DON ARNONE

Don Arnone (1920-2005) began his professional career in New Jersey at the age of 18. He was strongly influenced by his father who never had the opportunity to play the guitar in Sicily.

He spent several years playing the local clubs of New Jersey (being born in Elizabeth) and soon joined the Tune Toppers Quartet. After serving in the army, Don returned to the States, where he would shortly cross paths with his life-long friend, guitarist Al Caiola, who Don credited the most for his successful career. 

Mostly self-taught, Don was influenced by the late George Van Eps. He felt his approach was “purely musical”. Don’s two other influences were the late greats Wes Montgomery and Joe Pass, who Don listened to endlessly. Early on, Don was also extremely lucky to be asked to play on Tal Farlow’s first album, The Tal Farlow Quartet.

Don credits his luck in getting this career breaking “gig” on his ability to read well. In 1953, Don soloed on the album Serenade in Blue Serenade, where he was accompanied by Barry Galbraith. In the early 1960’s, he did Great Pickin’ and Soft Guitars with Al Caiola and can be heard on many of Tony Mottola’s recordings including Mr. Big and The Quad Guitars.

In 1966, along with Bucky Pizzarelli, Gene Bertoncini, Barry Gailbrath and Howie Collins, Don played the “gut-string guitar” on Introducing the Passion Guitars. Don also played with Mundell Lowe on his album, The Mundell Lowe Quintet. Although most of Don’s career was spent in the studio, where he met other greats such as Artie Ryerson and Billy Bauer, his talents could have led him in almost any direction.

Known as one of the founding fathers of the New York session scene, much of Don’s work may never be entirely known to the public, largely at his request and due to his extremely humble personality. His style spanned many genres, including jazz, classical, flamenco, country and a bit of rock and roll.

The endless list of recording artists Don accompanied included Percy Faith, Andre Kostelanetz, Hugo Montenegro, Perry Como, Bette Midler, Barbara Streisand, Aretha Franklin, Buddy Holly and Frankie Avalon. Don also did a lot of television and radio programs, including the Mitch Miller Show, The Fred Waring Show, The Arthur Godfrey Show, The Ed Sullivan Show and The Jackie Gleason Show.

In addition, Don was involved with many commercial jingles and can be heard in such movies as The Godfather I, Broadway Danny Rose, The Purple Rose of Cairo, Where the Boys Are, Lenny, and The Year Without a Santa Claus. On some recordings, Don can be heard playing the mandolin and the banjo.

Much to his disbelief and, as he told his family, his dismay, he was asked to wake up the troops with his bugle playing during his army years! The accompanying discography, compiled by Don’s nephew, is believed to be only a fraction of the work he was involved in. 

Known as a master of chords, Don has influenced many great guitarists over the years. He retired from the recording industry at the age of 58, primarily due to Carpel Tunnel Syndrome. Shortly before his own death, Tony Mottola said, “Don was not only one of the finest musicians I have ever known, but he was also one of the nicest guys I have ever met”.

©Copyright 2005 Classic Jazz Guitar

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Don Arnone, 84, a guitarist and a member of Local 802 since 1948, died on June 16. 2005

Born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Mr. Arnone was given his first guitar by his father at the age of 13. Mostly self-taught, Mr. Arnone’s two biggest influences were the late guitar geniuses, Wes Montgomery and Joe Pass. He began his professional career in the 1940’s while he served his country in the U.S. Army, where his music was known to entertain his fellow soldiers.

Upon returning home, Mr. Arnone played with the Tune Toppers Quartet then made his way to New York City. Due to the generosity of his dear friend Al Caiola, who recommended him for sessions when he was unavailable, Mr. Arnone’s career as a respected recording artist began.

He primarily focused on studio and television work, where he appeared as a regular on the Mitch Miller Show and a variety of other popular shows, such as Arthur Godfrey, Fred Waring, Jackie Gleason, Ed Sullivan, Jack Paar and others.

Many of Mr. Arnone’s recordings were done with great artists such as Al Caiola, Tony Mottola, Bucky Pizzarelli, Al Casamente, Barry Galbrath, Gene Bertoncini, Vinnie Bell, Howard Collins, Artie Ryerson, Alan Hanlon and Tal Farlow.

