The (Musical) World Is Diminished

In the LA Times obituaries today:

Louie Bellson dies at 84; Duke Ellington called him “the world’s greatest drummer”

“…Ellington returned Bellson’s high regard, noting, ‘Not only is Louie Bellson the world’s greatest drummer… he’s the world’s greatest musician!’

“Other artists concurred. Oscar Peterson described Bellson as ‘the epitome of musical talent… I consider him one of the musical giants of our age.’

“Bobby Colomby, former drummer for Blood, Sweat & Tears, pointed to Bellson’s pioneering work with the difficult technique of employing two bass drums, saying, ‘Louie had awesome, jaw-dropping technique. And I really don’t think he was ever fully appreciated for what an amazing drummer he really was.’…”