L
Music
Louis Bellson
1924–2009Rock Falls, ILItalian American descendantHistoric
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Why Included
Duke Ellington's drummer
Biography
Duke Ellington's drummer; innovated the double bass drum; born Luigi Paulino Alfredo Francesco Antonio Balassoni; married Pearl Bailey. Grammy Award winner; innovated double bass drum; played with Ellington, Goodman, and Tommy Dorsey
Notable For
- Duke Ellington's drummer
- innovated the double bass drum
- born Luigi Paulino Alfredo Francesco Antonio Balassoni
- married Pearl Bailey
Honors & Recognition
- Grammy Award winner
- innovated double bass drum
- played with Ellington, Goodman, and Tommy Dorsey
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Louis Bellson Italian?
Yes — Louis Bellson is of Italian heritage with roots in Italian. Duke Ellington's drummer
Explore the wider history of Italian Americans.
Suggest a Correction
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Quick Facts
- Field
- Music
- Specialty
- Jazz
- Years
- 1924–2009
- Birth Place
- Rock Falls, IL
- Origin
- Italian American descendant
- Regional Ancestry
- Italian
- Biography Review
- Verified
- Ancestry Verification
- Needs Review
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