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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.
