Chicago born, Gene Krupa's drum solo on Benny Goodman's 1937 recording of "Sing, Sing, Sing" elevated the role of the drummer from an accompanist to an important solo voice in the band, and in 1978, he became the first drummer inducted into the Modern Drummer Magazine Hall of Fame | JazzCorner

Remembering Gene Krupa on his birthday, born Jan. 14, 1909! Gene was known as the first showman of drumming. Here he is showing off his stuff in 1947! What drummer of today might Gene respect or be impressed with the most? It's all speculation, f course, but interesting to think about! See more fun, inspiring drumming videos from over 100 countries around the world at www.facebook.com/DrumTalkTV/videos and see all our interviews at www.drumtalktv.com and be sure to sign up for our newsletter! |

Remembering the incredible drumming legend Gene Krupa who born on January 15, 1909. As one of the world's most famous, influential and innovative drummers he was also a band leader, actor, and composer. Gene's contributions to drumming and making the drummer such a prominent focal point of a band or group changed the world of drums and drumming forever. Join me in remembering and celebrating the great Gene Krupa today! What influence did Gene and his drumming have in your life as a drummer? For

Born this week— Gene Krupa (Jan 15, 1909) From his explosive work with Benny Goodman to iconic solos like “Sing, Sing, Sing,” Krupa helped pull the drummer out from the backline and into the spotlight, shaping the sound of swing-era jazz. #genekrupa #jazzlegends #jazzdrums | WBGO

Roy Eldridge was as one of the most influential musicians of the swing era and a precursor of bebop. He was given the nickname Little Jazz; not only because he was short in stature, but he was full of jazz in every note he played. In the 1930s, it was not common for white bands to have a black featured soloist, as was the case with Eldridge; both with Artie Shaw and Gene Krupa's bands. Krupa, on at least one occasion, spent several hours in jail and paid fines for starting a fistfight with a res