KHTS Radio Santa Clarita Radio – Santa Clarita News
Drumming icon Remo Belli, founder and CEO of the Santa Clarita-based drum manufacturer Remo, Inc., died Monday due to complications from pneumonia.
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“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Remo D Belli, our beloved founder and leader,” read a statement released by Remo, Inc. on Tuesday. “An innovator, pioneer and icon of the world of percussion, he was an inspiration to us all for breaking new ground and making a difference in the world.”
Remo Belli personally delivering 30 donated drums to SCVi Charter School in January 2015.
Considered a percussion pioneer in the music industry, Belli invented the first successful synthetic Mylar drumheads in 1957 and continued to establish other industry firsts for more than 55 years.
Related: Remo Donates 30 Drums To SCVi Students
Beginning in the 1960s, Belli established himself in the music industry as the world’s drumhead specialist in virtually every category, and helped create the global community of drummers seen today in 1983 with the launch of the World Percussion product line.
“Remo was a visionary,” the statement continued. “In 1957, he invented the first successful synthetic drumhead which forever changed the sound of music of all genres. He committed himself and his company to providing drummers, the world over, with quality products and programs while striving to expand the acceptance of rhythm and in particular drumming as an integral component of an individual’s wellbeing.”
Originally from Mishawaka, Ind., Belli started drumming at the age of 12. He went on to become a professional drummer after moving to Los Angeles following his enlistment in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
Belli and his wife, Ami, a holistic healthcare practitioner, were presented with the Silver Spur Award for Community Service by the College of the Canyons Foundation in March 2014.
Related: Remo And Ami Belli Receive Silver Spur Award For Community Service
Remo Inc. has partnered with leading neurologists and drum education experts to develop evidence-based wellness programs that use rhythm as a tool to support better living. These programs are often used as tools by music therapists to improve the quality of life of individuals with autism, Alzheimer’s disease and PTSD.
Belli recently partnered with KHTS AM-1220 to form the nonprofit SCV Community Coalition, which is comprised of a variety of local nonprofit organizations who have come together with the common goal of using the power of rhythm to heal. The coalition’s mission is to help reduce the common stresses community members often face using Remo Inc.’s evidence-based wellness program HealthRHYTHMS.
“Through his ongoing efforts, the professional, the enthusiast, children, the elderly, those at risk and those faced with both emotional and physical challenges have been brought the joy of drumming,” the statement concluded. “We mourn his passing and he will be missed by people in all walks of life. His spirit lives on and we will continue to pursue his vision of making drumming available to everyone alive.”
Watch a May 2015 interview with Remo Belli on KHTS AM-1220 below:
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The loss of Remo Belli is stunning. In addition to his genius as an inventor, he truly was a wonderful, world class musician, and the warmest, easiest person to be with imaginable. He changed my life for the better. Before he started the Remo musical instrument company, he and fellow master drummer Roy Hart founded a legendary store for Drummers called “Drum City”, on Santa Monica Blvd. in Hollywood. It was a “Disneyland, toy store” for drummers. Remo and Roy would give new drum and percussion companies space in their store to show and sell their inventions. Gon Bops Conga and Bongo drums, Valje Congas, and many other manufacturers got their start at Drum City. Because it was located in the center of where most of the recording studio, film scoring, and TV studios were, and because the store was run by drummers, for drummers, the top drummers in the world would “hang out”. Kids (like me) could actually see, talk with, and sometimes play with these legends, on the fantastic arrays of exotic instruments from all around the world on display. Remo was unique, in that he changed the music forever. I was honored to know him. He will be missed, and he cannot be replaced. God bless Remo Belli.
I had the honor and privilege to have had Remo and Ami Belli as friends and partners in the viticulture arena which was of great interest to them. Remo came often to work with me in the vineyards. He will be missed by more than you know.
Rest in peace Remo.
Just knowing and talking with Remo Belli was a gift. As a Health Rhythms Drumming Facilitator, every time I play a drum I will think of him and the gifts that he brought to so many through rhythm and drumming. Thanks, Remo. You will be missed.
I had the wonderful pleasure of meeting Remo once at my second training that I was attending for HealthRhythms. I am proud to hold the title of Facilitator of such a wonderful legacy. His energy and smile were so powerful and his encouragement was far beyond anything imaginable. I can only hope that I will be as inspiring and empowering as Remo. My blessings go out to the family and his many friends that adored him. Peace wherever your journey leads you Remo.