Krupa, Gene
Krupa, Gene
biographical name(born Jan. 15, 1909, Chicago, Ill., U.S.—died Oct. 16, 1973, Yonkers, N.Y.) U.S. bandleader and the first great drum soloist in jazz. Krupa had worked with Eddie Condon (1905–73) in Chicago before moving to New York City in 1929 and joining Benny Goodman's big band in 1935. He quickly became the best-known drummer of his day, famous for the showmanship and technique displayed in extended drum solos such as that in “Sing, Sing, Sing.” He formed his own successful band in 1938, featuring trumpeter Roy Eldridge and singer Anita O'Day (1919–2006). Krupa's energetic playing became the model for many drummers of the swing era.
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