Louie Bellson Legacy

I was a friend of Louie since the ‘70s but started as a fan. He was a beautiful man; I loved him as vf a person.
I met him when my band Vanilla Fudge was on the Joey Bishop Show. Louie was in the (house) band. I had a beautiful oversized drum set with 2 26-inch bass drums.
Louie was so nice and gave me his number. “My name is just Louie,” he said. “... I play double bass too.” It didn’t even register to me, duh, Louie double bass. Then while I was changing in the dressing room, his number on the piece of paper fell out. It read “Louie Bellson.” I flipped out! I went back and said, “Why didn’t you say you were Louie Bellson?” He was so nice. He replied, “I don’t like pulling my weight around to people.” That was amazing.
He invited me to his home around Tampa exit in the valley. We then became friends. That was 1969.

Note: This testimony was sent to Mrs. B, who gained permission to post it here.

I loved the "Why Don't You Do Right" video and did spot the stick twirl by Louie. Imagine if he had dropped it and the director was told they would have to re-shoot because that young drummer messed up! And how interesting to see a bass sax in the section.

You are wonderful Mrs. B and we are all the happier and lucky to have you at the wheel! Keep it coming. Thank you! Alex in New Zealand

Thank you Mrs. B for keeping me in the loop1 Please be careful and stay healthy in these most unusual times. Louie remains to be without a doubt one of the most gifted, inspired, and inspiring musicians I've ever heard. He also was one of the finest humans I've ever had the privilege of knowing..

Please stay healthy, Mrs. B. You bring us so much pleasure with the posts.

Dear Mrs B., thanks for the videos. Louie has always been one of my favorite drummers. I feel fortunate that I got to see him at the Eastman Theatre in Rochester, N.Y. many years ago. It's a night I'll never forget. I hope you and yours are feeling well, and thank you again. Ross Moe

Dear Mrs. B, thanks for keeping the web site going and for your messages. Upbeat items are very scarce these days which makes the bit of sunshine you send all the more important.
best wishes,
Monk Rowe
Fillius Jazz Archive

Hanging inside listening to Count Basie Jams with Louie!

Mrs. B you are the greatest and it's essential to Louis to enhance the legacy of this fantastic drummer!

K Hines

Thanks so much for these super videos! We feel so privileged to have met Louie and Mrs B when he was playing on Crystal Serenity. My wife and I loved the music and the time spent with Mrs. B. Thanks for your efforts to keep the legend alive! Sending you our best!