He can also be heard accompanying Frank Sinatra, Buddy Holly, Frankie Avalon, Sarah Vaughan, Aretha Franklin, Quincy Jones, Stan Getz, Bette Midler, Barbara Streisand, Dinah Shore, Percy Faith and Julie Andrews.

In addition, Mr. Arnone recorded and arranged many popular television jingles. After his studio career, he contributed to several movie soundtracks including "Broadway Danny Rose," "The Godfather," "Purple Rose of Cairo," "Where the Boys Are," "Wise Guys," "Lenny" and "The Year without Santa Claus."

He is survived by his wife Eleanor, daughters Lynn, Leslie and Elise, grandchildren Gregory and Leslie, and sister Angie Palmieri.

Source: Newsday http://www.newsday.com

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Don Arnone

"A Founding Father of the New York Session Scene." A gifted guitar player, often the first call of many of the most well-known musicians in New York, Don Arnone passed away peacefully at home on June 16, 2005 after a long illness. Mention his name to today's jazz and classical guitarists, and the common response is, "One of the greatest guitarists in New York City."

Before his own death this year, guitar legend Tony Mottola said, "Don was not only one of the best musicians in New York, he was also was one of the nicest guys I have ever known." Born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Don was given his first guitar by his father at the age of 13. Mostly self-taught, Don's two biggest influences were the late guitar geniuses, Wes Montgomery and Joe Pass.

He began his professional career in the 1940's while he served his country in the U.S. Army, where his music was known to entertain his fellow soldiers. Upon returning home, Don played with the Tune Toppers Quartet then made his way to New York City. Due to the generosity of his dear friend Al Caiola, who recommended him for sessions when he was unavailable, Don's career as a respected recording artist began.

Don primarily focused on studio and television work, where he appeared as a regular on the Mitch Miller Show and a variety of other popular shows, such as Arthur Godfrey, Fred Waring, Jackie Gleason, Ed Sullivan, Jack Paar and others. Many of Don's recordings were done with great artists such as Al Caiola, Tony Mottola, Bucky Pizzarelli, Al Casamente, Barry Gailbrath, Gene Bertoncini, Vinnie Bell, Howard Collins, Artie Ryerson, Alan Hanlon and Tal Farlow. Don can also be heard accompanying Frank Sinatra, Buddy Holly, Frankie Avalon, Sarah Vaughn, Aretha Franklin, Quincy Jones, Stan Getz, Bette Midler, Barbara Streisand, Dinah Shore, Percy Faith and Julie Andrews.

In addition, Don recorded and arranged many popular television jingles. After his studio career, he contributed to several movie soundtracks including Broadway Danny Rose, The Godfather I, Purple Rose of Cairo, Where the Boys Are, Wise Guys, Lenny and The Year without Santa Clause.

Don was known to his family, friends and fellow musicians as a serene, gifted man whose first priority was his family. He was admired as a kind, gentle person who had a commanding presence and an effervescent personality that effortlessly drew people to him.

Don was always humble of heart and ready to help his fellow man in any way possible. He instilled in his loved ones a profound respect for human life and was able to convey that which truly mattered - people, not things. Above all, he was guileless and soft of spirit.

Don is survived by a loving and adoring family, his wife Eleanor; daughters Lynn, Leslie, and Elise; grandchildren Gregory and Leslie; and sister Angie Palmieri. He was the cherished son of Joseph and Vita Arnone and the loving brother of the deceased: Sue Parinello, Sophie Michna, Marie DeFreites, and Gus Arnone. He will be sorely missed by those who were truly blessed to have known him.

Published in Newsday on 7/14/2005.

