RICHARD AMERICO BONO - BMHOF CLASS OF 2022

Internationally known trumpeter and bandleader Richard Americo Bono was one of the most accomplished musicians to come out of Buffalo during the Jazz Era. Bono went on to set down deep roots in Western New York and dedicated his life to entertaining audiences with a distinctive instrumental voice and tremendous playing range. 

Bono was born in 1904 in Lima, NY south of Rochester. By age 12 his cornet playing was already being featured in a Syracuse-area concert band. After completing high school in Italy, he came back to the U.S. and began touring in top bands, led by the likes of Whitey Kaufman, Eddie Peabody, and Vince Lopez. In 1927, he joined the Paul Whiteman Orchestra, which also included the Dorsey Brothers and a young Bing Crosby. When Dick returned to New York State to form his own band, he was replaced by the legendary Bix Beiderbecke. 

Bono’s popular Buffalo band was featured at the Silver Slipper Lounge, a nightclub owned by his mother-in-law. He became a regular at Shea’s Buffalo 
and the Great Lakes Theatre, and at the Buffalo Athletic Club. Richard was also placed at the forefront of the new medium of radio, when he became music director for the Buffalo Broadcasting Corporation (WGR and WKBW-AM).

As a bandleader, he provided the music for artists such as Martha Raye, Mickey Rooney, Morton Downey, Milton Berle, Eleanor Powell, Sophie Tucker and many other icons who performed at the Town Casino. He also led bands at Chez Ami, the Glen Park Casino, and the Statler Hilton Hotel Golden Ballroom. The Glamour Girl Ball featuring his band drew 14,000 fans. After that “farewell show,” Bono went back on the road on a tour for Statler Hotels. 

When his illustrious touring career ended, Bono became a restauranteur, opening several successful spots including the Italian Village, Bono’s Red Shutter, and the Club Mayfair. Each of his venues featured his Bono Orchestra and were known for dancing and fine dining. 

After retiring, Richard continued to play at charity events and senior-living facilities. He died in Amherst in 1979 at age 74.  

“AMERICO BONO: trumpet-tootling maestro at Chez Ami.”The Billboard Magazine, December 24, 1938