Tag Archives: final note

Final Note: Serena Kay Williams

Hal Espinosa and Serena Kay Williams, September 2005

by Hal Espinosa, President Emeritus

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Serena. The last time I spoke with her at 103, she never skipped a beat. She sounded like she did while we were still officers at Local 47, still sounded bright, witty and happy. She was helpful to the membership, she was honest, responsible and duty-bound to her office. While I was getting my feet wet as the new vice president, Serena took me under her wing and made sure I knew and understood my leadership role. She was the glue that kept us all going in the right direction. Serena was a sincere and beautiful Lady, and I will miss her dearly!

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Final Note: James A. Hampton

Life Member. Alto/Tenor Saxophone
12/5/1927 – 8/27/2025

James Hampton was born to Joe and Fredonia Hampton in Memphis, Tennessee December 5, 1927. The last surviving sibling of five (Joseph, Edna Earl, Mary and Mildred Hampton), he lived a long life filled with many joyful events and love. A brief look into his life is as follows:

A veteran who served in WW2, he always remembered to take care of his parents by sending $32 a month of his allotment while he was in the army. Continue reading →

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Joe Soldo

Final Note: Joseph William Soldo

Life Member. Alto/Tenor Saxophone
7/31/1925 – 8/15/2025

A Life Well Played: Joe Soldo, Consummate Musician and Contractor, Dies at 100

From “reed man” to in-demand music contractor to devoted family man, Joe Soldo leaves behind a century of inspiration.

A proud member of Local 47 since 1971, Joe was born in Newark, NJ, to William and Lucy Soldo. He received his first saxophone at age 11 and, right out of high school, made a name for himself as a traveling band musician before moving onto Broadway. There, he played multiple instruments in shows like “Bye Bye Birdie” and “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.” Continue reading →

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Ray Kelley

Final Note: Ray Kelley

Life Member. Cello
2/26/1938 – 3/4/2025

by Daniel Kelley

Ray Kelley had the cello career any musician would covet: a member of the Utah Symphony, Dallas Symphony and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, followed by decades of nonstop studio work during a golden era for records, jingles, live TV and motion pictures. But I would rather write about who he was. Continue reading →

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Final Note: Aurelio (Roy) D’Antonio

Life Member. Clarinet
7/9/1931 – 5/27/2024

by Chris French

Aurelio (Roy) D’Antonio was at home with his beloved wife, Margaret, when he passed from this earth on May 27 at age 92. He will be remembered as a virtuoso clarinetist, father and grandfather, teacher, friend, bicyclist, and tireless advocate for the underdog as he served in various capacities at Local 47. Continue reading →

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Final Note: Nicholas Louis Martinis

Life Member. Drum Set
8/13/1931 – 12/7/2023

by Robbie Hioki

Nicholas Louis Martinis was born on August 13, 1931 in Philadelphia, PA.

As a young aspiring drummer in Philly, Max Roach let Nick sit in with his band, and there he got to play with Charlie Parker.

Nick went on tour with a band from Philly and settled in Los Angeles. Some of his favorite jobs include working with Frank Rosolino, The Lighthouse All Stars, and the Pete Jolly Trio. He played with Pete for over 30 years. Continue reading →

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Final Note: Jeffrey Rizzo

Life Member. Piano
6/16/1954 – 5/1/2023

Jeff Rizzo’s favorite Broadway musical was… well, almost all of them. Well known for his opinionated theatrical viewpoints, if a show was well cast and directed, with a sufficiently large orchestra, and moved along (preferably under 90 minutes), he’d give it a thumbs up. Musical Theater was in his blood…musicals were his life and few people exist that share his vast knowledge on the subject. Continue reading →

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Final Note: Michael Grego

6/26/1957 – 2/3/2023
Life Member. Clarinet

Michael Grego, clarinet, passed away on February 3, 2023. Michael was born in Montebello, CA, attended St. Stephen School in Monterey Park, and graduated from Loyola High School in 1975. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1980 from Loyola Marymount University. He graduated with a Master of Music in 1983 and a Doctor of Musical Arts in 1991, both from USC. He attended the Music Academy of the West where he studied with his principal teacher, Mitchell Lurie. Continue reading →

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