Ludwig Black Beauty (History)

Dan,

Thanks for the article. I had no idea that the name "Black Beauty" was given to the drum by Paul Whiteman. Paul Whiteman was a force in the entertainment business for a lot of years. He was somewhat like Lawrence Welk years later. Known as "The King of Jazz"(a misnomer if there ever was one) Whiteman, nevertheless, exposed a lot of people to jazz and gave musicians a job when they otherwise would have starved. Bix Beiderbecke is a famous example. Whiteman commissioned Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue," which makes him important all by itself. Whiteman also promoted black music at a time when it was not politically correct to do so and was well respected by guys like Duke Ellington. Now I learn he named one of the most iconic of all percussion instruments too. I love it!
 
I read your article and noticed you stated the Black Beauty had a black chrome over brass shell.The Ludwig Black beauty actually has a black nickel over brass shell.

Steve B
 
Nice article matey, I'll read over it when I get more time.
Always been fascinated with this drum - time to break through that mystique.
 
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