HANK D'AMICO - BMHOF CLASS OF 2024

"While not a native Buffalonian, clarinetist Hank D'Amico's career path intertwined with the Queen City, making him a notable figure in its jazz scene. A quiet man who shunned the spotlight, D’Amico nonetheless developed a warm and unique improvisatory style that became hard to forget. 

Born in 1915, in Rochester, D'Amico's musical journey began early. By 1936, at the age of 21, he was already playing professionally with bandleader Paul Specht. That same year, he joined Red Norvo's group, kicking off a career filled with collaborations with the biggest names in swing. 

D'Amico was not afraid to branch out on his own, though. In 1938, he formed his own octet and began radio broadcasts. He briefly rejoined Norvo's group in 1939 before venturing into the world of big bands. The 1940s saw him playing with Bob Crosby's orchestra, leading his own big band for a short stint, and performing with legends like Bing Crosby, Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong (who invited Hank to his house), Peggy Lee, Les Brown, and Benny Goodman. 

D'Amico worked for CBS in New York City in the early 1940s. This period included performances in Buffalo, a hub for big band music at the time. During this era, he also collaborated with jazz giants like Miff Mole and Tommy Dorsey. The latter half of the 1940s saw D'Amico settling into a more consistent work life. He spent a decade as a staff musician for ABC, starring in a series called “Museum of Modern Music,” a role that involved playing for various ensembles and broadcast performances. His recording for Bethlehem Records, Holiday With Hank, was highly acclaimed. In 1954, he joined Jack Teagarden's band, rounding out a remarkable career filled with some of the biggest names in jazz. 

Hank D'Amico passed away on December 2, 1965, at age 50. A concert in his memory lasted more than four hours, with musicians lining up to play in his honor. D’Amico’s collaborations and accomplishments solidify him as a noteworthy figure in Buffalo’s rich jazz history."