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.
Drum Boogie
Gene Krupa Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You hear the rhythm rompin'!
Boogie!
You see the drummer stompin'!
Drumboogie, drumboogie,
Boogie!
It really is a killer!
Drumboogie, drumboogie,
Boogie!
You hear the rhythm rompin'!
Boogie!
You see ther drummer stompin'!
Drumboogie, drumboogie,
Drumboogie!
It really is a killer!
Drumboogie, drumboogie,
The drum boogie woogie.
You hear the drumboogie!
The song "Drum Boogie" by Gene Krupa is a lively and upbeat song that will have you tapping your feet and dancing along. The repeated refrain of "Drumboogie, drumboogie" helps drive the song forward with the relentless energy of a drummer pounding out a rhythm on his kit. The first verse emphasizes the drumming rhythm with the lines "You hear the rhythm rompin'!/Boogie!/You see the drummer stompin'!" The second verse repeats this declaration of the drummer's prowess with the variation of "You hear the drumboogie!"
The song serves as a tribute to the art of drumming and highlights the skill and creativity of the musician, Gene Krupa, who was widely regarded as one of the greatest jazz drummers of all time. Krupa was known for his energetic style, flair, and showmanship on the drums, and "Drum Boogie" captures the essence of his playing perfectly. The song is a perfect example of the style and sound of the swing era, with its emphasis on danceable rhythms and playful melodies. It's no wonder that "Drum Boogie" remains a classic jazz standard and a favorite among swing enthusiasts today.
Line by Line Meaning
Boogie!
The lively music is playing!
You hear the rhythm rompin'!
The beat is strong and energetic!
Boogie!
The music continues to play energetically!
You see the drummer stompin'!
The drummer is playing with great enthusiasm!
Drumboogie, drumboogie, Drumboogie!
The drum beat is a mix of boogie and woogie styles, and it sounds amazing!
It really is a killer!
The music is so good it's almost deadly!
Drumboogie, drumboogie, Drumboogie!
The drum beat is so good it deserves to be repeated and celebrated!
The drum boogie woogie.
The drum beat is a unique and exciting blend of different styles.
You hear the drumboogie!
Listen up and enjoy the drum boogie woogie!
Writer(s): Roy Eldridge, Gene Krupa
Contributed by William N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@rayszymarek2920
Here is the prime reason why so many fans went to Gene Krupa in a big way. He had that showmanship and above all he surrounded himself with all good players in that Gene Krupa Big Band. The song here Drum Boogie was played a zillion times by many bands small groups. Many imitated this. but Gene Krupa had that Style that Showmanship that made everyone realized that the drummer was a precious man. Put the drums up front. Thank you Gene.
@adeladevere2013
I wish someone would bring back classy nite clubs like this again. :)
@jackanthony976
It is a nonprofitable endeavor.
@patrickryan1515
"Ball of Fire", another brilliant pairing of Stanwyck and Cooper --their chemistry was something else. And this nightclub scene where Cooper finds her is one for the books. Stanwyck could interact with the best of the best as she does here with not only Krupa but the entire band. Martha Tilton's voices suits Stanwyck's persona to a "T". 4/2019
@MOGGS1942
Ms Stanwyck was something special.
@christianlorre
Gene Krupa is so awesome, he can even make you forget about Barbara Stanwyck being so hot.
@kystars
People want to talk about Buddy Rich etc, but Gene Krupa had the beat, and wow look at him here, so fast and accurate on the drums. my favorite drummer of all time.
@hebneh
One of my all-time favorite scenes - the nightclub set with the underwater motifs, the costumes, the orchestra, the fantastic song itself! As Barbara says at the end of the first performance - "Yeah!"
@magovenor
It amazed me how much the singers voice actually sounded like Ms. Stanwyck's!
@TheGooner01
Greatest drummer of all