The Ludwig Drum Company was the world's largest drum company in the 1920s under founder William F. Ludwig and again in the 1960s under his son. This fascinating autobiography by William F. Ludwig II begins with his childhood recollections of home life and his father's drum factory. As a teenager Mr. Ludwig became the national rudimental champion and member of the famous International Marimba Symphony Orchestra. Taking time out for distinguished wartime military service the author helped his father start a second drum company W.F.L. Restoration of the family name to the business Total Percussion The Beatles N.A.R.D. selling the company to Selmer and his active lecture career since ä all these topics are addressed here in captivating detail in the words of William F. Ludwig II.

The Making of a Drum Company: The Autobiography of William F. Ludwig II

Biographies & Memoirs

Ludwig II, William F.

Arts & Literature

Rebeats

Born in New Orleans in 1894, Warren “Baby” Dodds became one of the greatest drummers of that city's early jazz tradition. This lively autobiography, first published more than 30 years ago and long unavailable, is the result of a series of interviews Dodds taped with Larry Gara a few years before his death in 1959. With disarming candor, Dodds recalls his remarkable musical career, which spanned more than four decades and took him from New Orleans' famed Storyville district to Mississippi riverboats, to Chicago and New York. Dodds performed and recorded with some of the most famous musicians of his time – King Oliver, Kid Ory, Bunk Johnson, Jelly Roll Morton, Louis Armstrong and Sidney Bechet, among others – and his recollections of these men and the music they created add much to our knowledge of jazz history. Dodds also discusses his own style and philosophy of music, revealing himself as a dedicated artist who placed a high value on craftsmanship, versatility and originality, and whose love of the jazz world never waned. Features 12 pages of photos and a Dodds discography.

The Baby Dodds Story: As Told to Larry Gara

Gara, Larry

Humor & Entertainment

Slingerland is one of the greatest drum companies of all-time. Rob Cook has lovingly compiled the Slingerland story with detailed chapters on the family the Boston background the company through the decades Slingerland endorsees and personnel the Gretsch/HSS era Gibson's acquisition and much more. The book features a detailed dating guide classic ads and catalog pages and lots of stunning full-color and B&amp;W photos throughout.

The Slingerland Book

Arts & Photography

Cook, Rob

Music

Ever wonder what it would be like to be the most recorded musician in popular music? This updated bestselling autobiography spotlights Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and drummer extraordinaire Hal Blaine and his remarkable life experiences. From the Sinatras to the Beach Boys, Blaine drumrolled through the'50s, '60s and '70s, driving over 40 songs to the Number One slot. His works with Phil Spector and the Wrecking Crew sessions, his touring experiences and other hitmaking pressure sessions are amusingly revealed in this rare glimpse into a golden age of music. Exclusive scrapbook photos round out this biography to provide an entertaining and educating book for musicians and fans alike. The update brings his life into the 21st century, including info on his inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Musicians Hall of Fame in Nashville, dealing with Spector's infamous trials, and recently, the renewed interest in his golden era of recording with the documentary film on the Wrecking Crew and all the new wave of accocalades that followed.

Hal Blaine and the Wrecking Crew

Blaine, Hal

Here is a hard rock memoir – essentially an authorized bio on the endearing British rock band Humble Pie – as told from the drum throne and backstage hallways during the emerging days of the Seventies classic rock era. In 1969, Jerry Shirley was chosen to drum in a new band led by Steve Marriott and Peter Frampton. He had just turned 17. Along with bassist Greg Ridley, and manager Dee Anthony, the Pie started a 6-year journey that stormed the US and defined Arena Rock – bigger sound, bigger contracts, and bigger parties. Along the way Jerry meets with future legends that make for a star-studded bio and rare glimpse into the rock music industry. Written in his own voice and with a wicked musician sense of humor, Jerry details the vibrant scene that created the explosive sound of heavy rock. He explains how sessions were conducted by iconic engineers like Glyn Johns and Eddie Kramer, describes his session work with Syd Barrett and George Harrison and tells amusing tales like drum shopping with the Who's Keith Moon. What was it like to perform a sold-out show at Shea Stadium, play for 250 000 in Hyde Park, charter a private jet for tour, record the trend-setting live record at the Fillmore East (that spawned the FM radio staple “I Don't Need No Doctor”), get hyped for the stage by Dee Anthony, and deal with the drugs and excesses of this inhibitive era of rock? This book definitely answers those question as well as “What was it like to meet, play, record, tour, party, and fight with cult hero Steve Marriott?” No other book can cover it like this.

Best Seat in the House: Drumming in the '70s with Marriott Frampton and Humble Pie

Shirley, Jerry

The Gretsch Drum Book by Rob Cook in collaboration with John Sheridan is a complete business history of the Gretsch Drum Company and dating guide for Gretsch drums. From the founding of the company in 1883, every significant management change of direction is discussed right up to the current era in which owner Fred W. Gretsch partners with KMC Music. A history of Gretsch artist relations includes an alphabetic list of every Gretsch drum endorser from 1936 to 2012 with photos of over 200 of them. The dating guide illustrates every catalog, color, badge, snare drum, drum kit, and hardware item catalogued through the 130-year history of Gretsch drums.

The Gretsch Drum Book

The Leedy Way

See the best price to sell, buy or rent books by the Rebeats publisher. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Rebeats