Many consider Krupa to be one of the most influential drummers of the 20th century, particularly regarding the development of the drum kit. Many jazz historians believe he made history in 1927 as the first kit drummer ever to record using a bass drum pedal. His drum method was published in 1938 and immediately became the standard text. He is also credited with inventing the rim shot on the snare drum. Rhythm, the UK's best selling drum magazine voted Gene Krupa the third most influential drummer ever, in a poll conducted for its February 2009 issue. Voters included over 50 top-name drummers
Krupa was born Eugene Bertram Krupa to Polish parents in Chicago, Illinois. He began playing professionally in the mid 1920s with bands in Wisconsin. He broke into the Chicago scene in 1927, when he was picked by MCA to become a member of "Thelma Terry and Her Playboys", the first notable American Jazz band (outside of all-girl bands) to be led by a female musician. The Playboys were the house band at The Golden Pumpkin nightclub in Chicago and also toured extensively throughout the eastern and central United States.
Krupa made his first recordings in 1927, with a band under the leadership of banjoist Eddie Condon and "fixer" (and sometime singer, who did not appear on the records), Red McKenzie: along with other recordings beginning in 1924 by musicians known in the "Chicago" scene such as Bix Beiderbecke, these sides are examples of white "Chicago Style" jazz. The numbers recorded at that session were: 'China Boy', 'Sugar', 'Nobody's Sweetheart' and 'Liza'. The McKenzie - Condon sides are also notable for being the first records to feature a full drum kit.
In 1929 he moved to New York City and worked with the band of Red Nichols. In 1934 he joined Benny Goodman's band, where his featured drum work — especially on the hit "Sing, Sing, Sing" — made him a national celebrity. In 1938, after a public fight with Goodman at the Earl Theater in Philadelphia, he left Goodman to launch his own band and had several hits with singer Anita O'Day and trumpeter Roy Eldridge. Krupa made a memorable cameo appearance in the 1941 film Ball of Fire, in which he and his band performed an extended version of the hit Drum Boogie.
Bugle Call Rag
Gene Krupa Lyrics
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You're gonna brag 'bout the Bugle Call Rag.
Thin or fat, young or old;
Shake their shoulders bold.
You're bound to fall for the bugle call;
You're gonna brag 'bout the Bugle Call Rag.
Hold me baby; Let's syncopate to that blue melody;
Just hesitate while a break they take Shh!
The lyrics of Gene Krupa's song Bugle Call Rag describe the power and allure of the bugle call, a military trumpet signal used to communicate different commands within an army or navy. The song suggests that everyone, no matter their age or body type, will inevitably be drawn to the hypnotic rhythm and melody of the bugle call. The lyrics urge the listener to embrace the music and dance to its beat, experiencing the thrill of syncopation and the joy of being held tightly by a partner.
The reference to syncopation is significant because it was a hallmark of jazz music, which was emerging as a popular genre in the 1930s when Bugle Call Rag was recorded. Jazz musicians often played with the rhythm by placing accents on off-beats or shifting the emphasis of a particular note, creating a lively and unpredictable sound that was perfect for dancing. The lyrics of Bugle Call Rag reflect this sense of energy and excitement, encouraging the listener to revel in the joy of the music and allow it to carry them away.
Overall, Bugle Call Rag is a lively and upbeat song that captures the spirit of jazz and the power of music to move people both physically and emotionally.
Line by Line Meaning
You're bound to fall for the bugle call;
The sound of the bugle is irresistible and will surely capture your attention.
You're gonna brag 'bout the Bugle Call Rag.
The Bugle Call Rag is such an impressive tune that it will make people boast about it with pride.
Thin or fat, young or old;
It doesn't matter what your physical appearance or age is, anyone can enjoy this song.
Shake their shoulders bold.
People will move and groove to the music with confidence and flair.
Hold me baby; Let's syncopate to that blue melody;
Let's dance together and follow the rhythm of the music with syncopated beats.
Just hesitate while a break they take Shh!
When the music takes a break, just pause for a moment and don't make any noise.
While we're dancing please hold me tight; step lively don't lag.
As we dance, hold me close and move your feet quickly with energy and enthusiasm.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BILLY MEYERS, ELMER SCHOEBEL, JOHN PETTIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind