Celebrating the life of “Father John D'Amico”

Celebrating the life of “Father John D'Amico”

A Philadelphia Jazz Legend

Father John D'Amico
1939-2013

My friend, Father John D'Amico was an outstanding jazz pianist who had fans wherever he played throughout the city, and he was also a compassionate and devoted to helping other people, passed away this week.

Father John was born John Aloysius D'Amico, a former Roman Catholic priest, was 74 and lived in Wynnefield section of Philadelphia. He played his cool style of jazz at numerous venues throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and was also a music historian and teacher.

John performed solo and also with his trio, consisting of Kenny Davis on bass and Gregory McDonald on drums. Over the years, he performed with some of the jazz greats, including Lionel Hampton, Jimmie Oliver, Bootsie Barnes, Bruce Klauber and Philly Joe Jones.

Just last April, he did us the honor of performing at our library Overbrook Park helping us celebrating Jazz Appreciation Month. We were looking forward to seeing and hearing Father John play his piano at our “2013 Holiday Celebration” this December but God had better plans for him. He was a true friend to the Overbrook Park Library on his last visits he told me “he just wanted to expose the young people to the rich history of jazz music”.

Father John D'Amico was an extraordinary musician as well as an extraordinary human being and he will be missed by many.

 

  (LtoR) Bruce Klauber(drums), Kenny Davis (Bass), Marvin DeBose & John D'Amico(Piano)

 The Father John Trio visit to the Overbrook Park Library last April for "Jazz Appreciation Month”

Services: Memorial service 4 p.m. Nov. 17 at Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, Carpenter Lane and Lincoln Drive, Mount Airy.