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BORN
1935
DIED
2025
Nino Tempo Obituary
Nino Tempo, a singer and musician who rose to fame in the 1960s alongside his sister, April Stevens (1929–2023), died April 10, 2025 at the age of 90 at his home in West Hollywood, CA.
Born Antonino LoTempio in Niagara Falls, New York, Tempo's career in entertainment began on screen as a child actor, appearing in small film roles in the '40s and '50s before his musical talents took center stage. Tempo was a session musician who worked with the Wrecking Crew, a collective of musicians who all but dominated Los Angeles studios in the 1960s and '70s. His most famous moment came in 1963, when his duet with his sister, "Deep Purple," hit No. 1 on the charts and earned a Grammy for Best Rock And Roll Recording. It also inspired the band of the same name. He later formed the band Nino Tempo and 5th Ave. Sax, with whom he had a disco hit with "Sister James" in 1973.
The Niagara Falls MUSIC Hall of Fame paid tribute to his memory online: "A gifted musician, singer, and actor, he leaves behind a remarkable legacy in American music and entertainment."
--Eric San Juan
(Photo via Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
13 Entries
Denice D Lewis
July 8, 2025
Nini.... My sweet friend....Thank you for all the years of friendship. I love you and will miss you enormously...I tried to call you last night and only discovered the news that you left then. Im so sorry. My heart aches. Rest in peace my dear friend... You are forever in my heart...
Marie Logan
May 29, 2025
So sorry to hear about his passing. He was a visitor to my home in the early 60's when he and his sister were performing. Such a great guy. RIP Nino.
Amber Allen
May 26, 2025
Well, I can´t believe it happened. Ninski you have been in my thoughts for months, got you a card for Christmas and never sent, on April 10th you were on my mind a lot, and tonight I am thinking of you again and that I should stop by, only to learn you have left. I really can´t believe it happened! All these cards I have never sent! And the phone calls I didn´t make! I will always keep fond memories of you as I already do...come visit in my meditations! You are always welcome to drop through. I am sorry we did not get to speak to each other while both on earth. I love you Ninski.
Amani
Amber Allen
Mary Tempo Buffett
May 9, 2025
Nino and I were married for a short time but remained friends through the years.. he was a talented and wonderful person.. the world has a great loss without him and his talent.. I will miss not getting together again.. you are always in my heart Nino;)
Mary
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Mary Tempo Buffett
May 9, 2025
Nino, we were first loves, I missed you already but you will remain in my heart forever;)
Mary Tempo Buffett
Salvatore Arnone
May 2, 2025
Nino was my first cousin.our moms were sisters. I talked to him pretty much on a weekly basis
.he truly was a sensitive and beautiful person and will be sadly missed Salvatore Arnone.
Rick Ferrer
May 2, 2025
Nino you will be missed.
Katherine Bell
April 29, 2025
Such a beautiful song, full of mystical magic imagery, Nino Tempo created in Deep Purple, which then became the inspiration for decades of mystical magic music by the legendary rock band who took their name from the song.
Jay Cousins
April 28, 2025
I had the privilege of knowing Nino for the past 14 years, and during that time we shared countless laughs, stories, and unforgettable moments. Especially in the final stages of his life, I got to know him even more deeply — his wit, his spirit, and the kindness behind his sometimes mischievous smile. We went through so many jokes, so many stories, and so many memories that I will treasure forever. My life is richer for having known Nino, and I will always be grateful for the friendship we shared. Rest easy, my friend. You will be missed more than words can say.
Jason Ehrenberg
April 23, 2025
He was so talented in everything he did, singing, playing instruments, and acting. He will genuinely be missed.
JK
April 23, 2025
May God give you strength and comfort during this difficult time. Sending condolences to his family and friends. Deep Purple was my mother´s favorite song. Thank you for sharing your talent with us. You gave her a lot of happy memories and our family is so grateful.
Carson Loveless
April 22, 2025
Condolences to his family
Diane Harrison
April 22, 2025
My heartfelt condolences to the family in your time of sorrow.
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