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.
Massachusetts
Gene Krupa Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'll be there with bells, Massachusetts
Homesick as can be, Massachusetts
Only place for me, Massachusetts
Got a special date
With that New England State
How my heart will knock, Massachusetts
Want to roam around, Massachusetts
In Nantucket town, Massachusetts
I can hardly wait
I hope the train ain't late
You can't guess how much it means for me to be there
Childhood friends and childhood scenes for me to see there
'Neath blue skies above, Massachusetts
With the one I love, Massachusetts
Just like Jack and Jill, Massachusetts
We'll climb Bunker Hill, Massachusetts
Spread the news around
I'm Massachusetts bound
As you walk to Lexington, you think of glory
When those minute men were done, they left a story
Where they speak with ee's, Massachusetts
Boston if you pleese, Massachusetts
Where they can't say can't, Massachusetts
And where Aunt meets Aunt, Massachusetts
Spread the news around
I'm Massachusetts, Massachusetts bound
In Gene Krupa's song "Massachusetts," the singer expresses their longing to return to their home state. The song is full of vivid imagery of the sights, sounds, and feelings associated with Massachusetts. The lyrics begin with the singer anticipating the call of the porter announcing their arrival in Massachusetts, a place they long to be. The phrase "Homesick as can be, Massachusetts, Only place for me, Massachusetts" emphasizes their attachment to their home state.
The singer's excitement builds as they dream of visiting various places in Massachusetts. They plan to visit Plymouth Rock, Nantucket town, and climb Bunker Hill. These locations are not only significant historically, but they also represent a sense of nostalgia for the singer. They look forward to being reunited with their childhood friends and reliving memories from their youth. The singer's love for Massachusetts is evident in the line, "You can't guess how much it means for me to be there."
In summary, "Massachusetts" is an ode to the state that the singer calls home. The lyrics are full of passion and sentimentality as the singer anticipates reunification with loved ones and cherished places in Massachusetts.
Line by Line Meaning
When the porter yells Massachusetts
As soon as I hear the announcement of Massachusetts during my journey
I'll be there with bells, Massachusetts
I'm anxious to be there - bells being a metaphor for heightened anticipation
Homesick as can be, Massachusetts
I've been feeling homesick, but the thought of returning to Massachusetts and its memories is a comfort
Only place for me, Massachusetts
I believe that Massachusetts is the only place where I belong
Got a special date
I have made plans for a particular date
With that New England State
To visit and spend time in New England state
How my heart will knock, Massachusetts
My heart will pound excitedly upon seeing Massachusetts
To see Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts
I am eager to see Plymouth Rock and everything else Massachusetts has to offer
Want to roam around, Massachusetts
I want to wander freely around Massachusetts, taking in its atmosphere
In Nantucket town, Massachusetts
I particularly want to experience Nantucket town in Massachusetts
I can hardly wait
I'm too excited to patiently wait
I hope the train ain't late
I'm counting on the train to be punctual
You can't guess how much it means for me to be there
You won't even begin to understand how important this visit to Massachusetts is for me
Childhood friends and childhood scenes for me to see there
I will revisit some memories of my childhood with my friends in Massachusetts
'Neath blue skies above, Massachusetts
Under the beautiful blue skies of Massachusetts
With the one I love, Massachusetts
With my beloved someone by my side in Massachusetts
Just like Jack and Jill, Massachusetts
Like the classic nursery rhyme pair, Jack and Jill, who ascended a hill, I will also be at the top of a hill - Bunker Hill - in Massachusetts
We'll climb Bunker Hill, Massachusetts
I will climb the historical Bunker Hill site in Massachusetts
Spread the news around
Please let everybody know
I'm Massachusetts bound
I'm on my way to Massachusetts
As you walk to Lexington, you think of glory
As one walks to Lexington, there is a feeling of grandeur that comes to mind
When those minute men were done, they left a story
The brave minute men left a legacy of bravery and courage
Where they speak with ee's, Massachusetts
The distinct Bostonian 'ee' sound in the accent of the people of Massachusetts
Boston if you pleese, Massachusetts
The request for Boston to be referred to as such
Where they can't say can't, Massachusetts
The indomitable spirit of Massachusetts, a state where 'can't' doesn't exist
And where Aunt meets Aunt, Massachusetts
Where extended family members are likely to come together
I'm Massachusetts, Massachusetts bound
Stress on how excited I am to be finally heading to Massachusetts
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ANDY RAZAF, LUCKY ROBERTS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@rayszymarek2920
Another Favorite Gene Krupa arrangement. Gene admitted to saying that this was one of his favorite arrangements when he had his own big band. The late great Anita O day said when she sang this she had a lot of words to get out all at one time. Krupas drums are very recognizeable he had the showmanship and good musicians to make his big band a favorite with all the swing cats and chicks. thanks for posting this gem in big band music.
@l4tix
Catch-22 :)
@michaelfulle
FO4 man!!;!!!
@Kent-qo6xp
The most musical drummer of the twentieth century. Miss you Champ! Kent Vogel A.S.C.A.P WBD
@dfbrand0n120
Casey Kessler sent me. I'd say it's the best Fallout 4 radio mod. Major props to everyone involved.
@MrDavesf
Translator bassist Larry Dekker just gave me a framed version of this 78 for my birthday! Going up on the wall asap!
@WilliamSilva-ml5nw
Played with gusto! This version should be the state's official song!
@mangywolf
Thanks.
@karakorum2007
Brilliant arrengement!.
@WilliamSilva-ml5nw
Guessing, Elton Hill?