Many famous and important drummers have either been born here, have lived here / still live here, or are buried here in the Chicago area. These include jazz drummers. blues drummers, rock drummers, percussionists, and all sorts of drummers of all types.
Drummers Tour Maps
Drummers Tour Map -> Google Maps
Drummers Tour Information
Drummers in Chicago Tour Information -> PDF file
GENE KRUPA – GRAVE
Gene Krupa was one of the most influential drummers to ever exist. I do not say that lightly. Mr. Krupa helped transform the modern day drum set into what it is today, both as an instrument and how it is played. He helped Slingerland develop the tunable tom-tom and he helped with making the drums a solo instrument.
Gene Krupa is buried in Holy Cross Cemetery and Mausoleum in Calumet City. The cemetery and area are surrounded by forest preserve and it is a peaceful site. Unless one knows where to look, his grave can be missed, as it is not fancy, rather only being a marble slab laid in the ground. It is in the Immaculata section, Block A, lot 22, or at 41°36’16.9″N 87°32’33.9″W.
WARREN “BABY” DOBBS – GRAVE
Baby Dobbs was perhaps the first prototypical jazz drummer, being influential to many of the greats, like Gene Krupa. Warren was called Baby to distinguish him from his equally famous brother, Johnny Dobbs, who was a first rate jazz clarinetist. The brothers both performed on King Oliver’s 1923 recordings of his Creole Jazz Band, in Chicago. Louis Armstrong also was part of these musicians. These recordings helped propel jazz into a national sensation. A few years later, Baby would record with Mr. Armstrong on his Hot Five and Hot Seven recordings.
Warren “Baby” Dobbs is buried in Lincoln Cemetery in Blue Island. According to Google Maps, there are several cemeteries here. He is in the section at the NW corner of Kedzie and 123rd St. His grave is at 41°40’19.5″N 87°42’16.5″W.
JOHN PANOZZO – GRAVE
John Panozzo was the original drummer for the rock group, Styx. He was the drummer on every Styx album recorded up to 1990’s Edge of the Century.
John Panozzo is buried at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Alsip. His burial site is in Section 19, Block 15, Lot 24, grave 1 or at 41°41’19.9″N 87°46’02.3″W.
ODIE PAYNE – GRAVE
Odie Payne Jr. was an early Chicago Blues drummer who played on a lot of session work. He recorded with Blues greats such as Tampa Red, Muddy Waters, Otis Rush, Magic Sam, Chuck Berry and Buddy Guy.
Odie Payne is buried in Oak Woods Cemetery in Chicago.
FRED BELOW – GRAVE
Fred Below Jr. was an influential Chicago Blues drummer who worked with Little Walter before becoming a Chess session player who recorded with Muddy Waters, Junior Wells, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddly, Otis Rush and Howlin’ Wolf.
Fred Below is buried in Oak Woods Cemetery in Chicago. His burial site is at 41°46’20.1″N 87°35’40.7″W.
Drummers Tour Links
GENE KRUPA
Gene Krupa Biography -> drummerman.net
Gene Krupa -> Wikipedia
WARREN “BABY” DODDS
Warren “Baby” Dobbs -> Wikipedia
JOHN PANOZZO
John Panozzo -> Wikipedia
ODIE PAYNE
Odie Payne -> Wikipedia
FRED BELOW
Fred Below -> Wikipedia
