See Steve's video of this incredible item here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GF6i1tRJMBw

This item is unique and has significant historic importance. Gene Krupa's contribution to the world of music and the world of drumming was incredible. It was truly Gene who brought the drums from the traditional supporting role to the forefront as a solo instrument. Many of today's finest players know and recognize the debt of gratitude owed to Gene. That awareness isn't anything new. In fact, the great drummers of the past also realized Gene's contributions and were always quick to point out the significance of the role he played. So, given the wonderful sense of "community" among drummers it comes as no surprise that when Gene's health was failing, people decided to rally around him and pay tribute to him while he was still here to see and appreciate it. All too often people wait to pay tribute until after someone passes on. I say do it while they're still here. And, that's exactly what happened back circa 1973. In New York City an event was set up to pay tribute to Gene. The great drum shop owner Frank Ippolito was instrumental in this process, as was Papa Jo Jones, Buddy Rich, and Stanley Kay, who was Buddy's road manager. The event was held in NY as a celebration of Gene's contributions and served as a chance for those close to Gene to show their love and appreciation for him. Attendance included drummers and celebrities from all over the US. To commemorate the event  a drum head was signed by many of the people in attendance, and the head was mounted onto a cut down 13" tom and then mounted onto a board which allows it to be hung on a wall. This drum head was signed by some of the greatest players of that era as well as other people notable for their skill and ability as entertainers and/or educators. The drum head was signed by Papa Jo Jones, Roy Knapp, Bobby Colomby, Buddy Rich, Sonny Igoe, Stanley Kay, Cliff Leeman, Don Osborne, Lennie DiMuzio, Zutty Singleton, Henry Adler, Gene Krupa, Jerry Lewis, and Joe Morello, among others. This drum remained in Stanley Kay's possession for many years and upon his passing the drum made its way to Sherrie Maricle, noted NY based drummer, educator and composer. Sherrie was close to Stanley and he mentored her for years. Sherrie brought the drum to me, along with letters of authentication from Don Osborne, Lennie DiMuzio and Sonny Igoe, and has asked me to sell it for her with the intent that the proceeds will be used to fund a scholarship in Stanley's memory. 

The people in attendance at Gene's testimonial would all agree that it is our obligation to pass on what we know, and part of that involves preserving the history of drumming and the great drummers who forged the path for the rest of us. This is a truly historic piece and deserves to be in a fine collection dedicated to preserving drumming history. With the proceeds benefitting a deserving young musician there's no better way to "pass it on".  Contact Steve for more information at 630-865-6849 or at vintagedrums@aol.com

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