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Don Arnone Discography 

Serenade in Blue Serenade with Don Arnone - Golden Crest CR3003 
Great Pickin’ – Don Arnone/Al Caiola – Chancellor CHL-5008 
Tal Farlow Quartet - Blue Note 5042 
Soft Guitars – Don Arnone/Al Caiola - Time Records S/2052 
Introducing The Passion Guitars – United Artists Records (Solid State) SS- 18007 
The Mundell Lowe Quintet – RCA Victor LJM- 3002 1954 
Tony Mottola and The Quad Guitars - Project 3 PR 5078 QD – 1973 
The Guitar Style of Al Caiola 1962 – CAS-710 (RCA Camden) 
Italian Guitars – Time S/2023 
Guitars In Italy – Time S/2047 
Stereo and All That Jazz – 1968 – AFSD 6196 
The World of Guitars 
Spanish Guitars – Time S/2039 
Tony Mottola-Romantic Guitar -1963 –Command Records – SMAS-90526 
Dick Dia- The Sound of Magnificent Mandolins – 1962 – AFSD -5963 
Tony Mottola- Spanish Guitar – 1978 – SPC 3810 
Tony Mottola- Mr. Big – 1959 –RS 807-SD 
Peter DeAngelis- Love Is A Guitar – ABC -568 
Roman Guitar Vol. 2 – 1962 – Command – RS 836 
Percussion Espanol Vol. 2 - Time S/2026 
The Wonderful World of Show Music 
Bette Midler – The Divine Miss M. – 1972 – SD 7238A 
Lonelyville – The Nervous Beat – The Creed Taylor Orchestra – ABC 308 
Percussive Jazz – Vol. 2 – DFM 3007 – 1961 
Viva Mexico-Orizaba and His Orchestra – Time S/2063 
Spain- Manhattan Pops Orchestra – Time S/2049 
Arriba! – Hugo Montenegro and His Orchestra – Time S/2030 
Percussion and Guitars – Time S/2000 March 1960 
Ralph Burns - Very Warm For Jazz – DL 9207 
Tony Mottola – Warm, Wild, Wonderful – 1968 – PR 5025 SD Project 3 
Tony Mottola – String Band Strum Along – 1961 – RS 33 828 Command Records 
Tony Mottola – Guitar U.S.A. – 1966 – RS 908 SD – Command Records 
Al Caiola – Guitars, Woodwinds and Bongo’s – United Artists –WW 7503 
The Flirty 30’s Vol. 2 – GA 33-377 
Percussion Espanol Vol. 1 - Time S/2006 May 1960 
Ted Sommer- Percussive Mariachi – SS 18012 -1967 
Al Caiola – Tuff Guitar Tijuana Style - UAS 6473 
Al Caiola –High Strung - LSP 2031 1959 
Accordion DePippo – Time S/2168 
Dominic Cortese – Accordion – Time 52029 
Tony Mottola – Mr. Guitar 
Tony Mottola – Love Songs Mexico/SA –Command RS33 889 - 1965 
Don Costa: Magnificent Motion Picture Music – UAL 3134 
Al Caiola: Warm and Mellow – Unart S 21003 
Guitar Kings - Mexican Guitars – Time - S/2066 
All Accordion Band – Time S/2172 
Quincy Jones And His Orchestra - Around The World – Mercury PPS 6014 
Accordion Italy- Dominic Cortese – Time S/2048 
Christmas In The Stars - 1980 – RS-1-3093 
George Gershwin – And Then I Wrote – Time S/2116 
Teddi King – A Girl and Her Songs – 1957 – LPM 1454 
Sylvia Copeland – The August Child – Mainstream S/6030 
Sergio Framchi – I’m A Fool To Want You – RCA - 1968 – LSP3933 
Oscar Brown – Sin, Soul, and Then Some – Columbia 1960 – CL1577 
Clea Bradford – …Now – Mainstream S/6042 
Marty Gold – Stereo Action/It’s Magic – LSA 2290 
The Italian Guitars - Wine, Woman, Italy – Mainstream S/6096 
Accordion Capers – Time S/2192 
Guitar Tapestry – Project 3 – PR2-6019 6020SD – 1976 
Guitar Italian Style – Pickwick SPC-3034 
Soft GuitarsV (re-release of Time # 2052) -1980 – Bainbridge – BT 1010 
