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Fred Below

 


Fred Below | Wikipedia/Public domain/Copyright control | tc685

Innovatory drummer Frederick Below, Jr. is regarded as one of the creators of the Chicago back-beat style of rhythm and blues and rock and roll, and became one of the key musicians at Chess Records during the early years. Among his many sessions for the label, backing almost their entire roster of artists, he is the drummer on Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode”, “Memphis Tennessee” and his other major 1950s and 1960s successes.

Mr. Below was born in Chicago, Illinois, on September 6, 1926 and served in the US Forces twice: first in the Infantry, and later in the Special Services in Germany, returning to Chicago and the world of music in 1951.

Mr Below died of liver cancer in Chicago, Illinois, on August 13, 1988.

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