In this touching memoir, His Time Was the Greatest: My Louie Bellson Story, Dave Black recalls the impact that the legendary Louie Bellson had on his life. Achieving a successful career as a composer, percussionist, author, and publishing executive, Black takes us back through the years to experience the kind, gentle, and supportive manner of Bellson in a series of stories and memories from Black’s high school years through Bellson’s passing in 2009.
Bellson’s guest performance at a concert with Black at Bowie High School in Maryland began a lifelong mentorship that turned into a friendship, which Black chronicles through all the stages of his own career: His first published composition, his first published book, working as an editor for Alfred Publishing, writing with Sammy Nestico, and more. The book is enhanced by photos from Black’s personal collection, and scans of many personal notes and communications from Louie.
This beautiful story of a relationship that grew between a young man and the gentle star who mentored him is inspiring and relatable to all of us who have had a guide, teacher, or helper that paved the way for us in life. It is also an insightful look at how Black built a unique career for himself in the challenging business of music.
“In addition to the love and support we get from our immediate family members and close friends, we are also blessed with the help and guidance from very special mentors who not only embraced us, but helped open doors and gave us confidence and support. This is my personal story of how Louie Bellson, an extraordinary man and musician, came into my life as a high school student in Bowie, Maryland and changed the direction of it forever.” – Dave Black
100 pages | Print or eBook
