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Pat Rizzo
Pat Rizzo
Pat Rizzo
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Key Information

Pat Rizzo (November 30, 1941 – April 15, 2021) was an American saxophonist and flautist, best known for his work with funk band Sly and the Family Stone.

Career

[edit]

Rizzo started performing in the sixties with The Cuff Links. He is best known for his work as saxophonist and flautist with funk band Sly and the Family Stone.[1] He was intended as a replacement for founding member Jerry Martini, who got into trouble with Sly Stone and his accountants for inquiring about money rightfully due to him, but both Martini and Rizzo remained in the band and became good friends. He later replaced Charles Miller in War. During this period he also performed with Tito Puente and Frank Sinatra.

Rizzo appeared on Ry Cooder's 1976 album Chicken Skin Music,[2] 1977 live album Show Time and his 1978 album Jazz [3] and he accompanied Cooder on his 1977 tour of Europe.[4]

Compositions

[edit]

Rizzo is credited as composer of the Sly and the Family Stone song, "Ha Ha Hee Hee". During the recording sessions for the band's Small Talk album, Rizzo co-wrote the song with Jerry Martini.[5]

Personal life

[edit]

Rizzo was married to Kelli J Ball (Mickeliunas), an international fashion model. The couple divorced.[citation needed] He died in April 2021 at the age of 79.[6]

References

[edit]
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Pat Rizzo

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Pat Rizzo (November 30, 1941 – April 15, 2021) was an American saxophonist and flautist renowned for his versatile contributions to , , and , most notably as a key member of the influential band from 1970 to 1975. Born Pascal Peter Rizzo in , New York, to parents Peter Rizzo, a and singer, and Mary Grande, a concert , he grew up in a musically inclined Italian-American family with siblings Frank, a saxophonist, and Rosemarie, a . Rizzo attended local schools including PS85, JHS141, and High School, graduating in 1959, and began his musical journey playing the triangle in school band before advancing to and around age 12 after meeting fellow musician Andy Fraga. He studied classical , , and saxophones at the and the School of Music, honing skills that blended classical training with and rock improvisation. Rizzo's professional career took off in the late 1960s when he co-owned a in Astoria with Fraga and recorded tracks like "Pitter of the Rain," but his breakthrough came in 1970 when hired him on the spot as a saxophonist for after a casual backstage encounter, replacing a departing band member without a formal audition. During his five-year tenure, he contributed to albums and co-wrote songs such as "Ha Ha, Hee Hee," helping fuse , and elements while observing collaborating with figures like . He later performed with in 1978, Tito Puente's orchestra, and Frank Sinatra's band for several years, forming a close personal friendship with Sinatra, and worked as a prolific across genres. In 1972, Rizzo relocated to Rancho Mirage in California's , where he became a beloved figure in the local music scene, serving as a session player for over 40 years and participating in events like the Palm Springs Celebrity Festival. He co-founded Pal Joey’s, Palm Springs' inaugural in the , and owned the supper club Manhattan, while marrying Karen and raising children Nina, Lori, and P.J., later partnering with Bonnie Kramer. Rizzo received a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars in 2016 for his enduring impact, and he passed away in Palm Springs after a five-year battle with cancer, survived by his family.

Early life and education

Family background and childhood

Pat Rizzo was born Pascal Peter Rizzo on November 30, 1941, in New York City to Italian-American parents Peter Rizzo, a tailor and amateur singer, and Mary Rizzo (née Grande), a concert pianist originally from Gioia del Colle, Italy. His paternal grandfather, Pasquale Rizzo, had immigrated from Piaggine in Salerno, Italy, where he worked as a construction laborer and musician, while his maternal grandfather, Francesco Grande, led an orchestra in Apulia's Bari province, infusing the family with a deep musical heritage rooted in Italian traditions. His maternal uncles, John Grande, a clarinetist with the Metropolitan Opera, and Joe, a saxophonist in New York City, further contributed to the family's musical atmosphere. As the firstborn of three siblings—brother Frank, a saxophonist, and sister Rosemarie, a pianist—Rizzo grew up in a working-class household in the Astoria neighborhood of Queens, where the family's artistic inclinations provided an early soundtrack to daily life. Astoria's multicultural neighborhood contributed to his early musical development. His parents' home, filled with Mary's performances and Peter's vocal improvisations, fostered an atmosphere of creativity, while the area's proximity to New York's bustling hubs amplified these influences. Rizzo attended local public schools, starting at PS 85 elementary, followed by JHS 141 junior high, where he first experimented with instruments amid a circle of musically inclined friends. Rizzo's passion for the saxophone emerged during his early teenage years, sparked by the swinging arrangements and emanating from 1950s radio broadcasts featuring artists like , , and . Though he initially learned under his mother's guidance and briefly played triangle in school ensembles after being turned away from more prominent roles, he soon gravitated toward the , forming his first band with peers like drummer Andy Fraga during seventh grade at JHS 141. This hands-on experience continued into high school at in , where he performed in school bands, honing his skills through dances and assemblies. Rizzo graduated in 1959, marking the end of his formative years and the beginning of more structured musical pursuits.

