa.
[From the Facebook page of Graham Hawthorne Drums.]
This article is dedicated to my good friend Cedric Cork.
Cedric was a drummer in Vietnam during the war years.
Read his stories:
Images: Google.
This post was written in 2009.
Buddy Rich is an icon during his days.
ReplyDeleteI love Buddy Rich too and would love to feature him but then it is a blog for Singapore bands and singers, so extreme meandering might not be a good idea.
ReplyDeleteI have also been asked on my email to feature 60s music from other parts of the world. Won't do justice to this blog. Besides I am not familiar with pop world music; also I am struggling with this one.
Andy Young
ReplyDeleteThanks to all the early birds who visited just now: STEPHEN, ROOP, CEDRIC, POH HUAT.
Morning.Thanks.I learnt something valuable.
ReplyDeleteGene Krupa was a truly a good drummer. I saw him in a film portraying him by Sal Mineo,
ReplyDeleteRichard Khan
ReplyDeleteMy brother took me to Benny Goodman when I was very young I woke up when the drummer took a solo. Only found out years later when I was into music that I saw Gene Krupa 🤣😁
Andy Young
ReplyDeleteRichard Khan that must have been a treat for you then. No wonder you became a percussionist yourself. Thanks for sharing Richard. Appreciate you always coming in to tell your personal story, enhancing the post.
James Kwok
ReplyDelete"Gene Krupa was the first superstar drummer." https://www.smithsonianmag.com/.../gene-krupa-a-drummer.../
Andy Young
ReplyDeleteJames Kwok He truly was, yes. Thanks for taking your time to share your magazine page.
Andy Young
ReplyDeleteI have dedicated this posting to one of my favourite Singapore drummers, CEDRIC CORK. Thanks Cedric for your friendship and support.
Cedric Cork
Andy Young Thanks Andy !
Michael Lee
ReplyDeleteI learnt about Gene Krupa in 1959 when I met Lious Solano - Singapore's Gene Krupa at my SIT flat 28A Cumberland Lane. I was just 10 years old. Drums was the second instrument I learnt. That was when I learned that bass & drums were the core foundation of many bands. My dad played the music of that time òn altosaxphone and clarinet. Lious is like aka - music Johnny Walker. In The Mood was one of the iconic songs of that era and still is.
Andy Young
ReplyDeleteMichael Lee thanks for your very interesting reply. Yes, it's true about the drums and bass, distinctive but harmoniously in sync. You are a wealth of information, Mike. 🙂 And I love IN THE MOOD, a favourite really!
Richard Khan
ReplyDeleteAndy Young that was way before I got into music which only happened with the Shadows and Reggie Verghese my mentor
Andy Young
Richard Khan now isn't that sumthin'... to be Reggie's mentor. And your inspiration were the Shadows. Cheers.
ReplyDeleteAndy Young
Always appreciate friends and readers who make positive comments about the topic discussed. Thanks guys for the chat. Keep the talk pouring in... And those who LIKE this post, thanks so much too.
Michael Lee
ReplyDeleteAndy Young I am just simple music researcher who dabble in both live and recording music and some musical instruments and equipment. Another iconic song of that era was Terquila.
Alphonso Soosay
ReplyDeleteThe Awesome Gene Krupa was widely regarded as one of the most influential Drummer in history of popular music. I remember he was very popular for his flashy drumming. And he created a wonderful musical legacy that started with Jazz and he continued on through the Rock & Roll 60’s era.
Buddy Rich was another awesome Drummer that I admired and loved listening to. 🎶🎶🎶.
Andy Young
ReplyDeleteAlphonso Soosay thanks for sharing my friend. You must love this guy, truly an icon and a legend with his percussionist's skill. Appreciate your visit Al. And Michael, thank you also for you comment.
Alphonso Soosay
ReplyDeleteAndy Young Yes, Truly an icon and a Legendary Drummer. We drummers learnt a lot from those who came before us.
Kokkoonjim Boey
ReplyDeleteYes good Old friend forget. Me not.
Andy Young
Yes, I still remember you Jimmy Boey. How are you? Still singing? Cowboy songs too? Stay safe.
THANKS TO THE FOLKS BELOW FOR
ReplyDeleteLIKING N LOVING THIS POSTING:
Freda Hanum
Alphonso Soosay
James Kwok
Stephen Han
Michael Lee
Cedric Cork
Roop Singh
Jennie Law
Richard Khan
Raymond Cho
Michael Fonseca
Ann de Rozario
Somkid Lakhawat
Ben van der Laan-Hatikustia
Poh Huat Tng
Pou Han
Peter Cheong
Ivor Lesslar
ReplyDeleteI always wanted to be a Drummer
for a band but my bandleader said, we already have a drummer but he could do with a guitarist..
Andy Young
Ivor Lesslar and you became a very good lead guitarist; playing for THE QUESTS and with a long stint at a Siglap church entertaining the church goers and fans there. Thanks Ivor for sharing.
Kokkoonjim Boey
ReplyDeleteYes only active in Community Clubs.
Alfonso was a drummer in my band; played at Champion Bar 1062 Anson Road