Ackroyd 01634-2. "Norm Easley. Drum pedal at McElroy's" (Lionel Hampton with new ‘Ghost' bass drum pedal at McElroy's ballroom. The Ghost was designed by J.R. "Bob" Ramsey of Springfield Oregon. The patent was applied for on October 27, 1947, and was granted on May 8, 1951. Norman L. Easley, the inventor's attorney, is delivering the pedal to Hampton's drummer, who is probably Art Young. The Ghost drum pedal was later manufactured by Ludwig, who bought the rights to it in 1975. They discontinued it in 1981, due to maintenance problems and an industrial accident involving the pedal's springs at their plant. Photo taken July 21, 1949. This date was confirmed by the Oregonian newspaper of this date, the Hampton band had played the previous Friday July 15, and were booked on short notice for a return engagement.) McElroy's was at 424 SW Main, and was demolished in 1980 to make room for the Portland building.
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