Mar 2, 2026 9:58 PM
In Memoriam: John Hammond Jr., 1942–2026
John P. Hammond (aka John Hammond Jr.), a blues guitarist and singer who was one of the first white American…
Louie Bellson, known for his dynamic big band drumming, died Feb. 14 in Los Angeles. He had been hospitalized in late January due to a broken hip. He was 84.
Bellson was known for his dynamic big band drumming. He was born in Rock Falls, Ill., on July 26, 1924. His early professional career included a variety of big band stints with, in succession, Benny Goodman (1943, 1946), Tommy Dorsey (1947-‘49) and Harry James (1950-‘51). In 1950, Bellson and former Dorsey bandmate Charlie Shavers co-led a sextet. During 1951-‘53, the drummer joined the Duke ElIington band, replacing Sonny Greer. While with the Duke, Bellson also composed some material that has stood the test of time as Ellington features: “Skin Deep” and “The Hawk Talks.” In 1952, Bellson Married singer Pearl Bailey, with whom he worked as her musical director over the next few years, leading his own band.
Bellson also became a member of the Jazz at the Philharmonic aggregate during different periods (1955, 1967 and 1972). During the mid ‘50s, he rejoined the Dorsey band (1955-‘56), and again in 1964. Big band gigs continued in the ‘60s with Ellington (1965-‘66) and James (1966).
Over the past 40 years, Bellson also developed a reputation as an educator, and leader his own big bands and small groups, serving as one of its principal arrangers. He continued to perform through last year.
Hammond came to the blues through the folk boom of the late 1950s and early 1960s, which he experienced firsthand in New York’s Greenwich Village.
Mar 2, 2026 9:58 PM
John P. Hammond (aka John Hammond Jr.), a blues guitarist and singer who was one of the first white American…
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