The first definitive biography of Gene Krupa, the most famous drummer on the planet, whose feverish rhythms defined the Swing Era, changed jazz music forever, spurred rock and roll, and influenced generations.
The first definitive biography of the pioneering drummer and bandleader who brought percussion from back to center stage, influencing generations of musicians from jazz to rock—and beyond
The Master of Drums: Gene Krupa and the Music He Gave the World (on sale April 29, 2025) is the first comprehensive biography of groundbreaking, controversial drummer and bandleader Gene Krupa, indisputably the most famous drummer in history. With his handsome face and shock of black hair, cool threads, unusual setup, and ferocious energy and power, his magnetism and drive moved drumming into the spotlight.
At the high point in his career, Krupa led one of the hottest bands in the country, had celebrity endorsements with drum manufacturers Slingerland and Zildjian, was a certified movie star with a signed contract at MGM, and a biopic film starring Hollywood lookalike Sal Mineo. Krupa was instrumental in developing the modern drum kit, the drummer as solo instrumentalist—and of swing music itself.
Krupa’s percussive assertiveness also helped lead to the development of early rock and roll music, including the ubiquitous Bo Diddley beat, and rock and roll’s graduation from small clubs to stadiums. Drumming superstars would soon emerge, like Krupa acolytes Ringo Starr, Keith Moon, and John Bonham.
“A valuable look at the life and career of one of the top stars of the Swing Era. An enjoyable read for fans of early jazz.” —Kirkus Reviews
For interviews, review copies, and more information, contact: Ann Pryor at Kensington Books.
The Master of Drums: Gene Krupa and the Music He Gave the World (on sale April 29, 2025) is the first comprehensive biography of groundbreaking, controversial drummer and bandleader Gene Krupa, indisputably the most famous drummer in history. With his handsome face and shock of black hair, cool threads, unusual setup, and ferocious energy and power, his magnetism and drive moved drumming into the spotlight.
At the high point in his career, Krupa led one of the hottest bands in the country, had celebrity endorsements with drum manufacturers Slingerland and Zildjian, was a certified movie star with a signed contract at MGM, and a biopic film starring Hollywood lookalike Sal Mineo. Krupa was instrumental in developing the modern drum kit, the drummer as solo instrumentalist—and of swing music itself.
Krupa’s percussive assertiveness also helped lead to the development of early rock and roll music, including the ubiquitous Bo Diddley beat, and rock and roll’s graduation from small clubs to stadiums. Drumming superstars would soon emerge, like Krupa acolytes Ringo Starr, Keith Moon, and John Bonham.
“A valuable look at the life and career of one of the top stars of the Swing Era. An enjoyable read for fans of early jazz.” —Kirkus Reviews
About the Author
Elizabeth J. Rosenthal (New Jersey) is the author of the acclaimed biographies His Song: The Musical Journey of Elton John and Birdwatcher: The Life of Roger Tory Peterson. An alumna of Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications and Rutgers University Law School, she served as legal liaison with the New Jersey Civil Service Commission for twenty-eight years before retiring to focus on writing about 20th-century popular culture and history.For interviews, review copies, and more information, contact: Ann Pryor at Kensington Books.
