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Louie Bellson, Jazz Drummer, was 84
He was one of the best and most exciting and respected jazz drummers to grace our ears. Louie Bellson fell breaking his hip in early November, which was followed by complications with Parkinson's disease--he died on Valentines Day at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center . "Tenative plans are for an L.A. area funeral, followed by funeral and burial in Moline, Illinois, his boyhood home," his website announced.
In the LA Times, Oscar Peterson described Bellson, who played with Tommy Dorsey, Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Harry James and Duke Ellington among others, as "the epitome of musical talent. . . . I consider him one of the musical giants of our age." Ellington called him "the world's greatest drummer."
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
