b. Joseph G. Cocuzzo, 17 September 1937, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. Raised in a family of enthusiastic amateur musicians, Cocuzzo began playing drums as a small child. He later studied extensively, and played in many bands in and around his home town. In the late 50s, now residing in Chicago, he joined the big band led by Ralph Marterie before moving on to the Woody Herman band. In the early 60s he worked with Don Ellis, Les and Larry Elgart, Gary McFarland and Tony Bennett. In the mid-70s he returned to Bennett for a five-year engagement, then he was with Harry James before beginning a decade-long spell with Rosemary Clooney. The subtle skills he displayed with Bennett and Clooney found him in demand as a singer’s accompanist and he also worked with Vic Damone, Julius LaRosa, Susannah McCorkle and Sylvia Syms. Throughout this period and on through the new millennium, Cocuzzo was in frequent demand for recording sessions, appearing on albums by many artists including Buddy De Franco and Dick Sudhalter. During his time with Clooney Cocuzzo had begun writing song lyrics, and he went on to collaborate with several composers, notably the Brazilian Ivan Lins. A smooth and swinging player, always aware of the subtly supportive role required by many leaders, especially singers, Cocuzzo has appeared on numerous recordings.