Born in Chicago (January 15, 1909 - October 16, 1973), Gene Krupa may not have been the most advanced drummer of the 1930s - but he was in some ways the most significant. Prior to Krupa, drum solos were a real rarity and the drums were thought of as a merely supportive instrument. Gene Krupa made history with his first record. For a session in 1927 with the McKenzie-Condon Chicagoans, he became the first musician to use a full drum set on records. In December 1934 he joined Benny Goodman. Krupa,

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

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

How about a drumming battle for Christmas? Here's Buddy Rich and Gene Krupa in a really great drum battle on the Sammy Davis Jr. show in 1966. Gene is known as the first drumming star and Buddy as the greatest drummer ever. Enjoy this little gem of drumming. For more information on my drumming lessons, send me a message here on FB or via www.danielbedarddrums.com/en/lessons | Daniel Bédard Drums