Gene Krupa

Neil Peart claimed that Gene Krupa, in many ways, was the first rock drummer. Krupa demanded the spotlight and was really the first drummer to be celebrated for his drum solos, particularly on, "Sing, Sing, Sing." The things Krupa did were easy, fundamentally easy, but he made them look spectacular. He is an American jazz drummer, band, and composer known for his energetic style and performance. His drums solo on Benny Goodman's 1937 recording of "Sing, Sing, Sing" elevated the drummer's role from a backing vocalist to an important solo voice in the band.

Krupa had an influence over big names like Baby Dodds and Zutty Singleton, he drove Benny Goodmans Thirties big band to new heights, and he inspired future rock giants like Keith Moon and John Bonham, who we've already talked about. Krupa, along with Buddy Rich, is the godfather of drum-set artistry as a spectacle, not just a musical performance. Gene Krupa was perhaps the first superstar drummer. The tradition of the show-stopping, arena-scale drummer star turn is unthinkable without Gene Krupa.

Born: January 15, 1909
Died: October 16, 1973

Nationality: American