Bucky Pizzarelli facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bucky Pizzarelli
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Bucky and John Pizzarelli performing at Village Jazz Lounge, Walt Disney World
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | John Paul Pizzarelli |
| Born | January 9, 1926 Paterson, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Died | April 1, 2020 (aged 94) |
| Genres | Jazz, swing, big band |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Guitar |
| Years active | 1950–present |
| Labels | Savoy, Stash, Arbors, Victoria, Chesky |
| Associated acts | Benny Goodman, George Barnes, Stéphane Grappelli, John Pizzarelli |
John Paul "Bucky" Pizzarelli (born January 9, 1926 – died April 1, 2020) was a famous American jazz guitarist. He was known for his smooth style and long career. Bucky was the father of two other talented musicians: jazz guitarist John Pizzarelli and double bassist Martin Pizzarelli. He worked for big TV networks like NBC and ABC. Bucky played with many legendary musicians, including Benny Goodman, Les Paul, and Antônio Carlos Jobim. He was inspired by other great guitarists like Django Reinhardt.
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Bucky's Early Life
Bucky Pizzarelli was born in Paterson, New Jersey, on January 9, 1926. He started playing the guitar and banjo when he was very young. His uncles, Pete and Bobby Domenick, were also professional musicians. Sometimes, the whole family would get together for fun jam sessions with their guitars.
Bucky was inspired by Joe Mooney, a blind accordion player. Joe led a music group that included Bucky's uncle, Bobby Domenick. When Bucky was in high school, he played guitar in a small band. This band performed classical music.
A Long Music Career
Bucky Pizzarelli began his professional music career when he was 17 years old. In 1944, he joined the Vaughn Monroe dance band.
Playing for TV Shows
In 1952, Bucky became a staff musician for NBC. He played with Skitch Henderson there. Later, in 1964, he joined The Tonight Show Band on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. While on the show, he played with many different guest musicians. He even played with Tiny Tim on the day Tiny Tim got married on Carson's show!
Touring and Collaborations
From 1956 to 1957, Bucky used the stage name "Johnny Buck." He performed with a pop music group called The Three Suns. He also toured many times with the famous bandleader Benny Goodman. They played together until Goodman passed away in 1986.
In 1971, Bucky and guitarist George Barnes formed a duo. They recorded two albums together. One of these was a live show at The Town Hall in New York City. In the 1970s, Bucky started recording his own music. He often paid tribute to musicians from the 1930s.
Bucky Pizzarelli performed for several important people. He played with Benny Goodman at the White House in Washington, D.C. He also performed for presidents Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton, and First Lady Pat Nixon.
"Jersey Jazz Guitars" Concert
In 1985, a special concert called "Jersey Jazz Guitars" took place. It was held at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Bucky Pizzarelli was featured alongside Les Paul, Tal Farlow, and Bucky's son, John. Bucky and Les Paul were neighbors and friends, and they had played together before. The concert was even broadcast on public radio. Bucky's son John also sang on two songs during the show.
Bucky continued to play music well into his 90s. He made several appearances even after having a stroke in 2016. He passed away on April 1, 2020.
Bucky's Family
Bucky Pizzarelli came from a musical family. His son John Pizzarelli is a very well-known jazz guitarist and singer. Another son, Martin Pizzarelli, is a professional bassist. Martin has recorded music with both his father and his brother.
Bucky's daughter, Mary, is a classical guitarist. She appeared on her father's third album, Green Guitar Blues. She also played on other recordings. Bucky also played on three albums by his daughter-in-law, Jessica Molaskey, who is John's wife.
Bucky's Guitars
Bucky Pizzarelli's first guitar was an archtop Gibson guitar. These were very expensive instruments back then. He often played a special Benedetto Bucky Pizzarelli Signature seven-string guitar. This guitar was made by Robert Benedetto.
Bucky learned to play the seven-string guitar from George Van Eps. The extra string on Bucky's guitar helped him play a bass line during his performances. This made his guitar sound fuller, almost like two instruments at once! Bucky also played a custom seven-string American archtop guitar. This one was made by a luthier (a person who makes stringed instruments) named Dale Unger.
Awards and Honors
Bucky Pizzarelli received many awards for his amazing music career:
- Lifetime Achievement Award, MAC Awards, 2002
- Jazz Wall of Fame, ASCAP, 2005
- New Jersey Hall of Fame, 2011
See also
In Spanish: Bucky Pizzarelli para niños
