So smooth, NO wasted motion, the Man is a genius on traps!

One of the most lovely drummers in the business play just like his personality kind and loving a true American legend

Not only did he pioneer the double bass, but he also directly contributed to the Zildjian New Beat hi-hats!

Long before ANY of the modern rock drummers, Louie Bellson was the FIRST to use Twin Bass drums!

These are the guys every aspiring drummer should listen to, why? Musicality!

Keep in mind he was 70 in here. Dude was a beast. Every rock and metal fan should know who Louie is. You can hear many patterns and fills in this performance that many modern metal drummers use to this day. The double bass, the 4 sticks, how much more metal could it get xD? A true legend, exceptional drummer and human being.

70 years old back in 1994... I wonder what he might think watching SO many uneducated (and egotist) colleagues claiming that "Less is always more" lol AMAZING, outstanding performance of a TRUE innovator of our beloved Art of Drumming!!! thank you for sharing!

I love this master drummer.

Why don't the late night shows still book amazing musical talent like this? Instead we see an endless parade of actors and actresses I've never heard of.

Louis was as a wonderful and human being as he was a great drummer. He was a friend and I still miss him to this very day. -GREG BURROWS

Had the pleasure of meeting him and his wife at a restaurant many years ago when I was in college. Two of the nicest people I have ever met. On their way out, Ms. Bailey asked if I knew who she was as our eyes met and I smiled. I said I absolutely know who you are! She smiled and they left. My friend and I finished our breakfast then got up to pay only to find out Ms. Bailey paid for your breakfast that morning. Truly a class act they were..

Way ahead of his time double bass drum set up long before it was fashionable superb inivater

He always looked happy when he was playing.

And who doesn’t love his vibes grip??

heck he was only 70 years old then!

A cheerful countenance as always. Such substance, control and finesse. Double bass drums add that extra dynamic. Louie marked an epoch in drumming history. Thanks for sharing. Conan plays guitar, incidentally.

Such a gentleman with class! He presents himself in such a warm way that you have to smile along with him. He can persuade the drums and cymbals to give their best without beating the life out of them. What a master! I love watching him in other videos in which he and Joe Morello each try to be more humble than each other. What a pleasure to watch and listen to. I've never heard anything negative about him or about Joe.

I was lucky to attend three of Louie's drum clinics, and see him in performance at least three times. Met him, and he was a true gentleman, so friendly. He autographed my album cover of Duke Ellington with Skin Deep on it and told me they recorded it in an auditorium to get that big sound. I also 'won' a signed drum head at one of his clinics. My personal favorite drummer of all time.

I'm so sorry that I'm 35, played since 15, and just found out about the origin of double kicks and what real drum talent looks like. 👏

Holy shit. That made me cry. My new favorite drummer. He had an edge over Buddy Rich in the double kick and double stick components. Not quite the speed or stamina of Rich but definitely more creative. R.I.P.

I saw Louie and his band twice at Ronnie Scott's in the late 70s, when I started playing drums. I also saw him doing a drum clinic with Harvey Mason at The Fridge/Brixton. When I saw him at Ronnie's the album Matterhorn had just come out in which Louie shared the seat with Billy Cobham (this is an amazing album). But Billy Cobham's name is never mentioned in the credits for some reason. At the Ronnie Scott's gig Louie walked past me and I reached out and said hello to him (and as everyone says who's ever met him he was super friendly and put his hand out to greet me). 'That was Billy Cobham on Matterhorn, wasn't it?' I asked him. 'yes it was,' he replied, 'and he was great guy to work with!' Anyway.. - that's my Louie Belson story!

One of the best drummers!!

A true musician. He was a powerhouse, and a huge inspiration for me and all double bass drummers alike. I aspire to be that good one day!

Like Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa and so many other legendary drummers ! Louie Bellson is always an inspiration and an amazing drummer

Every Time I Got the Chance to See Louie Bellson Play Live in Chicago He Never Let Me Down in His Showcasing His Gift of Playing His Drum Kit. I Would Get the Chance to Talk to Him In Between His Set's Of Playing People would Always ask Me How Long had I Known Louie and His Wife Francine Bellson. He and Francine were Always Friendly Toward Louie's Fan's. Rest In Peace Louie, You Are Truly Missed My Friend.

Had the pleasure of seeing him so many times I cant count, AMAZING ......

Four sticks, amazing solo, Louie Bellson was right up there with the late greats, Mr. Gene Krupa, Mr. Buddy Rich and Mr. Barrett Deems.

I honestly believe Louie is the only one who really give Buddy a run for his money!

Not to mention, so many of the greats are gone; these types of musicians are few and far between in this day and age.

