The Gene Krupa Story “syncopated versions” of Ave Maria when he should be listening to hymns in a quiet, penitent reverie; even after a year there, he cannot shake his dreams of becoming a musician. The priest who is his advisor suspects Krupa's interest is waning and reminds him that the priesthood is "a fulfillment, not a penance". He advises Gene to take summer vacation at home to consider if this life-choice is "meant to be". At home, his old pals are playing in a local speakeasy. Krupa gently rubs the drum set's crash cymbal between his thumb and forefinger; his friend Eddie asks
At the Jazz Band Ball in 1938. Muggsy Spanier and His Ragtime Band and Bud Freeman and His Famous Chicagoans recorded the song in 1940. Spanier released his version as RCA Bluebird B-10518-A and V-Disc 249B. In 1959, The Dukes of Dixieland released an album entitled "At the Jazz Band Ball" featuring an instrumental version of the song as the opening track. Bing Crosby and Louis Armstrong recorded the song in 1960 for their album "Bing & Satchmo". Pete Fountain, Bob Crosby, George Barnes and his Octet, Phil Napoleon's Emperor's of Jazz, Nappy Lamare, Kenny Ball and His Jazzmen, Gene Krupa and his Chicago Jazz,