Jack Costanzo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jack Costanzo
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Costanzo performing in 2003
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| Background information | |
| Born | September 24, 1919 Chicago, Illinois, US |
| Died | August 18, 2018 (aged 98) Lakeside, California, U.S. |
| Genres | Afro-Cuban |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, dancer, bandleader, composer |
| Instruments | Bongos, conga |
| Years active | 1947 - 2018 |
Jack Costanzo (born September 24, 1919 – died August 18, 2018) was a famous American musician. He was especially known for playing the bongo drums. People often called him "Mr. Bongo" because he was so good at it.
Contents
The Life of Mr. Bongo
Early Life and Musical Start
Jack James Costanzo was born in Chicago, Illinois. His parents, Matteo and Virginia, had moved to the United States from Italy.
Before he became a well-known musician, Jack was a dancer. He even toured with his wife as a dance team before World War II. After serving in the Navy, he taught dancing at a fancy hotel. One day, a band leader named Bobby Ramos heard Jack playing bongos during a casual music session. Bobby was impressed and offered him a job in his band.
Becoming a Bongo Master
Jack loved Afro-Cuban music. In the 1940s, he traveled to Havana, Cuba, three times. There, he learned how to play the bongo and conga drums with their special rhythms. This helped him become a master of these instruments.
Throughout the 1940s, Jack played with many Latin music groups. He worked with famous bands like the Lecuona Cuban Boys and musicians such as Desi Arnaz.
Playing with the Stars
Jack Costanzo played with some of the biggest names in music and entertainment. From 1947 to 1948, he toured with jazz legend Stan Kenton. He also played with the famous singer Nat King Cole for several years, from 1949 to 1953.
His talent led him to perform with many other stars. These included Peggy Lee, Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, and Martin & Lewis. He even played with Xavier Cugat, who was a very popular bandleader.
Leading His Own Band and Teaching
In the 1950s, Jack Costanzo started his own band. They recorded music and traveled around the world to perform. Many famous Hollywood actors wanted to learn from him. Stars like Marlon Brando, Rita Moreno, James Dean, and Tony Curtis took bongo lessons from "Mr. Bongo."
After a break from music, Jack made a comeback in 1998. He recorded new albums, including Back From Havana in 2001. He continued to perform and tour, especially in California.
Jack Costanzo passed away at his home in Lakeside, California, on August 18, 2018. He was 98 years old.
Jack Costanzo's Music
Jack Costanzo released many albums and singles during his long career. His music often featured lively Afro-Cuban rhythms and his amazing bongo playing. Some of his albums include King of the Bongos and Bongo Fever. He also recorded songs like "Mambo Costanzo" and "Viva Tirado."
He also played on albums with other famous musicians:
- With Stan Kenton: Jack played on several of Stan Kenton's jazz albums.
- With Art Pepper and Conte Candoli: He contributed to their album Mucho Calor.
- With Pete Rugolo: Jack played percussion on albums like Rugolomania.
Jack Costanzo in Movies and TV
Jack Costanzo also appeared in several movies and television shows. Sometimes he played himself, and other times he was a musician or an actor.
- He appeared on popular TV shows like The Ed Sullivan Show and The Nat King Cole Show.
- He was in movies such as Visit to a Small Planet (1960) and Harum Scarum (1965).
- He was also featured in a documentary series called American Masters, where he talked about his time with Nat King Cole.
Images for kids
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Costanzo performing in 2003
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Costanzo in 1947-48
See also
In Spanish: Jack Costanzo para niños
