Louis Bellson Collection Span: 1943-1996 Bulk: 1950s-1970s English collection 66 boxes Louis Bellson, one of the great jazz drummers of all time, became famous in the 1950's for using two bass drums simultaneously. He was also well known for his intense 15-minute drum solos, which he demonstrated in his performances with the bands of Benny Goodman (1943 and 1946), Tommy Dorsey (1947-1949), and Harry James (1950-1951), and the Duke Ellington Orchestra. In addition to being able to drive a big band to exciting effect, Bellson could play in a jazz trio with equal effectiveness. A talented composer, Bellson contributed "Skin Deep" and "The Hawk Talks" to Ellington's permanent repertoire. Bellson married Pearl Bailey in 1952 and the following year left Ellington to be Bailey's musical director. Music manuscripts (scores & parts), printed music, photos, audio and video recordings, business papers, correspondence, diaries, scrapbooks, books. Recorded sound materials transferred to M/B/RS. No Louis Bellson Collection, Music Division, Library of Congress Bellson, Louis Music, papers, and recordings of the great jazz drummer. Researchers wishing to work with special collections are advised to inquire in advance about availability of material since many special collections are stored off-site. Certain restrictions to use or copying of materials may apply. Arrangers Jazz Band Music Drummers Bellson, Louis Bailey, Pearl Basie, Count Dorsey, Tommy Goodman, Benny Greer, Sonny James, Harry Krupa, Gene Rich, Buddy Duke Ellington Orchestra Jazz at the Philharmonic Performing Arts Encyclopedia scdb Music Division, Library of Congress IHAS 120920 loc.natlib.scdb.200033662