Howard Reynolds

REYNOLDS, HOWARD, 94 - Bandleader/Saxophonist of Egg Harbor Township and formerly of Philadelphia, PA. Son of Minnie and Howard Sr., Stetson Co. employees. Howard was a member of Local #77 of the American Federation of Musicians. Bandleader at the famed nightclubs: Cozy Morley's Club Avalon in North Wildwood, Frank Palumbo's in South Philly, Pop Sciolla's in North Philly, the Ben Franklin Hotel, Palumbo's "The Click", the Ivystone Ballroom, Stardust Ballroom, managed by Harry and Merlyn Jackson, the City of North Wildwood Outdoor Concerts. He lead shows for Bobby Darin, Jackie Mason, Connie Francis, Paul Anka, Bobby Rydell, Bobby Vinton, Al Alberts, The Mills Brothers, Al Martino, Joanie Rogers, Lou Rawls, Benny Hayden and Ruth Rogers, Jerry Vale, booking agent Eddie Suez, Carl Garay & Tomio, The Platters, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Judy Cahill, Charlie Gaston, January Jones, Bob Eberly and Helen O'Connell, Sarah Vaughn, Della Reese, Johnny Ray, Frankie Laine, Chubby Checker, Joey Bishop, Martha Raye, Gene Krupa, Jackie Wilson, Vaughn Monroe, The Chimes Family, Johnny Puleo, Buddy Hackett, Ruth Daye, Myron Cohen, Florian Zabach, and Davis & Reese, just to name a few. But his fondest memories are from one place and one place alone: at the corner of Spruce and New Jersey in North Wildwood - Cozy Morleys Club Avalon where he led the band and prior to show time helped the hostess Bebe Flanagan seat 1000 in less than two hours. His legacy is that of musician, friend, father, husband, granddad and employer of many, many side men (musicians) over the years. He began professionally at the age of 18 in 1930, but his career truly took off in 1932, when he was hired by Frank Palumbo to lead the band at the family's famed night spot. He remained at the position until he enlisted into the Army Air Corp in 1941. When the club at 8th & Catherine closed for the summer, Frank sent him to two night clubs down the shore that Frank recently purchased. The Renault Tavern in Atlantic City and the Club Avalon in North Wildwood (later sold to Eddie Suez then to Cozy Morley). While in Atlantic City at the Renault he also led the band at the Black Orchid (owned by the Tummino family). He did this when the Renault was closed. Steve Lawrence made the Black Orchid a hot spot. In 1941 he was deployed as a Radar Man in Reno, NV. In 1945 he ran into long time friend Ziggy Elman. Their grandmother's each owned rooming houses in the inlet. Ziggy asked Howie to join his band, which Howie did gladly. In the 50's and 60's he led shows in Philly while he spent the summers in A.C. and North Wildwood. He took an interest in boating and became a very well versed man of the sea, and enjoyed taking friends out on the "Intermission". He spent hours on end with Tony Tarsitano (from the Baltimore Grill) at the dock at Carson Avenue. His treasured sidemen were Chris Depolis Sr., Chris Depolis Jr, Mike Natale, Joe Scannella, Les Arnold, Mingy Calabrese, Joe Frusco, Bill Forbes, Frank Myrick, Eddie Clausen, Tommy Clegg, Russ Patrick, Charlie McConnell, Jim Miller, Frank Medici, Red Clemson Howard Roberts, Clarence Watson, John Guida, Jack Pleis, Ed Vezinho, Norm Shirmer, Lou Nise, Carl "Cochise" Mottola, Mike Francis, Joe Borock and Harry Kleiss, and a host of other great players. His energy was so intense he took on a day job at Strawbridge and Clothier in 1950 in the toy, rug dept and finally working for Dom Festa in the holiday walk-through event as the greeter at "The Christmas Carol", retiring in 2004. He was very proud of the fact that he was taught the sax by the 1st clarinet in John Phillip Sousas Band, Otto Blauwert in 1918 at age six. He loved eating breakfast out served up by Lou and Loretta at Amici's and credits their scrapple and a glass of wine to his longevity. His more recent happy moments was his marriage to his long term friend and musician, Denise, who waited on him & cared for him in the last few years when he needed some help. They were married at the site of Cozy Morley's old club, now Westy's, where the Morley's threw a gala wedding party for them with the help of Bebe & Chink Flanigan. The ceremony was held on the old bandstand & was performed by outgoing Mayor Aldo Palombo. Cozy served as his best man & Roberta (Bobbi) Morley was Denise's matron of honor. Howie treasured his regular calls to Cozy & credits himself with putting Cozy and Bobbi together as he also says he put Frank and Kippy Palumbo together. Howie always said in jest when I retire I may become matchmaker to the nightclub owners of America. The Reynolds have a wonderful photo album captured by Kass Sheeran, and the toast was done by her husband Dick. John Siugzda made a video of the hilarity. When he retired in 1993 he handed the baton to his musician wife Denise, 38 years his junior. They moved to Atlantic City and then the Egg Harbor Township where they found their dream home thanks to Ellie Bertok & Jessie, Walt & Pat Broome & Dennis & Barb Ruley. When his wife would go on a band job Howie would feel down in the dumps because he couldn't physically go on the job- she therefore made Howie's wall of fame in their living room- it is an entire wall filled with his conducting career- candids of he and the acts he led for over 50 years. He lived a good life and has Philly and New Jersey memories, and only became ill in October of 2006. Please know Howie treasured his friends at Strawbridges, but due to the closure of the 8th & Market store, we are unable to contact anyone, please call us. A Memorial Service will be held in January @ their home. Please call 609-645-2218 for specifics. Howie is survived by his wife Denise; a son, Robert; daughter-in-law, Fran; two grandchildren, Rob & Danielle; and his stepson, Wes Hudson. He is also survived by many friends and one in particular who always cared about his well-being, Louise "Peanut" Contrevo, and last but not least, his cat Sam who beat him to Heaven by a year.