Jazz guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli dies from coronavirus
John “Bucky” Pizzarelli (Image: AP/Rich Schultz)
SADDLE RIVER, New Jersey—Jazz guitarist John “Bucky” Pizzarelli, who was inducted to the New Jersey Hall of Fame, has died at the age of 94.
The virtuoso who had played for presidents at the White House during his long and esteemed career died Wednesday at his home in Saddle River, New Jersey.
His family tells The New York Times they believe the cause of death was the coronavirus. The Bergen Record reports that Pizzarelli tested positive for the virus on Sunday.
“There will be some kind of tribute as soon as we can all get within 6 feet of each other,” his son John Pizzarelli, also a renowned jazz artist, told the Bergen Record on Thursday.
Pizzarelli was born in Paterson, New Jersey, and had a career that spanned eight decades. He showed off his musical chops for former presidents like Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton and played alongside musical icons like Frank Sinatra.
Article continues after this advertisement“Jazz guitar wouldn’t be what it is today without Bucky Pizzarelli,” said jazz guitarist Frank Vignola. “He and Freddie Green were responsible for a style of rhythm guitar playing that has lasted until 2020.”
Article continues after this advertisementPizzarelli died with his wife, Ruth, his son Martin, and his caregiver at his side. CL /ra
RELATED STORIES:
Jazz great Ellis Marsalis dies aged 85 after virus ‘complications’
‘Lovely Day’, ‘Lean on Me’ singer Bill Withers passes away at 81
For more news about the novel coronavirus click here.
What you need to know about Coronavirus.
For more information on COVID-19, call the DOH Hotline: (02) 86517800 local 1149/1150.
The Inquirer Foundation supports our healthcare frontliners and is still accepting cash donations to be deposited at Banco de Oro (BDO) current account #007960018860 or donate through PayMaya using this link.
