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.
I Left My Heart in San Francisco
Gene Krupa Lyrics
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The glory that was Rome is of another day
I've been terribly alone and forgotten in Manhattan
I'm going home to my city by the Bay
I left my heart in San Francisco
High on a hill, it calls to me
To be where little cable cars climb halfway to the stars
My love waits there in San Francisco
Above the blue and windy sea
When I come home to you, San Francisco
Your golden sun will shine for me
Gene Krupa's song "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" is a song that tells a story about a person who has been away from their hometown and has traveled to different cities such as Paris, Rome, and Manhattan. However, this person still feels lonely and forgotten despite being in other beautiful cities. The lyrics describe how San Francisco is special to them, calling out to them from a hill, where little cable cars climb halfway to the stars. Even though the morning fog may chill the air, nothing stops this person from wanting to return home to San Francisco. The city by the Bay is where their love waits for them above the blue and windy sea. When they finally return to San Francisco, they know that its shining golden sun will always shine for them.
The lyrics of this song are incredibly insightful and relatable for anyone who has ever felt homesick. The imagery that Krupa creates through describing different cities and comparing them to San Francisco shows a deep appreciation for the city and what it means to call it home. Moreover, the song's chorus is catchy, which makes it memorable and adds to the overall impact of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
The loveliness of Paris seems somehow sadly gray
Paris wasn't as enchanting as I thought, and it made me sad.
The glory that was Rome is of another day
Rome's grandeur is a thing of the past, and it's not the same now.
I've been terribly alone and forgotten in Manhattan
I felt incredibly lonely and neglected while living in Manhattan.
I'm going home to my city by the Bay
I'm returning to San Francisco - my home city located by the bay.
I left my heart in San Francisco
I felt an intense emotional connection to San Francisco and felt like a part of me belonged there.
High on a hill, it calls to me
San Francisco, especially the hilly regions, always seems to attract and beckon me.
To be where little cable cars climb halfway to the stars
I want to be where one can see the charming, antique cable cars climb those steep hills, giving it a fairytale-like and glamorous feel.
The morning fog may chill the air, I don't care
The cold misty fog of San Francisco doesn't faze me as I'm so in love with the city, I'm willing to ignore minor discomforts.
My love waits there in San Francisco
My significant other is in San Francisco, waiting for me to come back.
Above the blue and windy sea
San Francisco is situated above the vast, windy sea, which makes it scenic and unique.
When I come home to you, San Francisco
My return to San Francisco is like returning to my one true love.
Your golden sun will shine for me
San Francisco's spectacular golden sun, and warm weather conditions, will welcome me back and make me feel happy and loved.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Douglas Cross, George Cory
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
𝕜𝕦𝕣𝕚𝕜𝕠𝕜𝕒𝕝𝕖𝕚𝕕𝕠𝕤𝕔𝕠𝕡𝕖
..just wanted to say you're the best and YOU are the Rose in that meadow.