One of Rhode Island’s finest local entertainers is Bob Mainelli.He has performed for more parties, organizational events, civil and otherwise, private celebrations, small clubs, large clubs, restaurants, casinos, political happenings, weddings, funerals, bar-mitzvahs and probably hangings than most professional singers. Bob taught music at Johnston High School for many years. His daughter, Jennifer has emulated […]
Rhode Island veteran trumpet player Al DeAndrade was born and raised in Pawtucket. His father, known as “Jim Daddy,” had a local orchestra and played alto saxophone and clarinet. Young Al began performing with his dad at age 9 on his horn. His brothers, Richard […]
Oliver Shaw was believed to be America’s first musical composer. He was born in Newport in 1779 (long before the Civil War). Following a childhood accident, and a bout with Yellow Fever, he became totally blind. Yet, he studied with the noted organist John Berhonhead and later with veteran society pianist Gottilieb Grauper. Oliver Shaw […]
David Wallis Reeves (1838-1900) was a professional cornettist, composer and bandleader. He was a leading horn player in the Dodworth Band in New York City and the American Brass Band in Providence. David composed more than 100 works, and many had what today would be considered upbeat jazz passages. He developed a march-style and counter […]
Lilyan (“Lill”) Lipson was one of the last silent movie pianists in Rhode Island. Lill was one of eight children and grew up on the East Side of Providence. She and her two sisters learned piano on the old beaten upright spinet that took up space in the family second floor. Her skills elevated her […]
Robert (Bobby) Leo Hackett became one of the world’s finest cornet players.Born in Providence in 1915, he created a soft, easy-listening and romantic sound that became unequaled, even today. Early in his long career, he joined the Glenn Miller Orchestra and was hired by Benny Goodman to perform in his famous 1938 Carnegie Hall Concert.Later, […]
Artie Cabral has performed with Stan Kenton, Woody Herman and even with the late Hollywood film star Mickey Rooney. Growing up his father would take young Artie to hear many of the great Rhode Island big bands. Artie began playing the drums. He became one of New England’s finest available drummer, performing at weddings, Bar-Mitzahs, […]
In 1914 another of Woonsocket’s famous musical greats was born. Samuel (Sammy) Sherman began his musical career on the violin. He grew up and attended Providence College. Along the way, he switched to jazz trombone, and added his voice to his notable performances. During World War II he served in the 16th Medical Regiment in North […]
RI’s own Irving Lipson was known for his reed instrument performances throughout New England. He was born on PVD’s East Side in 1902. Irving played mostly tenor saxophone in his early years in several of Providence’s big bands. They performed regularly in Roger Williams Park, and Irving could often be seen soloing at the park’s […]
Rhode Island’s long list of jazz musicians began with George M. Cohan. George was born in Providence during 1878. He was to grow up to become a leader in Broadway musicals. His credits include, being a giant entertainer, actor, composer, lyricist, jazz singer, dancer, producer and playwright. George was considered among the most important music […]