He may not have been a virtuoso on the level of a Buddy Rich or as swinging a performer as Sid Catlett or Chick Webb, but Gene Krupa was the first drummer to ever become a household name. A superstar and a matinee idol during the Swing era and the decades that followed, Krupa was one of the most colourful and exciting of all drummers. He also led a significant big band during 1938-50.

Born 15 January 1909 in Chicago, Gene Krupa was classically trained on drums and throughout his career always took lessons. He first emerged as part of the Chicago jazz scene in 1925, working with the bands of Al Gale, Joe Kayser, Leo Shukin and bassist Thelma Terry in addition to the Benson Orchestra Of Chicago and the Seattle Harmony Kings. In 1927 he made his rec...