Freddie Crump, also referred to as Freddy Crump, Fred Crump and Rastus Crump[1] (died May 4, 1979 in Holland) was a drummer from the
United States. He performed in various
vaudeville[2] productions including with
Gonzelle White in Cuba, performed in Europe, and was featured in several films. He was
African American.
Crump spent time in Britain and Europe performing with the
Johnny Claes' Big Band.[9] Claes was born in London, but his father was Belgian,[10] and Claes and performed there with an octet that included
Ronnie Scott and Crump.[11] He appeared with Claes' band in the 1946 film George in Civvy Street.[12] He also appeared on several
BBC radio programs doing his own comedy routines.
Billboard noted the quality of his performance in a review of White's vaudeville group in Havana.[14]Carlo Krahmer described what he was like.[15]Tony Crombie said he was "the most fantastic drummer I've seen in my life, including
Buddy Rich".[15]Ronnie Scott described Crump as a little Black guy who had a beat up drum kit that no one else could have played.[16]