Never saw Buddy live, but always wanted to. Lionel Hampton was a surprisingly good drummer....appeared on the Steve Allen show multiple times playing piano, drums and vibes, naturally.

Louis Belsom is one of my favorites. My son just bought an album recorded by the Belsom orchestra with James Brown....what a hoot!
Was acquainted with Louis, his brother (Tony, I think) and Louis' wife, pearl Bailey in the early 60's in California.

It was admirable that Pearl Bailey (Belsom's wife) always had a shot of her husband in the appearance contract. In the 50's, with race relations what they were, that was a BIG DEAL.

Good for them!

Russ




[This message has been edited by captain Russ (edited 05-12-2008).]