ERNIE CORALLO - BMHOF CLASS OF 1989

Guitarist Ernie Corallo's musical journey began in the early '60s when he started playing with Buffalo Music Hall of Fame Inducted Member Stan Szelest. Early on, at just 15 years old, Ernie had the privilege of performing with the legendary Jerry Lee Lewis.

Corallo relocated to the West Coast, where he collaborated with numerous artists, most notably Paul Williams, participating in recordings and taking part in the famous composer’s world tours from 1974 to 1981. Ernie’s exceptional contributions led to him earning a platinum album for his work on The Muppet Movie soundtrack, most notably on the Paul Williams composition “The Rainbow Connection,” famously sung by Kermit the Frog. 

Corallo was also awarded a gold record for the single "A Love of Your Own," recorded by California-based singer-songwriter Ned Doheny and Hamish Stuart from the Average White Band. Ernie’s professional musical experience spanned over 25 years, and included various notable engagements, including working with rock ‘n roll pioneer Dale Hawkins at Hawknest Studios. 

He recorded with Garland Jeffries and the band Grinder’s Switch, collaborated with John Cale of the Velvet Underground on Tales of Vintage Violence, worked with country-rocker Charlie Starr on Tough and Tender, and served as a sideman for respected artists such as Levon Helm, Don Henley, Leon Russell, Ike Turner, Lowell Fulson, Frank Zappa, Olivia Newton-John, and Albert Collins. 

Ernie appeared in the HBO Video Special Paul and His Ladies, starring Paul Williams alongside singers Melissa Manchester and Diahann Carroll. He opened at the Aladdin in Las Vegas for Lola Falana, Rodney Dangerfield, Dom DeLuise, and Raquel Welch. Additional movie soundtrack work included A Star is Born and A Chipmunk Christmas.

Later in his career, Corallo recorded with a diverse lineup of artists including Jesse Ed Davis, Paul Humphries, J.D. Souther, Vanessa Williams, David Foster, Clyde King, Bonnie Raitt, Billy Preston, Linda Ronstadt, and Jim Keltner.

Ernest Corallo passed away December 22, 2021, in Benton, Arkansas, at the age of 76.