ALFRED J. GALLODORO, musician, 95

ONEONTA - Alfred J. Gallodoro, birth name Fortunato Gallodoro, musician, 95 (Born June 20, 1913) passed away peacefully October 4, 2008 due to complications of a very old age. Having lived an extraordinarily rich life, he leaves behind the legacy of his music and the distinction of having been one of the world's longest continually active performing musicians. Starting his professional career at the age of 13, and having had his last performance at the Corning Jazz and Harvest Festival on September 20, 2008 his professional career spanned over an amazing nine decades. Born in Chicago to Antonio and Frances Gallodoro, Al spent his childhood years in Alabama and New Orleans, with most of his later career spent in New York City. He relocated to Oneonta, New York in 1981 where he lived until his death.

Alfred J. Gallodoro played his saxophone, clarinet and bass clarinet with his great strength lying in his technique, gorgeous tone and moving expressiveness. He appeared in all forms and venues of music - - - from vaudeville houses to New Orleans speak-easies, from nightclubs to symphonies, and from Carnegie Hall to more recently, international jazz festivals. (New Orleans Jazz Festival to the North Sea at The Hague, and Breda Jazz Festivals in Holland!) His longest association (nearly four decades) was with the "King of Jazz" Paul Whiteman, where Gallodoro played lead 1st alto sax, as well as clarinet and bass clarinet for the orchestra. Hence, the nickname, Triple Threat! At Al's death, his brother Frank remains the only surviving member of the Paul Whiteman Orchestra. Gallodoro was a regularly featured "front stage" soloist on live broadcasts spanning from the 1930s through the 1970s, and even continued those live radio performances up until May of 2008 with regular appearances on Public Radio Stations including WSKG, and WAMC.

Gallodoro performed classical music as well as jazz under famed conductors Isham Jones, Arturo Toscanini, Leopold Stokowski, Alfredo Antonini, Leonard Bernstein, Andre Kostelanetz., Johnny Green, Tutti Camarata, Arthur Fiedler, Percy Faith, Skitch Henderson and Dr. Frank Black. George Gershwin, Victor Borge, Dina Shore, Sid Caesar, Raphael Mendez, Les Paul, Bob Hope, Edgar Bergen, Duke Ellington, Tommy Dorsey, Mario Lanza, Frank Sinatra and Milton Berle are amongst some of the greats he appeared with. He also recorded countless movie and cartoon soundtracks. He also had music composed for him, with the most notable piece being the Gallodoro Serenade. Recently recorded in 2004, the piece was written in 1958 by composer Ferde Grofè.

AL GALLODORO was featured in 2002 on CBS' Sunday Morning, and has also been the topic of a PBS documentary, the Al Gallodoro Story. In 2005 Alfred J. Gallodoro received an Honorary Doctoral Degree from Hartwick College in recognition of a lifetime of extraordinary achievement in music performance and teaching. His admirers include more than just saxophone aficionados - - -- he recently appeared twice at Cornell University's Weill Medical College for concerts and as the subject of an extensive interview on longevity and vitality. Holding the distinction of having the world's record for the most performances of the clarinet slide in Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue (OVER 10,000 TIMES), Gallodoro was called upon in April 2006 to perform and record the piece in NYC with the Grammy-nominated, Harmonie Ensemble Orchestra, under conductor Steven Richman. A classical vein ran throughout Gallodoro's art of improvisation and interpretation of jazz. Perhaps it was this unique ability to effortlessly bridge both the idioms of jazz and classical music that so endears him to such a broad variety of fans young and old. Unmatched in his virtuosity, even at 95 years young, Gallodoro continued to thrill his listeners with his impeccable musicianship and incredible mastery of his instruments. He can arguably be regarded as the greatest saxophone/clarinet virtuoso in history. Al Gallodoro was a life member of the American Federation of Musicians Union Local 443, Oneonta, New York, local 802, New York, NY, and 369, Las Vegas, Nevada.

With 8 CDs and a music video to his credit, as well as numerous recordings with other artists, Al Gallodoro was also an independent producer of his own music under Chmusic Productions/Golden Rooster Records. With a bit of Southern flair, credited to his Birmingham and New Orleans roots, the Mediterranean influence of his Sicilian heritage, and the sounds attributed to nearly six decades of working in New York City, Dr. Alfred J. Gallodoro (born June 20, 1913) will remain absolutely inimitable! For more information on Al Gallodoro go to his website at http://www.algallodoro.com

He is survived by daughters Mary Bruggeman, Joann Gallodoro, Alice Gallodoro, and brother Frank Gallodoro, sisters Frances Nyhan and Catherine Gagliano, as well as 18 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great grandchildren; and by his manager, friend and pianist JoAnn Chmielowski and dear grandson, producer and best friend Kevin Wood

He was predeceased by his wife Mary, his son Alfred, daughter Rita, sister Marie and brother Peter.

Calling hours will be held Thursday, October 9th from 1 to 3 pm and 6 to 9 pm at the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St.,Oneonta, NY.


A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 10th 11 am at the Oneonta Theater 1 & 2, Chestnut Street, with Allison Jay Bookhout, Spiritual Care Coordinator of Catskill Area Hospice & Palliative Care, officiating.

Immediately following the service a Celebration of Life will held at the Holiday Inn - Oneonta, where friends and family can enjoy Al's recorded music and share memories.

In honor of Al Gallodoro's rich musical life, a memorial fund is being set up. Funds will help to encourage and develop excellent musicianship, preserve Al's instruments, musical heritage and fund future "music worthy" programs. Those wishing to donate to this fund should send an amount of their choosing to: The Al Gallodoro Music Memorial Fund: PO Box 667 , Shoreham NY 11786. Email: info@goldenroosterrecords.com

In addition, Hartwick College announced a yearly Al Gallodoro music award, a memorial concert on his behalf and the planning of an exhibition of Al's life work.

A special thank you to the Catskill Area Hospice and Fox Hospital nurses for all the care and support they have shown to Al.

To sign the on line guest book or to send the family a condolence, visit, www.lhpfuneralhome.com

The Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta, is serving the family.