Gene Krupa (1909 – 1973) pioneered orchestral jazz and Big Band from the flamboyant drum side, pounding tom-toms, high hats, and cymbals through the 30s, 40s, and 50s, as one of the most remarkable percussionists out there.
![Gene Krupa-Big Noise From Winnetka](https://wilderutopia.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2Fr8gvJnhTY2s%2F0.jpg)
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Gene Krupa Quartet performing an awesome version of ‘Big Noise From Winnetka‘.
1967
Rolling Stone: Krupa’s flailing attack, four-on-the-floor bass-drum tattoo and manically funky cowbell work – influenced by New Orleans drummers Baby Dodds and Zutty Singleton – drove Benny Goodman’s innovative Thirties big band to new heights and in the process inspired a generation of future rock giants, including Keith Moon and John Bonham.
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![Sing Sing Sing - Carnegie Hall 1938](https://wilderutopia.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2F0NigiwMtWE0%2F0.jpg)
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Benny Goodman – Sing Sing Sing from Carnegie Hall 1938, with Gene Krupa on drums.
In December 1934, Gene Krupa joined Benny Goodman’s band, where his featured drum work made him a national celebrity. His tom-tom interludes (with their tuneable top and bottom heads) on their hit “Sing, Sing, Sing” were the first extended drum solos to be recorded commercially.
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![Gene Krupa & Buddy Rich Famous Drum Battle](https://wilderutopia.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2Fv-GoQWjH56k%2F0.jpg)
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Gene Krupa & Buddy Rich Famous Drum Battle on the Sammy Davis Jr. Show
![jazz: DRUMMER MAN (1947) - Gene Krupa goes nuts](https://wilderutopia.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2Fk3f377J_o7A%2F0.jpg)
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DRUMMER MAN (1947) – Gene Krupa with his Jazz Trio and with his Orchestra; Carolyn Grey, vocal; Jeanne Blanche, taps.
Updated 21 February 2021
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