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Jimmy Cavallo Obituary
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45 Entries
George Tucci
October 18, 2020
I saw Jimmy play several times at DiCastro's in Sylvan Beach. He was an inspiration to me and several other musicians in the area. Recently I ran across several of his youTube videos that were recorded of him playing in Florida. He not only played, but he was rockin..... Rocking 'till the end. Thanks Jimmy. MY condolences go out to his family.
Ben Schiro
August 8, 2020
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I DANCED TO IMMY WHEN i WAS 17 YEARS OLD IN SYLVAN BEACH, NY & Utica, NY. I FOLLOWED HIS BEAUTIFUL CAREER HERE IN SOUTH FLORIDA UNTIL HE PASSED.... BEN SCHIRO 954-682-0848.
Robert Epstein
June 7, 2020
I know I'm just a little late, like just about 6 months; (just came to this site today) but, I can not express my sorrow in hearing of Jimmy's passing! I use to see him often at Blue Jean Blues and enjoyed chatting with him. I first was introduced to him by a young lady that I was seeing in 2016 and was so grateful that she introduced me to his music. He will be missed greatly!
Ron Moser
March 3, 2020
Great singer, saxophonist and a great performer
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February 26, 2020
God is a God of all Comfort and he will Comfort the family's..My heartfelt sympathies..
Gene Lorenzo
December 27, 2019
I played piano with Jimmy right out of high school. He was like a father to me. He always looked out for me. I am very saddened to hear of his passing. I feel like a part of me died also. Rest in peace, Jimmy.
December 26, 2019
My condolence to the Cavallo family. May the memories and his legacy continue to provide comfort and peace. May God continue to provide endurance, strength, comfort and peace to your family today, tomorrow, and always.
GHL
December 24, 2019
We express our sympathies to the Cavallo family, many, many friends, and fans. May you find comfort in your wealth of fond memories together with the many great songs. May the God of tender mercies grant you continued love, peace and comfort.
John Freeman
December 23, 2019
Jimmy, was my favorite entertainer. I'd go to all three shows when he played Italian fest in Syracuse. He made everyone feel good. God rest his soul.
bob dagit
December 17, 2019
Jimmy usually signed off from his BJB shows with "stay vertical!" This encouraging slogan would be fitting as his famous last words. A very lovable man!
Gretchen Erickson
December 15, 2019
Jimmy was one of the sweetest, most fun loving man I've ever met. I was his nurse when he had eye surgery at Rand Eye Institute and then after meeting him, I became a fan of his and enjoyed seeing him many times at Blue Jean Blues. He was such a joy and inspiration and he will be terribly missed by all who knew him. RIP Jimmy
December 11, 2019
Our condolences and heartfelt prayers go out to the Family. May the God of tender mercies and all comfort be with you all during this most difficult time.
GJ, Jackson Mississippi
LeeRoy
December 10, 2019
My condolences go out to the Cavallo family on the death of Jimmy. Sorry for your loss.
Helen Lamb
December 8, 2019
I will always remember Jimmy. I have nothing but the fondest memories his music his talent. John and I met Jimmy 27 years ago at the Irelands Inn and we actually took him to Doogiesin Deerfield and made it our home for Jimmy you could say we were his first groupies. Johnny loved Jimmys music I gave him great pleasure and we followed Jimmy all these years unfortunately Johnny passed away this past year. They were The greatest friends and shared the music that they love together I will always remember Jimmy.
MEGAN AMANDA BOSHANE
December 7, 2019
WOW !!!!!!!! A , TRUE LEGEND MY , GRANDFATHER TOOK ME TO NEW YORK CITY TO SEE JIMMY FOR THE FINAL-TIME !!!!! HAPPY , HOLIDAYS TO YOU !!!!!! JIMMY MORE , IMPORTANTLY FAREWELL TO YOU !!!!!!! BROTHER MARK 1:08-1:11 ???????? MATTHEW 14:10-26:17 ........ JOHN 2:07-2:25 ????????? & PETER 2:02:17 ?????????
Tricia Billings
December 7, 2019
A legend! Today we raise a glass to Jimmy and the joy he brought so many through his music and most importantly, his friendship.
December 7, 2019
As the days and weeks pass,and as you return to life's routine,may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
December 7, 2019
Thank you for your wonderful music. We pray that God continues to strengthen and comfort the family during this extremely difficult time.
December 7, 2019
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Jimmy Cavallo. He will be greatly missed. May you all receive comfort and peace from God.
Reinhold Baerholz
December 7, 2019
Every year i enjoyed his great performance at the Blue Jeans Bar - last year he signed an old vinyl record from him -wonderful memories
Sandy & George
December 6, 2019
Enjoyed Jimmys shows at Blue Jean Blues. Such a great showman and Sax player. Loved his music. Always in our Hearts...and your beautiful music in our ears. We will miss you Jimmy! Prayers for his many friends and Family.
Robert B
December 6, 2019
Please accept my sympathy - Jimmy Cavallo was the best - Wow!!! What an entertainer!!! I miss him already. I was hoping he would live and rock forever - and he will in our memories, and through his recordings and film. I had the privilege of seeing my friend many, many times on his trips back to Syracuse and talked with him at length over the years including his last time here. He was an exciting, energetic performer who played the saxophone like no one else could, even playing while standing on top of nightclub tables! He most definitely belongs in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and his early records are among the first examples of rock and roll.
I loved talking with Jimmy about his career between sets and what stories! Most people have heard the story of how the famous DJ Alan Freed brought Jimmy into the studio and was so impressed that he cast Jimmy and the House Rockers in Rock Rock Rock. What many may not know is that Jimmy was scheduled to be a musical performer in another Freed movie, Go Johnny Go in 1959. Jimmy's appearance almost happened but didn't. He is still listed as part of the cast of Go Johnny Go on imdb.com and in promo materials of the movie. He was the first white act to play The Apollo and was a headliner - unheard of at the time, months before Buddy Holly played there. He told me about the time he talked with Buddy Holly when both were recording for Coral Records - very interesting to think what would have happened if he had done an unreleased Buddy Holly song as Jimmy was one hit record away from Rock Stardom.
