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About Louie Bellson

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Musician

One of the world’s greatest drummers, Louie Bellson has been an exciting crowd pleaser for over 60 years. A well-respected educator and one of the nicest people in the music business, the still-active Louie Bellson is a class act. Born Luigi Paolino Balassoni, Bellson won a nationwide Gene Krupa drum contest in 1940 and was heard by Tommy Dorsey, who was quite impressed. The drummer started at the top in 1941, playing with Benny Goodman; after serving in the military, he worked with the big bands of Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, and Harry James. His trademark was using two bass drums in his set. From the start, Bellson was able to construct fascinating solos that could hold one’s interest for as long as 15 minutes, yet he also enjoyed playing quietly with combos. Performing regularly with Duke Ellington during 1951-1953 made Bellson world-famous and he also gained good reviews for his writing, which included “Skin Deep” and “The Hawk Talks.” After marrying Pearl Bailey, he left Ellington to work as his wife’s musical director but he also performed in many different settings, including with Jazz At The Philharmonic, Art Tatum, Oscar Peterson, the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra, Count Basie, and special projects with Ellington

Article: Interview

Rachel Spencer: Trumpeter Making Artistic Statements

by R.J. DeLuke
September 24, 2026

A person's journey in life that takes them into the world of music and, more specifically, down a path that leads to becoming a professional player and performer is an individual and personal thing. There are some similarities with fellow musicians, but each story unfolds amid circumstances and events that are unique to a given individual. ...

Article: Radio & Podcasts

Classics from Stanley Turrentine, Esther Phillips, and others; newly released music from Cindy Blackman Santana, Seamus Blake, The Scornful Four, and more

by David W. Daniels
July 14, 2026

In addition to the musicians named in the title, this week's show features classic music from Charles Earland, Gabor Szabo, and others. Recent releases include Keith Oxman, Lizz Wright with Kenny Banks Sr., and Joey Alexander with Lisa Fischer. Birthday recognition includes Lee Morgan, Hank Mobley, Derrick Hodge, and more.Playlist Horace Silver “Safari" from ...

Article: Radio & Podcasts

End Of Month Keyboard Special featuring Lonnie Liston Smith, Jackie Davis, Herbie Hancock, The Outernet, and Others

by David W. Daniels
February 3, 2026

This is our end of the month keyboard special, featuring jazz and jazz fusion musicians who specialize in keyboards of all types (piano, Fender Rhodes, organ, clavinet, and synthesizer primarily). This month we're including music from Nina Simone, Don Patterson, Doug Carn, Herbie Hancock, Kandance Springs, and others. As an added bonus, we are closing the ...

Article: The Jazz Files

The History of Jazz Drums: An Archival Treasure Rediscovered

by Hank Hehmsoth
April 2, 2025

In the vast landscape of jazz history, few archives offer the depth and insight found in The History of Jazz Drums--an extraordinary 8-part radio series recorded in 1989. Featuring compelling conversations between Mel Lewis (1929-1990), a master drummer whose swing propelled The Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra and Loren Schoenberg, senior scholar at the National Jazz Museum ...

Article: Interview

Roy Haynes Revisited

by AAJ Staff
November 15, 2024

This article was first published on All About Jazz in January 1999. Roy Haynes is one of the few living legends remaining in jazz. He has been awarded the Danish Jazzpar prize, Grammys, and numerous other awards and polls. Haynes is the most versatile drummer in jazz history, do in most part to his ...

Article: Liner Notes

Hadley Caliman / Pete Christlieb: Reunion

by Thomas Conrad
March 28, 2024

At the end of the first decade of the new millennium, one of the most gratifying developments in jazz is the late blossoming of Hadley Caliman. In 2008, at 76, he released Gratitude, his first recording as a leader in 31 years. It was followed in 2010 by Straight Ahead. They created a buzz on the ...

Article: Interview

Talkin' Square Biz with Arkadia Prez Bob Karcy

by Chris M. Slawecki
October 20, 1997

This interview was first published at All About Jazz in October 1997. This past June, Bob Karcy, President and Founder of the award-winning V.I.E.W. Video company, announced the signings of Dave Liebman, Benny Golson and Billy Taylor to his newly-formed Arkadia Entertainment Corporation. “Just what the world needs, another jazz record label," ...

News: Recording

Trombonist And Educator Emmett Goods Unleashes Debut Release 'Another Level'

July 7, 2023

Dr. Emmett Goods is a trombonist and Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Rhode Island. He has been performing for over 25 years. As a performer Emmett has shared the stage with a wide variety of artists crossing over multiple genres. In the jazz arena he has shared the ...

News: Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: Louie Bellson

July 6, 2023

All About Jazz is celebrating Louie Bellson's birthday today! One of the world’s greatest drummers, Louie Bellson has been an exciting crowd pleaser for over 60 years. A well-respected educator and one of the nicest people in the music business, the still-active Louie Bellson is a class act. Born Luigi Paolino Balassoni, Bellson won a nationwide ...