In Memoriam: Pat Longo

My thanks to John Tumpak, who called to let me know that this talented bandleader and saxophonist, well-known especially to residents of Southern California, died on March 26 at the age of 90. I later learned that he was a victim of the coronavirus.

I first became aware of Longo's talent when he led the band assembled for concerts at the annual banquets of the Big Band Academy of America. He had played lead alto with Harry James before forming his own big band. He was one of dozens of talented musicians who were available to perform, often with little time set aside for rehearsal, as background for movies and TV shows.