William F. Ludwig II passed away

[ludwigvondrumcrazy]

William F. Ludwig II, a true giant in the Drum Industry, as well as a Great Drummer in his own right, has passed away after a long illness...........

Shown below between his Father, Willliam F. Ludwig Sr. & his son WFL III.

http://pic4.picturetrail.com/VOL770/2917504/15482309/309905222.jpg

Rest in Peace Bill............

The following statement is from the Ludwig web-site

The Chief

William F. Ludwig

1917-2008

It is with deep regret that we report the passing of the patriarch of the Ludwig Drum Company, William F. Ludwig II, respectfully known as “The Chief.” Bill was 91 years old and has been in declining health for a few years. The Chief passed from this Earth to his position as principal timpanist in heaven’s orchestra on Saturday, March 22nd, 2008. We can hear that thunderous roll now.
Bill Ludwig lived a long and productive life and was a mentor to so many percussionists and the music industry. He was a true leader that developed so many percussion products and marketing concepts to promote music and percussion education and further along the advancement of percussion instruments and performance throughout the world.
We are so blessed to have known and worked with this powerhouse of a man for his vision, dedication and passion for percussion. It is said that the greatest legacy that anyone can leave in this world is “making a difference.” Well, Bill Ludwig made a difference in our world of drums and percussion that is legendary and we are all the heirs to his accomplishments.

Thank you Chief. You inspired us to carry on from here. You will be missed, but always remembered and honored.

Respectfully,
Jim Catalano - Ludwig

[Dunnett]

Friends,

On this Easter morning, I am writing to inform you of the passing of our
dear friend, Bill Ludwig II. Bill was 91 years old and has been in declining
health for the past 4 years. Details will follow, but the Ludwig family has
indicated a special Memorial service will be held on or around April 3rd in
Chicago. Planning is in the early stages.

We all owe so much to this man. A powerhouse of business, but a true
drummer and percussionist. As Bill Ludwig III stated today, "The Lord's orchestra
needed a timpanist." Bill won the part.

He will be deeply missed. I will send more info as it develops.

Sincerely,

Jim Catalano

[ludwigvondrumcrazy]

Bump....................

[mikejames]

Like many of us, I grew up with Ludwig being a household word. My father was a drummer, and played Ludwig his whole life. My very first drums were Ludwig. LOT's of memories, over MANY years.

My best wishes to the entire Ludwig family and team, at this sad time.

[KarlCrafton]

Thank you, Chief.

I play my Ludwig drums with pride.

R.I.P.

[criz p. critter]

As a late-coming but very enthusiastic fan of Luddies....
GREAT JOB, BILL.
Now take a well-deserved break.

[drummerstix_au]

I have grown up with friends having 60s and 70s Ludwig kits, I think it was the first ever brand I got to know about. I have a couple snare drums myself which I will never part with.

RIP Bill

[Bart Elliott]

I wanted to mentioned, for those interested, that I created a video tribute to Mr. Ludwig; William F. Ludwig II - In Memoriam. I've been airing it on Drummer Cafe TV (http://www.drummercafe.tv) all this past week, beginning on March 30th. The schedule will be changing Sunday night with a new show, so if you miss it and want to see it, I'll be archiving it so you'll be able to catch it elsewhere on the Drummer Cafe website.

Sorry for the last minute note ... I've been busy and thought I had posted the notice here.

For those that may not know, there will be a memorial service in Chicago on April 19th.

[Tutin]

Man. Ludwig was a household name for me too growing up. My Dad (who passed away exactly a month before The Chief) had always talked about how he had one when he was a kid. We finally got a 1950/60's Gold Label Ludwig snare two years ago and I love it to pieces.


Thanks very much Chief for all you brought me, my Dad and my little brother. You were a good man, rest in peace.

[FlamingGong99]

Thanks for making me sound so good Billy. Ludwig has always been the best. Say hi to Bonham for me. You will be missed. :(

[Bart Elliott]

I thought I passed along this information, but I guess I didn't.

For those that are interested, I now have a tribute page for William F. Ludwig II.

William F. Ludwig II - In Memoriam (http://www.drummercafe.com/featured-musician/drummer-percussionist/william-f-ludwig-ii-1916-2008.html)

You'll find his biography and a video tribute that I created the week of his passing. I've also added the program from Mr. Ludwig's memorial service earlier this year, plus video footage I shot at the 2008 Chicago Drum Show which includes the Ludwig Drum Company tribute to Mr. Ludwig as well as my interview with his son, Bill Ludwig III (aka B3).

[drummerchick435]

RIP Mr. Ludwig (or as we affectionately call you Luddy). You're drums are top notch.

Until we meet again,
drummerchick435