Goodbye to a great: Louie Bellson's funeral draws mourners from around the country

ROCK ISLAND –  Louie Bellson’s funeral Wednesday was more than a congregation of fans and fellow musicians, more than a reunion of family and friends. It was the grand finale to the eventful life of a man whose great talent was underscored by great kindness.

Video: Click here to see the send-off.

Louie Bellson the musician – calculated but wild – and Louie Bellson the friend – compassionate and kind – were two distinct personas that somehow never separated.

"You finally meet him and then find out, 'My God, it is true,'" said Russ Siefken of Sterling, who attended Bellson's service, both as a friend and as a member of the Heritage Days committee, which has organized several festivals in his honor.

"You'd think he'd be some hardtack, drinking, smoking [partier] being out in the clubs, but he never came across like that. Never."

Siefken remembered the day in 2003 when Bellson's boyhood home in Rock Falls was made a local landmark. That ceremony was followed by a concert at Rock Falls' Candlelight Inn.

It was there that Siefken was first awed by Bellson's musical skill and his humble attitude.

"I think that's just the kind of guy he was. He pulled you in with his personality, and his talent, of course."

In the vestibule of Rock Island's Bethel Assembly of God Church where services were held, the room was speckled with photographs, quiet chatter and music from one of Bellson's later recordings, the aptly titled "Sacred Music of Louie Bellson."

Roughly 75 people were there, including family and friends from around the country, some traveling from as far as Ohio and California.

Albert Alva, a saxophonist from Los Angeles who was Bellson's personal music librarian and project coordinator, said he viewed Bellson almost like a father.

During various collaborations with artists over the last 10 to 15 years, Bellson always displayed a selfless sense of sincerity, especially when he was helping out other musicians, Alva said.

"His support and generosity were always done quietly and behind the scenes. He never came to expect anything in return. I mean, him watching young talent really gave him joy."

Similar sentiments about Bellson's dedication to teaching were echoed by Josh Duffee, 29, of Davenport, Iowa.

Duffee was first introduced to Bellson around 1995, through his high school drum teacher, Joel Dick.

Dick knew that Duffee, a drummer with a penchant for jazz percussionists, would appreciate Bellson's style.

"So when I started taking lessons, he said you have to come out and hear this drummer if you've never heard him. So I went out and heard [Bellson], and yeah, he was absolutely fantastic."

That introduction gave birth to a sporadic relationship that lasted more than 10 years, usually revolving around Quad Cities Jazz Festivals. (Bellson graduated from high school in the Quad Cities, where his career began in earnest.)

It was there Duffee and Bellson talked about favorite artists, many of whom were former performers alongside the always-affable Bellson.

"He was a person who would take time out to talk with you," Duffee said. "You could ask any question and he would answer it. He always had time."

Bellson's personable attitude was a stark contrast to most successful performers, Duffee said. That was especially apparent after concerts, when Bellson would mix with fans in the audience, especially young supporters.

"He loved being around people and he loved being around young kids who were interested in this kind of music. He always told me that with younger musicians, they're the ones that carry this torch of the music that he's been doing for so many years."

Duffee, now a private drum instructor and professional musician, said he now instills Bellson's music in his own pupils.

"Now I'm telling my students, with Louie being gone then, they have to pick up that torch now and carry it, carry his legacy and carry the music that he played for so many years."

Duffee performs with various groups, including the Sterling Municipal Band. He also has family in Sauk Valley, which Duffee said gave him a better understanding of Bellson's own appreciation for his hometown of Rock Falls.

"He always recognized his hometown and never forgot where he came from. And he always was a down-home guy ... No matter where he was at in the world, he would always remember [where he came from]."

Condolences

Louie Bellson is survived by his wife of 16 years, Francine; and daughters Dee Dee Bellson of Charlottesville, Va., and Debra Hughes of Tulsa, Okla., among others.

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Mrs. Louie Bellson

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28101 Industry Drive

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