I did clinics with Buddy Rich and Louis Bellson in the late 1960's at various Universities. It didn't last very long - Rich was a real A-hole of the first magnitude which often completely overshadowed his ability to connect with the young students - but he sure could play. Technique beyond belief! Bellson, on the other hand, was a complete gentleman and a pleasure to work with. I ran into Bellson later on when I was on tour with the the all-black cast of Hello Dolly featuring Pearl Bailey and Cab Calloway. He would drop in to see Pearl. (That's another story for another time.)

I had a Rogers drum set with both of their signatures on the bass drum and after I quit playing I sold the set to a collector for $4,000.00.

Deane