Musical training and early influences

Following his high school graduation in , New York, where he had initial exposure to music through a musical family background and school ensembles that introduced him to the , Pat Rizzo enrolled at the School of Music in 1959. Rizzo also attended the in , studying classical , , and saxophones. At the school, Rizzo demonstrated rapid progress in his formal training, debuting as a soloist on the within six months of enrollment—an instrument he had only recently begun to learn. This early accomplishment highlighted his innate talent and dedication to woodwind performance during this formative period immediately after high school. Rizzo honed his skills on the and saxophones alongside the , building a versatile foundation influenced by bebop pioneers such as , , and , whose styles shaped his initial improvisational approach. He also began exploring rhythmic elements that would later inform his work, though his focus remained on fundamentals during this educational phase.

Professional career

Early bands and breakthrough (1960s)

Pat Rizzo began his professional career in the late by joining as a saxophonist, contributing to their pop sound on hits like "Tracy," which reached number 23 on the in 1969. As part of the touring band assembled after the single's success, Rizzo provided horn arrangements and performed alongside vocalist and keyboardist Rick Dimino, helping establish the group's bubblegum pop presence during a period of vibrant studio experimentation in New York. Throughout the 1960s, Rizzo honed his skills through early gigs in clubs, including Jilly's and the Pan Am Hotel, where he played in various ensembles, earning a reputation as a versatile horn player capable of adapting to , pop, and emerging funk influences. These performances, often in intimate and Midtown venues, allowed him to build connections in the local scene following his formal training at the Vermont School of Music and . By the late , Rizzo formed the core of what would become the Pat Rizzo around , organizing a that blended swinging arrangements with rhythmic energy suited for dancers. The group began weekly performances in January 1971 at the Pan American Steak Pub in , featuring Count Basie-inspired charts by arrangers like Frank Foster and classics such as "," which showcased Rizzo's full-toned tenor solos and flute work. This period marked Rizzo's transition from local club circuits to broader opportunities, including opening a in , with collaborator Andy Fraga, where he produced tracks like "Pitter of the Rain" that gained despite initial label rejections. These ventures highlighted his growing role as a multifaceted and , setting the stage for national exposure.

Sly and the Family Stone era (1970s)

In 1970, Pat Rizzo joined as a saxophonist, initially recommended to replace founding member amid ongoing lineup tensions within the band. Rizzo auditioned on the spot after arriving backstage at a with his ; instructed him to play in the dressing room, and upon hearing him, immediately hired him for the position. Although Martini remained with the group intermittently, Rizzo effectively took over primary duties, co-existing with him during periods of flux as the band navigated internal conflicts. Building on his prior session work with acts like , Rizzo brought a versatile jazz-inflected style to the ensemble's evolving sound. Rizzo's tenure contributed significantly to the band's recordings in the mid-1970s, particularly on the albums Fresh (1973) and (1974), where he provided prominent parts that enhanced the group's horn sections and rhythmic drive. On Fresh, his work supported tracks like "If You Want Me to Stay" and "Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)," helping to revitalize the band's commercial momentum after the darker tones of (1971). Similarly, on , Rizzo's and flute lines featured across the album, including on the title track and "Time for Livin'," and he co-wrote the track "Ha Ha, Hee Hee." These efforts marked a brief creative resurgence for , blending grooves with soulful horn accents. During the early to mid-1970s, Rizzo participated in the band's extensive live performances, including major U.S. tours and international shows that showcased their hits to diverse audiences amid the post-Woodstock era. However, the period was fraught with challenges, including frequent lineup changes driven by interpersonal clashes and Sly Stone's escalating drug addiction, which led to erratic , missed gigs, and a toxic environment within the group. By 1975, these issues culminated in the band's effective dissolution, prompting Rizzo's departure after five years of service.