Not only a great drummer, but a great story teller too

He looks like he’s having so much fun, makes it so much better, and FOUR STICKS IN THAT SOLO!!!!!

being a drummer,Im very surprised to have not heard his name before..All I mainly heard about were Gene Krupa & Buddy Rich being the best drummers but man this guy is right up there as well..and to think I stumbled on him by curiosity when I googled who the first double bass drummer was

Mr Bellson, forever on my personal Mt Rushmore of favorite drummers.

Love you Louie!!!!Saw him in Anaheim, CA with the IJE (International Jazz Educators). What a PHENOM drummer, one of the first to use double bass drums, too.

One of my idols..... 4 sticks for you. BRO❤

One of the few from his generation of drummers, to use the big kits. Most used 4 or 5 piece kits.

I saw Louie at Concert by the Sea in Redondo Beach. What a performer!

I like when I know I'm hearing a great band within one beat. Note James Brown with Louie Bellson on Soul on Top, very underrated album.

I had several opportunities to hang out with louie. He was always a perfect gentleman.

Forever In Our Hearts Mr. Louis Bellson (July 6th, 1924 - February 14th, 2009).. Miigwich for your inspiration comrade! R.I.P.

Such a class act.

The Prophet of the modern Death metal Drumming :D

Max's personal hero! Wow! You can really see it. Louie is Top 3 of all time.

the old dudes playing jazz drums are the best

Glad I got to see and meet the man once!

All-time great drummer......with a smokin' hot jazz big band behind him!!

Absolutely amazing, my new favorite drummer

What a Great Man... I met him right around this time... I cherish that photo with him

wow...love this guy!

Thanks for the upload! I've seen this so many different ways...The Duke Ellington recording is amazing!

Double bass drums ... the guy was a legend! Awesome video!

Great great great LOUIE The legend!!!!!!!!

A beloved and inspirational master musician.

For those drummers who think that either the cross grip or match grip is better, should pay attention Louis. He can do both and he can play match grip with FOUR sticks. A great drummer never leaves out anything that works.

Louie!!!!!❤❤❤

AND HE DID ALL THAT WITHOUT SCREAMING ON THE BUS.

Fantastic ❤

Music like this is life!

Awesome!! Love his kit

Incredible. What more can you say?👏

At age 70, a perfect performance. He came to the Sparks Nugget as Pearl Bailey's drummer. I had no idea...

Best hands in the business

Dudes doing blast beats !

I wish this dude lived long enough to meet El Estapario Siberiano

Fantastic!!!

None other than Duke Ellington declared that Louie Bellson was the GREATEST JAZZ MUSICIAN IN THE WORLD, meaning he was not only an unbelievably talented trap drummer, but also a virtuoso percussionist who played xylophone, vibes, orchestral timpani, and every other percussive instrument. A skilled pianist, Louie composed *hundreds* of songs and arranged countless more. Louie was indeed a consummate musician. (He was also greatly admired by Buddy Rich. )

Phenomenal!!!😎

God bless him thank you🙏!

What a rare talent!

👍👍👍👍👍👌 The guy who made me want to play double kicks. 😎 Abide

Amazing 👏

SUPER

One of the all time masters! Just makes you want to go out and get that 2nd kick!

Incredible solo!

3:25...The original "4 sticks".

An all time great drummer.

Oh my God what a talent he was! And playing with two sticks in each hand? Heck I have enough trouble keeping control of one stick in each hand let alone two! Louie could hold his own with all the greats in drumming with the plus by all accounts he was a nice guy too.

This is awesome. Got a guy in our area that teaches Louies style .

Just class.. Louie..R.i.P

This is fantastic. Thanks. BB

Louie, Buddy, and Neil, ........1,2,3 ever . In any order you want. Does not matter does it.

Magical

His drumming was like Eric Clapton’s guitar and Al Jarreau’s voice. Just unbelievably smooth

The four stick work is incredible.....and as for the rest!!!

Incredibly Fantastic!!!

Awesome!!

we metal drummer owned to this legend...

I would say that the people who control todays late night shows book who they think are great musicians? Talent like Louie Bellson and the late Buddy Rich and Maynard Ferguson and a host of others are gone. Their memories are with us and will remain with us. Unfortunately today you see a lot of entertainers that are flash in the pan acts. They are hot for a while and then they fade out. Talent like Louie Bellson and Max Roach and Joe Morello will SUSTAIN and last forever and ever. Unfortunately its not worth staying up late to see any one that really is a stand out in entertainment.

Threy all are good!!and then comes the best:l.bellson!!

The last of the true innovators

Amazing control

Love Bellson!

Respect !

Master!!

Right there with BR

Hervorragend !

Awesome I tried that 4 sticks thing once or twice and ended up with big blisters on both hands. LOL

That's what I'm talking about !!! Old school working the snare get beet up Dennis Stone drumming

Louie came from from an era ,where drummers rarely used big kits like this. Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa, Sonny Payne, Rufus Jones, usually played 4 or 5 piece kits only.

frantic and manic sounding