TROPICAL JON: MY IDOL, MR. GENE KRUPA

Gene Krupa (January 15, 1909 – October 16, 1973)

According to Wikipedia: (Gene Krupa)  was an influential  drummer and and composer, known for his highly energetic and flamboyant style. NO KIDDING!!!--This cat was not only "energetic and flambouant"

--He was the innovator of the BIG BEAT SOUND (IMHO)!!!

GENE KRUPA SAMPLE: CLICK ON HERE

Gene started out in 1927 with Eddie Condon and Rod McKenzie. Krupa made his first recordings in 1927. His use of a "full drum kit" on the Condon recordings was really innovarive at the time . Eddie Condon describes what happened in the Okeh Records studio on that day (in 'We Called It Music' - pub: Peter Davis, 1948):

Mezzrow (Milton "Mezz" Mezzrow) was helping Krupa set up his drums. 'What are you going to do with those?' Rockwell (Okeh's 'A&R' man in the 1920s) asked. 'Play them,' Krupa said simply. Rockwell shook his head. 'You can't do that,' he said. 'You'll ruin our equipment. All we've ever used on records are snare drums and cymbals. (From Wikipedia)

HEY--The rest is HISTORY!!!

SING SING SING--CHECK IT OUT!!!

MY FAVORITE GENE KRUPA MOVIE CLIP--BALL OF FIRE 1941

(CLICK HERE TO) CHECK OUT THIS GENE KRUPA VS. BUDDY RICH BATTLE!!! 

Detroit's FAVORITE rock drummer, Johnny "Bee" Badanjek (far right) likes Gene, too!!!

(Photo used with permission, Thanks, Bee)