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.
Tiger Rag
Gene Krupa Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Where's that tiger! Where's that tiger!
Hold that tiger! Hold that tiger ! Hold that tiger!
Choke him, poke him, kick him and soak him!
Where's that tiger? Where's that tiger?
Where oh where can he be?
Low or highbrow, they all cry now
"Please play that Tiger Rag for me"
Where's that tiger! Where's that tiger!
Where's that tiger! Where's that tiger!
Hold that tiger! Hold that tiger ! Hold that tiger!
Choke him, poke him, kick him and soak him!
Where's that tiger? Where's that tiger?
Where oh where can he be?
Low or highbrow, they all cry now
"Please play that Tiger Rag for me"
The lyrics of Gene Krupa's "Tiger Rag" express a desire to find and capture the elusive tiger. The repeated refrain "Where's that tiger?" evokes a sense of urgency and excitement, creating a lively and intense atmosphere. The verses describe various ways in which the tiger could be subdued, such as choking, poking, kicking, and soaking. It is not clear whether the tiger is a real animal or a symbolic representation of something else, but regardless the song captures the energy and spirit of the hunt.
The second half of each verse adds a new layer to the theme, as it becomes clear that the tiger rag itself is what people are really after. The phrase "Please play that Tiger Rag for me" emphasizes the infectious quality of the music and its ability to unite people from all walks of life. The song's popularity during the Swing Era is a testimony to this fact, as it was enjoyed by both jazz enthusiasts and mainstream audiences alike.
Overall, "Tiger Rag" is a joyful and spirited celebration of the power of music to bring people together and lift their spirits. It is a testament to the enduring legacy of jazz and a reminder of its ability to inspire, energize, and delight audiences of all ages.
Line by Line Meaning
Where's that tiger! Where's that tiger!
Where is that elusive sense of excitement and thrill? Where can we find that wildness of spirit and abandon?
Hold that tiger! Hold that tiger ! Hold that tiger!
Maintain that sense of enthusiasm and energy! Keep that fire burning!
Choke him, poke him, kick him and soak him!
Push yourself to the limit! Get out of your comfort zone and do whatever it takes to feel truly alive!
Where oh where can he be?
Where can we find that sense of adventure and passion that makes life worth living?
Low or highbrow, they all cry now
People of all backgrounds and lifestyles are yearning for that spark of excitement and joy.
"Please play that Tiger Rag for me"
Give us that uplifting and exhilarating experience that we crave! Let us feel that sense of liberation and joy!
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Antonio Sbarro, Edwin Edwards, Henry Ragas, Larry Shields, Sidney Bechet
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Paul Witteman
That krupa intro is one of coolest things I've ever heard. No one played like gene.
ccadp
Most musical drummer in history!
Ray Szymarek
I am a big big Buddy Rich fan. One thing about Gene Krupa and I will say this and Buddy said this in downbeat magazine. Gene could get behind a set of drums and play a solo or a drum break. Nothing Complex or Mind Boggling. But Gene had that ability to make the crowds go crazy and Scream and all the audience excitement. I love Buddy and always always always be a number one Buddy Rich fan. But Krupa had that thing going for him that most definitely identified him as That Ace Drumming Man. That was Gene Krupa in a nutshell.
bobby sands
He was "every man's drummer." He was a player everyone could relate to. Buddy is my all-time favorite and has no equal, and influenced 3 generations of drummers, but Gene influenced the entire music industry.
Ivan Petrov
Buddy Rich said at a funeral "He was not just the best. He was best of the best"
stephen sheldon
He was my hero
Jerry wallop
Spot on ……..👍
fluttertest
Krupa is unexcelled as usual..by NO ONE!
Stephen LaBarber
Gene was the best . It's fun to watch him drum now when I watch Buddy I wonder which band member he will yell at for not watching him drum.
Jerry wallop
Are you a drummer….?