Gene Krupa: Last News

Howard Grimes was a drummer with the Memphis soul session band the Hi Rhythm Section, who backed singers including Al Green and Ann Peebles.Grimes grew up in Memphis, where he was inspired to be a drummer after watching Gene Krupa (1909–1973) play on TV. After learning to play drums – he was largely self-taught – Grimes attended school with Isaac Hayes (1942–2008). The two played together in a combo when they were young.

Dave Frishberg was a pianist and songwriter who composed “I’m Just a Bill” and other songs for “Schoolhouse Rock.”Frishberg got his start in the music world as a jazz pianist, playing solo as well as performing with jazz greats including Gene Krupa (1909–1973) and Anita O’Day (1919–2006). He became better known as a songwriter who sometimes also performed his songs, including “My Attorney Bernie,” “I’m Hip,” and “Van Lingle Mungo.” Some of Frishberg’s songs were hits for other artists, including Blossom Dearie’s (1924–2009) rendition of “Peel Me a Grape.” But his best-known song remains “I’m Just a Bill,” sung by Jack Sheldon (1931–2019) in 1976 for the “Schoolhouse Rock” series of educational musical cartoons.