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Gene Krupa (Janu… Read Full Bio ↴Gene Krupa
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Gene Krupa (January 15, 1909 – October 16, 1973) was a famous and influential Polish-American jazz and big band drummer, known for his highly energetic and flamboyant style.
Krupa was born in Chicago, Illinois. He began playing professionally in the mid 1920s with bands in Wisconsin.
He 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: these sides are now recognised as the first, and definitive, examples of white "Chicago Style" jazz. The numbers recorded at that session were: 'China Boy', 'Sugar', 'Nobody's Sweetheart' and 'Liza'.
In 1943, Krupa was arrested for possession of marijuana and was given a brief jail term. After his release, Krupa reorganized his band with a big string section, featuring Charlie Ventura on sax. It was one of the largest dance bands of the era, sometimes containing up to forty musicians. He gradually cut down the size of the band in the late 1940s, and from 1951 on led a trio or quartet. He appeared regularly with the Jazz At the Philharmonic shows.
Krupa largely went into retirement in the late 1960s, although occasionally played in public until shortly before his death from leukemia in Yonkers, New York. He was buried in Holy Cross Cemetary in Calumet City, Illinois.
Tiger Rag
Gene Krupa and His Orchestra 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 to Gene Krupa and His Orchestra's song "Tiger Rag" are quite simple, yet intriguing. The repetition of "Where's that tiger" and "Hold that tiger" creates a sense of urgency and excitement. The line "Choke him, poke him, kick him and soak him" adds a touch of violence to the song, possibly referencing the ferocity and power of a tiger.
The true meaning of the song is a bit of a mystery, as it was originally an instrumental piece written by the Original Dixieland Jazz Band in 1917. The lyrics were later added by Harry DaCosta in 1931, and have been recorded by many artists since then. Some fans speculate that the lyrics are a call to action, urging the band to play the song with as much energy and passion as they can muster.
Overall, "Tiger Rag" is a lively and upbeat tune that is sure to get listeners' toes tapping and heads nodding along. The repetitive lyrics and catchy melody make it a popular choice for sporting events and celebrations, and it remains a beloved classic in the jazz genre.
Line by Line Meaning
Where's that tiger! Where's that tiger!
Where is the excitement and energy that we need to really make this performance great?
Where's that tiger! Where's that tiger!
We can't settle for mediocrity; we need to channel our inner tiger and really go all out.
Hold that tiger! Hold that tiger ! Hold that tiger!
Let's hang onto that fierce energy and not let go - we need it to really bring this song to life.
Choke him, poke him, kick him and soak him!
Let's do whatever it takes to capture that ferocity and really make it shine - no holds barred, no limits.
Where's that tiger? Where's that tiger?
We can feel the energy starting to slip away - where did it go, and how can we get it back?
Where oh where can he be?
We're searching high and low for that tiger-esque energy and enthusiasm that we need to really make this performance great.
Low or highbrow, they all cry now
No matter the audience, they're all asking for the same thing - that raw, untamed energy that comes from within.
"Please play that Tiger Rag for me"
They're practically begging us to channel our inner tiger and let it roar - let's not disappoint them!
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: HARRY TIERNEY, JOSEPH JOE MC CARTHY
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….?