Jimmy was highly intelligent and stayed away from a lot of the things that torpedoed other rock and roll musicians and in doing so had longevity. His career as a performer spanned an almost unheard of 70 years over 8 decades!!!
After serving in WWII, thousands flocked to his groundbreaking performances in the late 1940's early 1950's up and down the Eastern Coast. He packed the clubs everywhere he went with his electric, energetic high energy shows - a true rock and roll pioneer.
I asked Jimmy about a story I heard that he auditioned for Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts - it was indeed true! Jimmy told me he performed for Godfrey himself, not an intermediary, playing "Fanny Brown". Godfrey was very impressed with Jimmy's talent, but insisted that Jimmy tame his act down and Jimmy wouldn't do this for the very conservative Godfrey! Can you imagine Jimmy given the Julius LaRosa build up, or being produced by Archie Bleyer of Cadence Records having hit after hit like another Godfrey group The Chordettes? - it's not too far fetched and could have happened. Jimmy worked with some of the biggest names in show business, at Dom Bruno's Three Rivers Inn and in Vegas - Bobby Darin and Nat King Cole were good friends. Though Jimmy resisted having a personal manager that many top artists retained, he told me Darin's manager Steve Blauner was strongly interested in managing his career and recognized his talent.
Jimmy had major league talent, of that there is no doubt, and even greater, he was a major league person, character and class, generous with his time and talent. He was goodness personified and most importantly was a winner in life with a beautiful family and dear friends that he cherished above everything else.
He always remembered his Syracuse roots and came back to see us often, choosing family and friends over chasing the Big Time, which he always was without even trying. We are so fortunate he shared his great talent with us - there will never be another Jimmy Cavallo.
sally Holderness
December 6, 2019
Mary and Jimmy lived on my same street and we booked him several times at Nicks Italiano Restaurant. I first met him over 20 years ago when he was playing at Doogies. He loved life and playing his music, was a wonderful person and will be so missed by myself and so many other people. My love to his family. Sally Holderness, Pompano Beach ,Florida.
BRY
December 5, 2019
Sincere condolences to the Cavallo Family, May the God of Tender Mercies bless your lives with peace and endless love and support as you cope with Jimmy's passing.
Harry Simpson
December 5, 2019
Rest in Peace Jimmy, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us, and the memories.
Fair winds and following seas sailor.
"Boatswain... Standby to pipe the side... Shipmate's going Ashore..."
Thank you for your service to this nation.
Scott Chamberland
December 5, 2019
Rest in Peace
December 5, 2019
My sincere condolences to the Cavallo family, friends, and fans. May the God of comfort provide peace, endurance, and comfort during this time of grief.
Joe Carfagno
December 5, 2019
I'm sure you'll bring a new beat with the "Band in the Sky". It was a pleasure to be able to be on the bandstand many times with you here in Syracuse. The music community of Syracuse will always remember you & "Fanny Brown".
Marie Mcaulay
December 5, 2019
"GO JIMMY GO " INTO GOD'S ARMS
R.I.P.
December 5, 2019
Rock and Roll was the music of my youth. I thank Jimmy Cavallo for his part in making my teenage years a real joy through music. May God comfort all his family and friends at this difficult and sad time. (Phillippians 4:6,7)
December 5, 2019
Thinking of the Cavallo family at this time of grief and sorrow. Praying that God give you peace of mind and heart.
Jenee
December 5, 2019
I am so sorry about the loss of Jim. His music will never be forgotten. The Cavallo family has my deepest condolences. As the days, weeks and months pass during this difficult time, may you continue to be surrounded and comforted with the love and support that is needed, by fond memories, and by knowing that Jim is safe in the memory of Almighty God.
Patricia Kaufman
December 5, 2019
To the Cavallo family and extended family, we are sorry for your loss of this beloved and talented man. We were among the fortunate who had the pleasure of seeing his show and dancing to his music in Fort Lauderdale. We will always remember that.
John Puchir
December 5, 2019
Uncle Jimmy was and is a great guy. I loved watching him perform over the years and loved all the family get togethers. Those were great times that I truly miss. You are so very lucky to have him in your lives for a long time. He was able to see his children and grandchildren grow up. Life has created some distance in our family but you have all still been in our hearts. Please give my best to Aunt Mary. I hope that she is healthy and gets through this difficult time with the love of her children and grandchildren
Liz M.
December 5, 2019
Thanks for the great music Rest in Paradise!!!! My condolences to yourfamily ...
Ann Stokman
December 5, 2019
Loved Jimmy
Burks
December 5, 2019
To the family of Jimmy Cavallo, I am very sorry for your loss. He was a true trailblazer. May the God of comfort be with all of you as you grieve.
T L
December 5, 2019
Always put on a fun show. Did not realize this past March I'd be watching the last one.
December 4, 2019
What an amazing talent with his singing and saxophone in an era of rock n roll that was such a fun time. May all be comforted in knowing that he will return to his youth and perform and sing again for generations that never had a chance to hear or see talent of his calibre. Job 33:25
December 4, 2019
My condolences to the Cavallo family, so very sorry for your loss, praying that God be with you as you go through this very difficult time.
Jim King
December 4, 2019
Went to school in Syracuse in the early 60's...Used to go to an Italian restaurant downtown to here this black sax player wail with his band....I loved it from the start !!!!
V M
December 4, 2019
May the God of all comfort be with you as a source of comfort and strength.
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