On April 2nd Rosemary Clooney fans were shocked and saddened to learn of the death of her long-time musical director, John Oddo. If you listened to Rosemary's Concord recordings or saw her in concert, you were touched by his musical genius. Below is a tribute to John by Allen Sviridoff who was Rosemary's manager when the "child," as Rosemary often referred to John, was brought on as her arranger, condustor, accompanist.
Like everyone in the music industry who knew John Oddo - I was shocked, saddened, and in disbelief at word of his passing. It just doesn't seem real. I can only imagine the pain, and loss his family must feel. My heart and deepest condolences goes out to them.
John's passing is like a melody which has stopped. But John's legacy made certain for us all - that we could still hear him into to future. Throughout his lifetime, he made music for millions to enjoy - and that indeed, is forever. He helped to insure a brand new career for Rosemary Clooney - with his wonderful arrangements, accompaniment and dedication to her- which was unmatched by any musician she worked with in her 'second life'. She adored John, and was most grateful for him every day she knew him. He was family.
To quote Rosemary: "He is the very best arranger, conductor and accompanist. He is certainly in a league with Nelson Riddle."
And I heard Count Basie say to Rosemary in the wings of the Fox Theatre in St Louis "Rosie, you got yourself a piano player." Which as every musician knows....is the highest of compliments from Mr. Basie.
I met John in the summer of 1982 when we were performing a gig with the Woody Herman band at Paul Masson Winery. After the gig, I asked Carl Jefferson (Concord Jazz) if we could record an album with Rosemary and Woody's band....and he said 'of course'. Credit Carl Jefferson for saying that he wanted Woody's new young pianist/arranger to do half of the arrangements for the album. That new young and very talented arranger was John Oddo.....and boy did he write some great charts. He not only did his 'half' of the album, but because last minute circumstances warranted it, John jumped in and wrote the 2nd half of the album - the balance of the arrangements needed, within a 48 hour period! Rosemary was always very, very proud of that album.
It was only a few months later that we asked John to become Rosemary's music director....and come on the road. He did - and that wonderful relationship lasted until the day she died, 20 years later.
And what a cannon of music he wrote for her! There were hundreds upon hundreds of fantastic arrangements....certainly more - many more - than any arranger had done in her very long career. And each of them written with taste, quality, and love. There are so many that stick in my head....but three that I had mentioned to John as my favorites were "For All We Know" on the "For the Duration" Album, The incredible "Silent Night" he wrote for Rosemary, Chorus, and Orchestra for the "Rosemary Clooney's White Christmas Party" tours, and my very favorite of all "When October Goes"- which he wrote three versions of (One for piano only, one for big band, and one for full symphony) - all three spectacular, and helped to make "When October Goes" (Mercer, Manilow) one of Rosemary's signature songs.
I spent 20 years on the road with John Oddo - and they were such wonderful years.....including many adventures, many highlights, and many emotionally memorable moments......all of which will be in my treasured memory forever. Away from music....John was a sports fan, and I also enjoyed watching baseball and football - so occasionally in the 1980's and early 90's we found ourselves in a town where we had an afternoon off....and we chose to see a ballgame. I am proud to say that the three games we went to together while on the road- Baseball in St Louis, Baseball in Cincinnati, and Football in Cincinnati - which was at the beginning of each of their seasons....resulted in each of the home teams we saw going to the World Series and the Super Bowl in the same season in which we went to the games. We had a perfect record....which was only one of many 'perfect records' John would have throughout his career.
The greatest tribute anyone can pay John Oddo is the one that musicians all over the world paid to him throughout his career.....I can attest to the fact that there wasn't a man or woman who played an instrument under his baton, that wasn't extremely complimentary of his skills as a conductor, arranger, and player. He was a great leader....and he will join the likes of Nelson Riddle, Billy May, and Leonard Bernstein - along with dear Rosemary in heaven, and I am certain all great musicians and singers will be playing and appreciating his charts for all eternity. God bless you John.
