Joe DiMonte

Obituary: Ricardo Maroni / Trumpeting band leader for more than 50 years
Jan. 25, 1930 - May 8, 2008
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
By Brian David, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Ricardo "Ric" Maroni had his chance to travel the world on the strength of his music, but he chose to grace the Pittsburgh jazz scene instead -- and did so for more than half a century.

"He was a very fine musician," trombonist Harold Betters said of his trumpet-playing friend. But Mr. Betters said it was Mr. Maroni's personality that truly set him apart.

"He'd go out into the audience, tell people they looked good, talk to them," Mr. Betters said. "If someone said they played, he'd invite them up on stage. He was always looking to encourage people."

The former leader of Ric Maroni and the Jets and a fixture in Pittsburgh music clubs died Thursday. He was 78.

Mr. Maroni, of Plum, fell in love with the trumpet in high school, and formed the Jets in 1948 when he was all of 18. The band stayed together for 20 years.

He spent his career filling clubs like the Lamplighter Lounge, West View Danceland, Kennywood Danceland and Johnny's, and for years played to packed houses every weekend night at the Sweetwater Lounge in Monroeville. He also jammed with musicians like Artie Shaw, Lena Horne, Ray Anthony and anyone else making a Pittsburgh stop.

"After the gig they'd go into the hall with instruments and jam, and Ric would play with them," his son-in-law, John Marinacci, said.

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"Clark Terry - C.T.,as his friends call him,is not only a master of the trumpet and flugelhorn,but a master musician and a leader to the manor born." - Dan Morgenstern.