Joe Vito

American jazz pianist, accordionist and orchestra leader. Born in 1930 in Chicago, Illinois. Died June 28, 2010 (79 years old). Joe started music at age 7 by studying piano, accordion and clarinet. While enrolled in the Navy band in the early 1950's, Vito became interested in jazz which he studied while completing a Bachelor's Degree in composition at DePaul University. Vito also worked as a studio musician for CBS doing many commercial TV and radio assignments. He worked at various clubs and hotels with jazz groups and recorded with jazz violinist Hal Otis on Zale Records; these recordings led to an appearance with Dave Garroway on the “Today Show". In 1961 he began freelancing as a pianist, orchestra leader and conductor, working with such artists as Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, and Andy Williams. Beginning in 1983, Joe partnered with jazz violinist John Frigo and played numerous Jazz Festivals around the world. Vito appeared as the guest soloist with the Warsaw Philharmonic at their 100th Anniversary Celebration in 2001. He also had accompanied tenor Luciano Pavarotti on numerous occasions,