Life Member. Saxophone
12/16/1927 – 9/24/2019

Tony Giaimo passed away on Sept. 24, 2019, at 91 years. He was a longtime member of the American Federation of Musicians Local 47. Tony was a singer, saxophonist, and a top-tier clarinetist.

He began studying music at the age of 10, and by the time he was 14 he was playing in Manhattan clubs, alongside the likes of a 16-year-old Tony Bennett. By 15 he was traveling the U.S. as a working musician.

Tony joined the Army Air Corps in 1945, and was a member of the band stationed at Mitchell Field Long Island, rising to the rank of sergeant. This is where he met his wife of 54 years, Maisie Hoffman.

He was truly an entertainer’s entertainer. He sang for Frank Sinatra on many occasions, and sang with Dean Martin. He met star after star including Lucille Ball, Jimmy Stewart, Kirk Douglas, Clint Eastwood, Jimmy Durante, Sammy Davis Jr., Aretha Franklin, Joan Rivers and Frankie Valli to name just a few. He met numerous presidents, senators, congressmen, governors, and foreign dignitaries such as Mikhail Gorbachev over the course of his long career. He actually was on a first-name basis with Ronald and Nancy Reagan.

He was in many television shows including “Dynasty,” “Who’s the Boss?” and several others. He also appeared in several movies including “All I Want for Christmas” and “Bird” directed by Clint Eastwood. Additionally he and his band played for close to two decades for the Jerry Lewis MDA telethon.

Tony performed around the world on two USO tours, and later in life, on cruise ships.

Tony was a truly charismatic, kind, and generous man, and lifted the spirits of everyone he met. Music was his life, and God was generous with this blessing. He was a wonderful musician, bandleader, and entertainer. He lived a fabulously full, colorful and exciting life, and will be missed by ALL.