Work with War and funk ensembles

In 1979, Pat Rizzo joined the band as saxophonist and flautist, replacing Charles Miller who had departed after contributing to the initial recording of the album The Music Band. His addition brought a seasoned horn presence to the group's evolving sound, drawing from his prior experience in high-energy funk settings. Rizzo's tenure with War from 1979 to 1983 emphasized the band's signature fusion of , Latin, and elements, enhancing their rhythmic complexity during a period of lineup transitions. Rizzo contributed and to key War albums, including The Music Band (1979), where his horns supported tracks blending percussive grooves with improvisational flair, and The Music Band 2 (1980), on which he played across multiple songs amid the band's exploration of extended compositions. He also featured prominently on (1982), providing melodic lines that underscored the album's raw, streetwise funk anthems like "," helping maintain War's commercial momentum in the early 1980s. These recordings highlighted Rizzo's adaptability in War's , integrating fluid solos that bridged the group's Latin-infused rhythms and soulful grooves. During his time with War, Rizzo participated in extensive live tours across the , performing at major venues and festivals that showcased the band's improvisational live energy. These performances, often extending into marathon sets, solidified War's reputation in the West Coast funk scene, where Rizzo's dynamic work added layers of texture to their multicultural sound, appealing to diverse audiences in cities like and beyond. His role helped sustain the band's draw as a live act amid the competitive funk landscape. Beyond , Rizzo had brief stints with other ensembles, notably contributing saxophone to Funkadelic's The Electric Spanking of Babies (1981), where he joined forces with George Clinton's collective on horn arrangements for tracks like "Funk Gets Stronger," demonstrating his versatility in P-Funk's experimental style. Rizzo briefly rejoined from 1993 to 1995, supporting reunion tours that revisited their classic repertoire.

Collaborations with jazz, rock, and pop artists

In the 1970s, Pat Rizzo expanded his musical reach into through performances with bandleader , contributing to live shows that highlighted Puente's signature salsa rhythms. Rizzo, who had honed his skills in New York City's vibrant scene, earned a regular spot in Puente's ensemble after sitting in during early gigs, allowing him to blend his background with intricate Latin percussion and brass arrangements. These collaborations underscored Rizzo's adaptability, as he navigated the high-energy demands of Puente's orchestra before the genre gained wider popularity through covers like Santana's "Oye Como Va." Rizzo's versatility extended to pop and swing in the late 1970s when he joined Frank Sinatra's , providing support during tours and private performances. After auditioning successfully at the Trinidad Hotel in Palm Springs, Rizzo became a featured soloist in Sinatra's , adapting his style to the lush, orchestral swing of standards while developing a personal rapport with the singer—often joking about distant family ties through mutual acquaintance . He also played at Sinatra's exclusive parties, contributing to the intimate atmosphere of those events, though no specific studio albums credit him directly. This period marked Rizzo's seamless transition from to , showcasing his command of phrasing and tone in a more polished, vocal-driven context. A key highlight of Rizzo's cross-genre work came through his sessions with roots-rock guitarist Ry Cooder, where he played alto saxophone on the 1976 album Chicken Skin Music, adding spirited lines to tracks like "Stand by the Seine" amid Hawaiian slack-key influences and Tex-Mex elements. He reprised this role on Cooder's 1977 live album Show Time, captured during performances that fused folk, blues, and world music, and contributed to the 1978 release Jazz, providing alto saxophone on the opener "Big Bad Bill (Is Sweet William Now)" to evoke early New Orleans ragtime vibes. Rizzo also accompanied Cooder on a 1977 European tour, bringing his improvisational flair to live renditions that bridged rock experimentation with jazz improvisation. Beyond these extended engagements, Rizzo's genre-blending skills shone in one-off collaborations, such as his work with vocalist Jackson Garrett in the band of the same name, where he enhanced sultry, standards-driven sets with expressive solos. These sporadic projects further demonstrated Rizzo's ability to integrate funk-infused energy into diverse ensembles, from Latin to .

Later projects and local performances (1980s–2010s)

In 1972, during his tenure with , Pat Rizzo relocated to Rancho Mirage in California's , where he co-founded Pal Joey's, the area's first disco and , and began leading local ensembles for and charity performances. He formed Pat Rizzo and Friends, a jazz-oriented group that performed at venues across the region, including weekend sets at spots like Three Sixty North Lounge, blending his signature work with collaborative . By the 1990s and into the 2000s, Rizzo established himself as a staple of the local music scene, leading jazz ensembles at resorts, theaters, and supper clubs such as , which he also founded to host visiting artists like Sonny Stitt and . His Pat Rizzo Orchestra backed high-profile acts at the Annenberg Theater, including Diahann Carroll's 2010 concert special The Lady, The Music, The Legend and Yve Evans' 2002 tribute Just Mercer!, showcasing his ability to orchestrate large-scale arrangements. Rizzo also contributed to community events by co-founding the Idyllwild Jazz in the Pines festival and serving as big band leader for the , while performing at numerous charity benefits throughout the . Rizzo's regional impact culminated in 2016 with his induction into the Palm Springs Walk of Stars, receiving a star at 360 North Palm Canyon Drive in recognition of his lifetime contributions to music and in the communities.

