December 29, 1941

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Vibraphonist, drummer and percussionist Carl Rigoli was born in New York City on December 29, 1941.

Rigoli was a professional when he was 16, attended the Manhattan School of Music (where he graduated in 1965), and performed at the 1964 New York World’s Fair.

The vibraphonist and percussionist soon became a busy studio musician and frequently worked in nightclubs including with Frank Sinatra, Julie London, Tony Bennett and Johnny Mathis.

He moved to Los Angeles in 1970, has been an influential educator, and has long been busy leading his own quintet and playing with David Angel’s big band in addition to his television and motion picture work.

Carl Rigoli has led a dozen albums of his own on the Carmelo label, teaches at the College of the Desert in Palm Desert, and has been in the music business at the time of this writing for over 50 years.

The vibraphonist can always be relied upon to contribute swinging solos and stimulating accompaniment.

For this birthday tribute, he wishes to give credit to his wife Karen Rigoli and to dedicate this page to her and their son Ryan Rigoli.

Here is Carl Rigoli playing a beautiful version of the ballad “Polka Dots And Moonbeams.”

-Scott Yanow

This page in honor of the life and work of Carl Rigoli is dedicated to his wife Karen Rigoli and son Ryan Rigoli, and is sponsored by Karen Rigoli.

For more info about Carl Rigoli visit carmelorecordings.com

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