Pat Rizzo

Pat Rizzo (November 30, 1941 – April 15, 2021) was an American saxophonist and flautist, best known for his work with funk band Sly and the Family Stone.

Pat Rizzo
Born(1941-11-30)November 30, 1941
OriginUnited States
DiedApril 15, 2021(2021-04-15) (aged 79)
Genressoul, funk, rock
Occupation(s)Saxophonist, flautist
InstrumentsAlto saxophone, tenor saxophone, flute
Years active1960s–2021

Career

Rizzo started performing in the sixties with The Cuff Links. He is best known for his work as saxophonist and flautist with funk band Sly and the Family Stone.[1] He was intended as a replacement for founding member Jerry Martini, who got into trouble with Sly Stone and his accountants for inquiring about money rightfully due to him, but both Martini and Rizzo remained in the band and became good friends. He later replaced Charles Miller in War. During this period he also performed with Tito Puente and Frank Sinatra.

Rizzo appeared on Ry Cooder's 1976 album Chicken Skin Music,[2] 1977 live album Show Time and his 1978 album Jazz [3] and he accompanied Cooder on his 1977 tour of Europe.[4]

Compositions

Rizzo is credited as composer of the Sly and the Family Stone song, "Ha Ha Hee Hee". During the recording sessions for the band's Small Talk album, Rizzo co-wrote the song with Jerry Martini.[5]

Personal life

Rizzo was married to Kelli J Ball (Mickeliunas), an international fashion model. The couple divorced. He died in April 2021 at the age of 79.[6]

References
  1. Santiago, Eddie (2008-02-17). Sly: The Lives of Sylvester Stewart and Sly Stone. Eddie Santiago. pp. 177–. ISBN 978-1-4357-0987-4. Retrieved 26 July 2011.
  2. "Ry Cooder - Chicken Skin Music". Discogs. Retrieved 16 September 2017.
  3. "Ry Cooder - Jazz". Discogs. Retrieved 16 September 2017.
  4. Marsch, Michael. "Rockpalast Archiv - Ry Cooder 1977". www.rockpalastarchiv.de. Retrieved 16 September 2017.
  5. Sly: The Lives of Sylvester Stewart and Sly Stone By Eddie Santiago Page 177
  6. Brenner, Eric (2021-04-16). "Breaking News: Sly and The Family Stone's Pat Rizzo Dead at 79". YouTube. Archived from the original on 2021-04-16.


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