Musical contributions

Compositions

Pat Rizzo's compositional output, though not extensive in volume, showcased his versatility as a saxophonist blending , , and elements. One of his notable contributions was co-writing the track "Ha Ha Hee Hee" for Sly and the Family Stone's 1974 album , where his prominently featured in the arrangement, highlighting a playful yet introspective groove typical of the band's evolving sound. In his later solo endeavors, Rizzo explored more personal styles, as evidenced by his original song "If You Only Knew," featured on the Pat Rizzo and Friends CD. This piece, written as a tender reflection on his instrument rather than a romantic subject, exemplified his ability to infuse emotional depth into melodic lines suited for improvisation. Rizzo's compositions also extended to instrumental works for his orchestra, where he crafted arrangements merging with soulful rhythms. These minor pieces, often performed in local settings like Palm Springs events, demonstrated his skill in swing infused with and Latin influences, serving as vehicles for ensemble interplay. Over time, Rizzo's songwriting evolved from collaborative band efforts during his tenure—where contributions like "Ha Ha Hee Hee" supported group dynamics—to more individualistic expressions in his orchestra and friend-led projects, allowing greater emphasis on his 's lyrical voice across genres.

Discography and recordings

Pat Rizzo's solo work includes the album Riz, released in 1998 on Quicksilver Records, which features his original compositions blending and elements, and Gold for Silver (1998), a tribute to featuring . He also led the group Pat Rizzo and Friends, producing releases such as a self-titled CD that incorporated live recordings from Palm Springs venues, highlighting his and performances in local settings. As a sideman, Rizzo contributed prominently to Sly and the Family Stone's 1973 album Fresh on , providing saxophone on tracks that revitalized the band's sound during his tenure from 1972 to 1975. His composition "Ha Ha Hee Hee" appears on the band's 1982 compilation Ain't But the One Way, where he is credited as co-producer. He also featured on Ry Cooder's 1976 album Chicken Skin Music on , delivering alto parts that complemented the record's eclectic Hawaiian and roots influences. Rizzo participated in recording sessions with Tito Puente's orchestra during the 1970s, adding to arrangements, though specific track credits remain limited in available discographies. Similarly, he provided for Frank Sinatra's live recordings, including performances of "My Way" and "Put Your Dreams Away (For Another Day)" captured on March 26, 1975, emphasizing his big-band versatility.

Personal life and death

Marriage and family

Pat Rizzo married Karen in 1963, and the couple initially resided in Jackson Heights, Queens, where they raised their family. They had three children: daughters Nina and Lori, and son Peter . Rizzo was a devoted father who emphasized amidst his demanding music career, teaching his children the value of musical heritage rooted in his own parents and grandparents' involvement in . In 1972, the relocated to , coinciding with Rizzo's rising professional commitments. However, the success of his venture, Pal Joey's, in the mid-1970s placed significant strain on his . In his later years, Rizzo shared a close partnership with Bonnie Kramer, his fiancée of 11 years, who became a significant figure in his until his . He was also survived by his sister , brother Frank, first cousin Joanne, and grandchildren and , reflecting enduring family bonds.

Residences and later years

In the early 1970s, Pat Rizzo relocated from his native New York to , first settling in before moving to Palm Springs in 1972 in pursuit of new opportunities in the region's vibrant music and entertainment scene. He purchased a home in nearby Rancho Mirage and became a fixture in the Coachella Valley's desert community, embracing its arts and social circles as a sanctuary for his later life. Rizzo co-founded Pal Joey’s, Palm Springs' inaugural and in the 1970s, where he curated music programming that drew celebrities including and , fostering a hub for local cultural exchange. Over the decades, he engaged in non-performance community efforts, affiliating with multiple Palm Springs charities and foundations while renowned for his generosity in supporting local residents and initiatives. In the mid-2010s, Rizzo encountered significant health challenges from a cancer diagnosis, prompting semi-retirement as he focused on recovery and sustaining his deep-rooted connections in the Palm Springs area.