Dick Dia – International Guitars, Guitars, Guitars – AFLP 2129 -1964 
Chico O’Farrill – Married Well – MGM Records – V/V6-5035 
Roy Smeck –Hi-Fi Paradise – ABCS - 234 
The Charleston City All Stars – The Roaring 20’s GA 201 SD (1966) 
Stan Freeman – Fascination – Project 3 PR5012 SD - 1967 
The Great Jazz Album – Vol. 2 (Enoch Light) Project 3 – PR2- 6023-24SD -1977 
Ray Coniff – Swonderful – CL 925 
Al Caiola – Salute Italia – Roulette R 25108 
Richard Hayman Gypsy – PPS 6027 – 1961 - Mercury 
The Great Eddy Manson – Fox 3038 
TV Potpourri- Dick Dia – AFLP 2146 – November 1957 
Shakespeare’s Greatest Hits – Earl Wrighton CS 8980 
Vinnie Bell – Big Sixteen Guitar Favorites – MS 3047 - Musicor 
Roman Guitars - Time S/2170 
Gershwin and Guitars 
Themes From Lew Douglas and His Orchestra – Carleton Stereo – STLP12/126 
Riverboat Jazz (Juggy’s Jass Band) – Mainstream S/6029 
Peg O’My Heart – RCA Camden – CAL 810 
Ted Straeter’s New York – Atlantic 1218 – June 1955 
Al Caiola –BlockBuster TV Music Themes – Two World Records 9102 
Al Caiola - Guitars, Guitars, Guitars – UAL -3077 
Dick Dia And His Orchestra – Mandolino Italiano – AFLP 1923 
The Living Guitars-Finger Lickin Pickin 
Living Guitars Play Songs Made Famous By the Rolling Stones 
Living Guitars – The Big Guitar Sound 
Living Guitars - Play 
George Barnes – Guitars Galore 
George Barnes – Guitar Galaxy 
Tony Mottola - Guitar Underground 
The Sound of Strings (The Frank Hunter Orchestra) 
The Troubadours In Spain 
Al Caiola – Solid Gold Guitar 
Perry Como- Saturday Night With Mr. C 
Living Guitars-Flamingo 
Tony Mottola – Romantic Guitars 
Billy Eckstein & Quincy Jones Basin Street West 
Frankie Avalon – Italiano 
Teresa Brewer – Till I Waltz With You Again 
Johnnie Ray – Cry 
Arthur Godfrey – Lazy Bones 
Alvy West And The Little Band 
Don Costa and His Orchestra - Flamenco Guitar –– Don Arnone Solo 
Lina Horn – Stormy Weather – (From This Moment On) 
Buddy Holly – Rave On and That’s My Desire 
McGuire Sisters - Sugartime 
Guy Mitchell – Singing The Blues 
Frankie Avalon – Venues 
Aretha Franklin Greatest Hits 
Teresa Brewer and the Dixieland Band – Coral Records –CRL-757245 
Neil Sedaka - Oh Carol: The Complete Recordings 1956-1966 
Esther Phillips - Best of Esther Phillips (1962-1970) 
Jackie Wilson - Mr. Excitement 
Marty Robbins - Essential Marty Robbins: 1951-1982 
Frankie Laine - I Believe [Bear Family] 
Aretha Franklin - Young, Gifted and Black 
Mickey & Sylvia - Love Is Strange 
Various Artists - Uno Dos Tres: Latin Jazz Grooves 
Pop Music: The Golden Era 1951-1975 
The Coasters - 50 Coastin' Classics: Anthology 
Solomon Burke - Home in Your Heart: The Best of Solomon Burke 
Guy Mitchell - Heartaches by the Number [Bear Family 15454] 
Quincy Jones - Jazz 'Round Midnight: Quincy Jones 
Perez Prado - Mambo Mania/Havana 3 A.M. 
Johnnie Ray - Yes, Tonight Josephine 
Marty Robbins/Ray Conniff - Story of My Life: The Marty Robbins/Ray Conniff Recordings 
Kid Creole & the Coconuts - Fresh Fruit in Foreign Places 
Various Artists - Roaring Flirting 20's [Double LP] 
Jerome Kern - Melodies: The 1955 Walden Sessions 
Marty Robbins - Ruby Ann: Rockin' Rollin' Robbins, Vol. 3