The
D’Angelo
legacy is rich with musical history stemming back from Italy
in the late 1890’s. More recently however it begins
in South Philadelphia with Alessio D’Angelantonio (a.k.a.
Tony D’Angelo). Tony D’Angelo is Joe’s
father and John’s grandfather. Born in Philadelphia
in 1920, Tony was immersed into a family and culture rich
in Italian heritage and overflowing with music. His first
cousin Eleanor DiMaio sang opera, and cousin John DiMaio
graduated from the Julliard School in New York City, and
has played concerts worldwide, including Carnegie Hall
as a classical pianist.
As a teenager, Tony eventually became a “street singer” while
carrying baskets of fruits and vegetables on his shoulders.
He discovered he had a real love for jazz, opera, and crooning.
He began to sing at parties, weddings, in barbershop quartets,
and after Pearl Harbor, the United States Marine Corps. He
served in WWII and was a member of the elite commado unit
Edson’s Raiders. When he wasn’t fighting the
Japanese, he was singing to entertain marines and sailors
on ship and shore.
He eventually cut an album “Tony D’Angelo” in
October of 1967 at A-1 Studios (now Atlantic Records)
in New York City. The album was well received, especially
in
Toronto, Canada with the help of his wife’s nephew;
popular Canadian DJ and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer "Jungle" Jay
Nelson of CHUM FM.
But, due to his commitment to family life, he did not
pursue any offers to tour, and basically resigned himself
to singing
occasionally at local clubs, weddings, and barbershop
quartets.
Presently, at 85 years old, he still can “belt out” a
tune. He has various nieces and nephews (cousins of Joe and
John), several who have recorded at Sigma Sound Studios in
Philadelphia in the early and mid 1970s, and several who
continue to perform in theater and opera in the Philadelphia
area to this day. His son Joseph, and especially his grandson
John continue
to carry the musical torch for the D’Angelo
name.
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