Bucky Pizzarelli: A Life in Music

For more than half a century, John "Bucky" Pizzarelli has been a part of the fraternity of musicians who have kept mainstream and traditional jazz alive. The lists of big bands and vocalists with whom Bucky has performed and recorded reads like a veritable Who's Who of Jazz. This 208 page book offers a brief history of the jazz guitar, a generous dose of biographical information about Bucky, plus short sketches of dozens of other jazz stars of his era. From gigs in his teen and his professional debut with the Vaughn Monroe Orchestra to his work in studio bands, command performances at the White House, and beyond - Bucky's life story is told here largely through the eyes of his many illustrious associates. The comprehensive discography provided in the appendix will be welcomed by all Pizzarelli fans. In addition to performance and publicity photos, this book is further enhanced by many casual snapshots of Bucky and friends as well as black and white shots of a few Bucky's oil paintings. Jazz guitarist, recording artist, teacher, painter, family man, and always the gentlemen - this thoughtful biography reveals the many facets of John "Bucky" Pizzarelli.

Terence Ripmaster is emeritus professor of history at William Patterson University in Wayne, New Jersey. He is president of the New Jersey Jazz Society and author of A History of Jazz in Paterson. He is presently writing a biography of Willis Conover, a jazz broadcaster for Voice of America.