Louis Bellson Collection [collection]

Title

Louis Bellson Collection [collection]

Dates Created

Span: 1943-1996

Bulk: 1950s-1970s

Language

English

Form

collection

Physical Description

66 boxes

Abstract

Louis Bellson, one of the great jazz drummers of all time, became famous in the 1950's for using two bass drums simultaneously. He was also well known for his intense 15-minute drum solos, which he demonstrated in his performances with the bands of Benny Goodman (1943 and 1946), Tommy Dorsey (1947-1949), and Harry James (1950-1951), and the Duke Ellington Orchestra. In addition to being able to drive a big band to exciting effect, Bellson could play in a jazz trio with equal effectiveness. A talented composer, Bellson contributed "Skin Deep" and "The Hawk Talks" to Ellington's permanent repertoire. Bellson married Pearl Bailey in 1952 and the following year left Ellington to be Bailey's musical director.

Contents Note

Music manuscripts (scores & parts), printed music, photos, audio and video recordings, business papers, correspondence, diaries, scrapbooks, books.

Note

Recorded sound materials transferred to M/B/RS.

Microfilm available

No

Preferred Citation

Louis Bellson Collection, Music Division, Library of Congress

Access Permissions

Researchers wishing to work with special collections are advised to inquire in advance about availability of material since many special collections are stored off-site.

Copyright

Certain restrictions to use or copying of materials may apply.

Subjects

Arrangers

Jazz Band Music

Drummers

Bellson, Louis

Bailey, Pearl

Basie, Count

Dorsey, Tommy

Goodman, Benny

Greer, Sonny

James, Harry

Krupa, Gene

Rich, Buddy

Duke Ellington Orchestra

Jazz at the Philharmonic

Repository

Music Division, Library of Congress

Last Updated: 09-20-2012