Death and tributes

Pat Rizzo died on April 15, 2021, in , at the age of 79, following a five-year battle with cancer. As a longtime resident of the , Rizzo's passing resonated deeply within the local music community, where he had been an active performer and mentor for decades. His family announced the death, with one of his daughters sharing reflections on his dedication to music and family in local media. The news prompted widespread recognition of his contributions, particularly from former collaborators in the and scenes. Tributes poured in from bandmates and peers, including Alvin Taylor, who had played with Rizzo in both and ; Taylor attended memorial gatherings and highlighted Rizzo's enduring influence on ensemble playing. A private concert on May 30, 2021, at the Classic Club in Palm Desert celebrated Rizzo's life and generosity, featuring performances by local musicians and attended by family and friends as an invitation-only event. Online remembrances, including acknowledgments from the Sly Stone documentary team, emphasized his technical prowess on and , ensuring his legacy in and history.

References

  1. https://www.desertsun.com/story/life/2021/04/16/pat-rizzo-palm-springs-resident-and-legendary-saxophonist-dies-79/7263059002/
  2. https://coachellavalleyweekly.com/pat-rizzo-forever-in-our-hearts/
  3. https://www.slystonemusic.com/news/pat-rizzo-has-died-at-age-79/
  4. https://www.namm.org/library/oral-history/pat-rizzo
  5. https://www.afm47.org/press/final-note-pat-rizzo/
  6. https://www.desertsun.com/story/life/entertainment/music/2016/11/21/pat-rizzo-went-war-sinatra-and-sly-and-family-stone-sideman-local-legend-road-walk-stars/93553002/
  7. https://www.nytimes.com/1971/06/13/archives/pat-rizzo-bringing-bigband-sound-to-queens-every-week.html
  8. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2010/04/28/californian-rizzo-to-play-the-merc-tonight/
  9. https://www.discogs.com/artist/667828-The-Cuff-Links
  10. https://www.discogs.com/release/1899587-Sly-The-Family-Stone-Fresh
  11. https://www.discogs.com/release/5788978-Sly-The-Family-Stone-Small-Talk
  12. https://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/The-Bleak-Days-Of-Sly-And-the-Family-Stone-For-2997684.php
  13. https://war.com/bio/
  14. https://www.discogs.com/release/1075466-War-The-Music-Band-2
  15. https://somehowjazz.com/war-cinco-de-mayo/
  16. https://www.edgeoftheline.co/articles/stronger
  17. https://www.discogs.com/release/1762295-Ry-Cooder-Chicken-Skin-Music
  18. https://www.discogs.com/master/81124-Ry-Cooder-Show-Time
  19. https://www.discogs.com/master/65218-Ry-Cooder-Jazz
  20. https://www.amazon.com/Let-Sleeping-Dogs-Jackson-Garrett/dp/B00533Y3T8
  21. https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/STAGE-TUBE-Diahann-Carrolls-THE-LADY-THE-MUSIC-THE-LEGEND-Premieres-on-PBS-914-915-20100901
  22. https://www.amazon.com/Just-Mercer-Live-Annenberg-Theater/dp/B0013R5WKW
  23. https://www.palmsprings.com/walk-of-stars/
  24. https://www.discogs.com/release/2206803-Sly-The-Family-Stone-Ha-Ha-Hee-Hee-High-Yall
  25. https://jazzrocksoul.com/artists/sly-the-family-stone/
  26. https://www.ebay.com/itm/196456418939
  27. https://www.discogs.com/release/1899607-Sly-The-Family-Stone-Fresh
  28. https://www.discogs.com/release/2609078-Sly-The-Family-Stone-Aint-But-The-One-Way
  29. https://www.discogs.com/release/943086-Ry-Cooder-Chicken-Skin-Music
  30. https://sinatraology.com/recording/21091
  31. https://eu.desertsun.com/story/life/entertainment/music/2016/11/21/pat-rizzo-went-war-sinatra-and-sly-and-family-stone-sideman-local-legend-road-walk-stars/93553002/
  32. https://www.desertsun.com/story/life/2021/06/11/jazz-concert-celebrates-life-and-generosity-pat-rizzo/7621186002/
  33. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/225868708/pat-rizzo
  34. https://www.desertsun.com/picture-gallery/life/2021/06/11/look-musicians-and-fans-pay-tribute-pat-rizzo/7621623002/
  35. https://www.facebook.com/slystonethemovie/videos/for-pat/527257858305374/
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