Bucky Pizzarelli

Bucky Pizzarelli was a legendary jazz guitarist whose smooth, swinging style made him a fixture in the American music scene for over seven decades. Born John Paul Pizzarelli Jr. in 1926 in Paterson, New Jersey, he picked up the guitar at 9 and never looked back, becoming a master of the seven-string archtop guitar—a signature sound that let him weave bass lines and chords effortlessly. Bucky’s career kicked off in the 1940s with big bands like Vaughn Monroe’s, but he truly shone as a session ace and collaborator, sharing stages with icons like Benny Goodman, Frank Sinatra, and Stephane Grappelli. Later, he teamed up with his son, guitarist John Pizzarelli, for heartfelt family jazz projects. Albums like *Live at the Vineyard* and *Swingin’ American Songs* capture his timeless charm and technical brilliance, blending swing, bebop, and standards with warmth and wit. A mentor and performer until his passing in 2020, Bucky’s legacy lives on in his recordings and the generations of musicians he inspired.