Gene Krupa

Eugene Bertram Krupa (January 15, 1909 – October 16, 1973) was an American jazz drummer, bandleader and composer. Krupa is widely regarded as one of the most influential drummers in the history of popular music. His drum solo on Benny Goodman's 1937 recording of "Sing, Sing, Sing" elevated the role of the drummer from that of an accompanist to that of an important solo voice in the band.

Gene Krupa
Krupa in 1944
Background information
Birth nameEugene Bertram Krupa
Born(1909-01-15)January 15, 1909
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
DiedOctober 16, 1973(1973-10-16) (aged 64)
Yonkers, New York, U.S.
GenresJazz, swing, Dixieland
Occupations
  • Musician
  • bandleader
  • composer
InstrumentsDrums
Years active1920s–1973

In collaboration with the Slingerland drum- and Zildjian cymbal-manufacturers, he became a major force in defining the standard band-drummer's kit. Modern Drummer magazine regards Krupa as "the founding father of modern drumset playing".

Upon his death, The New York Times labeled Krupa a "revolutionary" known for "frenzied, flashy" drumming, with his work having generated a significant musical legacy that started "in jazz and has continued on through the rock era".

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