Joe Cabot

JOE CABOT

Joe Cabot, 94, died on March 7, after being a member of Local 802 since 1947. Mr. Cabot’s career as a trumpet player, bandleader and musical director spanned nearly seven decades. Born Joseph Claude Caputo, he grew up in a musical family led by his father Joseph and uncle August. When he was just 17, Mr. Cabot toured the U.S. with the Army Cavalry Orchestra. By 1940, he was a sideman with Gene Krupa. Stints with the Dorseys, Claude Thornhill and Artie Shaw followed. Over the course of his career, Mr. Cabot worked alongside Louis Armstrong, Roy Eldridge, Dizzy Gillespie, Oscar Peterson, Gerry Mulligan, Cannonball Adderley, Stan Getz and Harry James. (Mr. Cabot and Harry James toured together from 1979 to 1982 in the musical revue “The Big Broadcast of 1944.” On closing night, Harry James bestowed upon Mr. Cabot his favorite trumpet, in a symbolic “passing the torch” gesture.) Mr. Cabot backed up Rosemary Clooney, Tony Bennett, Keely Smith, Anita O’Day and Bobby Darin, with whom he played two of Darin’s biggest hits, “Mack the Knife” and “Beyond the Sea.” Another longstanding and kindred artistic collaboration was with big band singer Fran Warren. Their musical relationship yielded the 1969 album “Come Into My World” and countless performances together. As a bandleader, Mr. Cabot fronted at the Rainbow Room and Windows on the World. For over 30 years, he performed on television as part of the cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy telethons. His original composition, “Slow Down, Sugar, Take Your Time,” was praised by critics. Mr. Cabot is survived by his wife Cindy, daughters Gina and Christina, sons-in-law Patrick and Charles, grandchildren Joe, Tony and Ravi, and numerous nieces and nephews. (Obituary supplied by family and includes quotes from the Wikipedia entry for Mr. Cabot.)

Jimmy Gemus

JIMMY GEMUS

Jimmy Gemus, 95, a member of Local 802 since 1946, died on March 20. He was a flutist who also played clarinet and saxophone. Born in Johnstown, Penn., to Italian immigrants, he was one of 11 children. His father, who had been a shepherd in Sicily, carved his own flutes, and music filled the family’s life. Upon graduation from high school, Mr. Gemus quickly landed a job with the newly-formed band of Red Norvo. At the dawn of World War II, Mr. Gemus and many other musician-soldiers reported for duty in the Special Services Unit. Many of the great musicians of the day served here and entertained troops across the country. After the war, Mr. Gemus toured with Shep Fields and Claude Thornhill. He played in Broadway orchestras, including “West Side Story,” “Lorelei,” “Kiss Me Kate,” “Applause” and many others. He also spent time as a studio musician. The highlight of Mr. Gemus’ career came when he toured with Metropolitan Opera star Roberta Peters as her accompanying flutist. Mr. Gemus is survived by his daughter Joan and her three children, Greg, Larisa and Jordan; his son Jim, daughter-in-law Wendy and their three sons, Jon, Adam and Peter, who is a jazz bassist in NYC; and his great-grandchildren Arianna, Bryce, Spiro and Jackson. The family of Mr. Gemus suggests donations in his memory to Music for a Sound Future, a program of the Council for Living Music. To donate, please visit www.MusicForAsoundFuture.org/donate.

J. Leonard Oxley

J. LEONARD OXLEY

J. Leonard Oxley, 87, a member of Local 802 since 1960, died on Feb. 19. Mr. Oxley was a pianist, conductor, arranger and orchestrator who enjoyed a career in musical theatre that spanned nearly 70 years. Early in his career, he was the music director at Harrisburg Community Theatre, where he met his wife Nancy. Trained at Juilliard, Mr. Oxley became a protege of the esteemed Broadway composer Luther Henderson. Mr. Oxley served as music director of the New Jersey Tap Ensemble for the past 20 years. He accompanied and worked with some of the theatre world’s most celebrated artists, including Gregory Hines, Andre De Shields, Savion Glover, Phylicia Rashad, Nell Carter, Polly Bergen, Carol Channing, Mary Martin and Robert Preston. His numerous credits include productions of “Ain’t Misbehavin,” “Sophisticated Ladies,” “Black and Blue,” “Jelly’s Last Jam,” “Big Deal,” “Andre Heller’s Wonderhouse,” “Play On!” and “Hello Dolly.” Mr. Oxley is survived by his wife Nancy, daughter Jill, son-in-law Ian, grandaughter Anna, brother Eric and brothers-in-law David and Ronald. The family suggests contributions to St. Thomas Episcopal Church (New York City) at www.SaintThomasChurch.org. To view Mr. Oxley’s online tribute page, please visit volkleber.com

WE ALSO REMEMBER…

Joseph Ascione, drums
John Duffy, conductor
Vernon K. Gatewood, trombone
Pillips B. Gilbert, trumpet
James Mitchell, guitar
Joseph J. Shepley, trumpet