Pat DiNizio facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Pat DiNizio
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DiNizio in 2009
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Patrick Michael DiNizio |
| Born | October 12, 1955 Plainfield, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Died | December 12, 2017 (aged 62) Summit, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Genres | Rock, power pop |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, songwriter, actor, film producer, politician |
| Instruments | Guitar, harmonica, vocals |
| Years active | 1980–2017 |
| Labels | Fuel/Universal, East West Records, Koch Records, Enigma, Little Ricky Records/Capitol, BMG/Excelsior, Velvel Records/Koch Records, E1 Music, Warner Bros., D-Tone |
| Associated acts | The Smithereens |
Patrick Michael DiNizio (born October 12, 1955 – died December 12, 2017) was a talented American musician. He was best known as the lead singer and songwriter for the rock band The Smithereens. He started the band in 1980 with his friends Jim Babjak, Dennis Diken, and Mike Mesaros.
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Pat's Early Life and Music Career
Pat DiNizio grew up in Scotch Plains, New Jersey. Before becoming a famous musician, he worked with his father collecting trash. He loved music from a young age and was inspired by artists like Buddy Holly and The Beatles.
Besides his work with The Smithereens, Pat also released several solo albums. These included Songs and Sounds (1997) and This is Pat DiNizio (2006), which featured his versions of other artists' songs. He also released Revolutions (2006), Pat DiNizio (2007), and Pat DiNizio/Buddy Holly (2008).
Pat's Unique Tours and Other Projects
In 2000, Pat started a special "Living Room Tour." For five months, he performed solo concerts right in the homes of his fans! This tour was very popular. He believed in connecting with his audience, saying he wanted to "break down the walls" between artists and fans. He even hosted picnics for fans in his own backyard.
Pat was also one of the first musicians to support XM Satellite Radio. He became a host and program director for their "XM Radio Unsigned" station. He also helped judge the Independent Music Awards, which supports new artists.
In 2006, Pat was featured in an ESPN2 TV special called 7th Inning Stretch. This show followed his journey to recover from a serious nerve problem. He trained hard and even tried out for a Minor League Baseball team called The Somerset Patriots. The special also shared fun baseball stories from other famous musicians like Joan Jett and Bruce Springsteen.
Pat also wrote a book called Confessions Of A Rock Star. He continued to perform both by himself and with The Smithereens until shortly before his death.
Pat's Passing
Pat DiNizio passed away on December 12, 2017, at the age of 62. His bandmates shared that his health had declined after he had a couple of falls in 2015. These falls caused nerve damage that affected his right hand and arm.
Awards and Special Recognitions
Pat DiNizio and The Smithereens received many honors for their music:
- In 1987, Pat was nominated for two New York Music Awards. The Smithereens won three awards: the Rising Star Award, the Local Heroes Award, and Best Independent Single for their song "Blood and Roses."
- In 1988, The Smithereens won the New York Music Award for Best Rock Band.
- On June 7, 1990, The Smithereens' album Smithereens 11 sold over 500,000 copies, earning it a "gold" certification.
- On November 17, 2015, Pat was honored by being inducted into the Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School Hall of Fame.
- On April 14, 2016, the Asbury Park Press newspaper named him one of "The 12 Greatest New Jersey Singers Ever."
- On April 18, 2018, the town of Scotch Plains named a street near his old home "Pat DiNizio Way" in his honor.
- On January 18, 2019, he was recognized as an "Asbury Angel" at a music festival in Asbury Park, New Jersey.
- On October 27, 2019, The Smithereens were inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame.
Pat's Music Albums
Studio Albums
- Songs and Sounds, 1997
- This Is Pat DiNizio, 2006
- Pat DiNizio, 2007
- Pat DiNizio/Buddy Holly, 2009
Compilation Albums
- The Best of Pat DiNizio, 2015
Pat's Film and TV Appearances
Pat DiNizio also appeared in and worked on several films and TV shows.
Films
- Singles (1992), actor
- Mr. Smithereen Goes to Washington (2001), actor
- King Leisure S.O.B. (2004), writer/director/actor
- Dead Horse (2004), actor/producer/composer
Television
- Space Ghost: Coast to Coast (1996, Cartoon Network), as himself
- Mother-Tongue: Italian-American Sons and Mothers (1999), as himself
- 7th Inning Stretch (2006, ESPN2), actor/director/writer/producer
