Drummer, Composer, arranger, bandleader, and educator Louis Bellson was born on July 6, 1924 in Rock Falls, Illinois.

A drummer from a young age, Louie developed a style influenced by the playing of Papa Jo Jones and Big Sid Catlett.

He worked with Benny Goodman in 1943 and went on to perform in the bands of Tommy Dorsey, Harry James, and later Duke Ellington.

The drummer toured with Jazz at the Philharmonic concert series in the late ’50s and 1960s.

Also a talented composer Bellson authored a substantial body of work consisting of hundreds of pieces.

Throughout his career he took on the role of teacher sharing his knowledge in drum and band clinics held at high schools and colleges.

Louie Bellson plays his composition, “The Hawk Talks,” in 1951 with the Duke Ellington Orchestra.