Gene Krupa – The First Soloist Drummer of the Swing Era

Do you often identify the swing era with the saxophones and trumpets? After all, who can ever get over Louis Armstrong and his extraordinary trumpet playing skill? Further, Coleman Hawkins on saxophone could sweep people off their feet in no time. It goes without a saying that such exceptionally talented artists and instrumentalists immortalized swing and big band music in the USA. However, at a time when the whole world was swinging to the rhythm of wind instruments, it was Gene Krupa who brought drums to the forefront of the swing era.

Without this good-looking, charming, and talented young man, who could have considered drums to be an integral part of swing music? We may swoon over drummers today but they did not enjoy the same popularity back in those days. Krupa, with his fantastic stage presence, captivating personality, and amazing playing skills, soon became a heartthrob of millions of Americans. In this blog, let us discuss his life and journey to success.

Finding expression through drum playing

Krupa was born to religious parents who had wanted him to become a priest. However, he showed no such religious inclinations and became increasingly fascinated with music, especially playing the drums. While he was still in school, Krupa joined a few bands as drummers. His biggest success came in the year 1927 when Krupa became the first-ever musician to have played a drum set while recording with McKenzie-Condon Chicagoans. Soon after this feat, Krupa became a popular name in the Chicago jazz scene through the 1920s.

Collaboration with Benny Goodman 

After moving to New York, Gene Krupa collaborated with several commercial bands but his association with Benny Goodman would prove to be a turning point in his career. A sensational hit by the Benny Goodman Orchestra, ‘Sing, Sing, Sing’ featured a lengthy drum section by Gene Krupa. Released in 1937, the song further popularized the idea of incorporating drums in the swing and big band music in the USA. However, the increasing popularity of Gene Krupa made Benny Goodman uncomfortable and was conceived as a challenge to the latter’s prominence in the band. In 1938, Krupa mesmerized the audience and stole the limelight at the Carnegie Hall Concert. This was the last straw that would substantiate the fallout between these two musical artists.

Forming his band 

After breaking up with Benny Goodman Orchestra, Gene Krupa formed his band quite quickly. His new band featured prominent players such as Milt Raskin, Sam Donahue, Vido Musso, Floyd O’Brien, and Irene Daye. In 1941, they created ‘Drum Boogie’, a score that is now part of an unforgettable collection of big band and swing music. But, the band shot to fame when Roy Eldridge and Anita O’Day joined and enriched the music group. From ‘Rockin Chair’ and ‘Let Me Off Uptown’ to ‘Thanks for the Boogie Ride’, the band gave back to back hits in 1941 and 1942. However, a drug charge on Krupa affected the band’s popularity, which eventually led to its disintegration.

The final phase in his career 

After working with Tommy Dorsey for a short time and having a reunion with Goodman in 1943, Gene Krupa once again tried establishing a band of his own. Unfortunately, it was short-lived and broke up quickly without garnering much popularity. Despite being a drummer of the swing era, Krupa welcomed and incorporated bebop elements into his musical arrangements. Through the 1950s, Krupa collaborated with trio and quartet bands thereby enriching their drum sections with his passionate and soul-stirring playing.

Conclusion – Initially, drums were considered to be one of the side instruments that caught little to no interest of major artists. However, with Gene Krupa’s arrival, drums no longer remained a rarity in the swing era. With his amazing drum playing skills, Krupa could own the stage and captivate the audience. Further, he set an example before the aspiring artists and showed them how drums could be used as an outlet of expressions. Want to enjoy swing tracks by Krupa and other eminent artists? Then tune into Swing Street Radio today. With an expansive collection of big band and swing music, the radio can take you on a journey.