Bellson’s warmth

Re “Louie Bellson, 1924-2009,” Obituary, Feb. 17

In the mid-’70s, my band was on the road at the Holiday Inn in Modesto. The drummer and I sat at the pool one afternoon. The only others there were Pearl Bailey and Louie Bellson. We introduced ourselves as members of the band performing in the lounge. Bellson invited us to sit down, and we spent the next half an hour or so talking music.

That night Bailey and Bellson listened to our first set. They were gracious and full of enthusiasm, and they encouraged us to follow our dreams. I know they recognized our marginal talents. But for one night, they made us feel like peers.

I’m sure we were not the only people they touched in this way. Bellson was not only the greatest drummer who ever lived, you couldn’t meet a warmer, more positive, wonderful human being.

Gary Turner

Huntington Beach