Final answer:
It is true that Gene Krupa was the first drummer to achieve the status of a teen idol. He gained significant popularity with his dynamic performances and became one of the first drummers to be prominently featured in popular culture during the 1930s and '40s.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gene Krupa was indeed a pioneering figure in music and could be considered the first drummer to achieve the status of a teen idol. Krupa was known for his energetic and showy drumming style which helped elevate the role of the drummer from mere timekeeper to front-stage performer in a band. He gained fame in the 1930s and '40s, particularly with his performances in the Benny Goodman Orchestra, such as the famous drum breaks on the song 'Sing, Sing, Sing'.
His charisma and stage antics made him exceptionally popular among the youth, and he was one of the first drummers, if not the first, to be featured on magazine covers, thus catching the attention and adoration of teenagers. So, in reference to the student's question, yes, it is true that Gene Krupa was the first drummer to achieve the status of a teen idol. This was quite an achievement considering the time period and the fact that solo artists, particularly instrumentalists like drummers, were not typically elevated to such levels of fame. Krupa's contribution to the music industry goes beyond his drumming as he influenced the image and role of future drummers.