Nick Acquaviva
Encyclopedia
Anthony "Tony" Acquaviva (April 11, 1925 - September 27, 1986, also known professionally as Acquaviva
, was an American composer, conductor and string instrumentalist, a student of Serge Koussevitzky
and the founder of the New York "Pops" Symphony Orchestra, a 135-member ensemble that selected and performed melodic new works by young composers.
Acquaviva was a graduate of the United States Military Academy
and served in the Army's orchestral division from 1944 to 1948. As a struggling young musician in New York
, he roomed with singer Guy Mitchell
, sleeping on the floor for lack of furniture and once admitted to the press that the refrigerator there contained only one jar of mustard.
He married Joni James
in 1956 at St. Patrick's Cathedral
in New York City
and served as her manager and conductor.
He recorded for MGM Records
(notably the LP album "Music of Acquaviva", MGM E3226), and his works include "The Cavalier's Ball" and "My Love, My Love
", the latter of which was recorded by his wife and reached Gold Record status at its release.
Acquaviva later fell into bad health, and Joni James retired from performing to care for him (and their two children, adopted from Italy) for the last 18 years of his life.
Acquaviva
-Places:Italy:*Acquaviva Collecroce, in the province of Campobasso*Acquaviva delle Fonti, in the province of Bari*Acquaviva d'Isernia, in the province of Isernia*Acquaviva Picena, in the province of Ascoli Piceno...
, was an American composer, conductor and string instrumentalist, a student of Serge Koussevitzky
Serge Koussevitzky
Serge Koussevitzky , was a Russian-born Jewish conductor, composer and double-bassist, known for his long tenure as music director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra from 1924 to 1949.-Early career:...
and the founder of the New York "Pops" Symphony Orchestra, a 135-member ensemble that selected and performed melodic new works by young composers.
Acquaviva was a graduate of the United States Military Academy
United States Military Academy
The United States Military Academy at West Point is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located at West Point, New York. The academy sits on scenic high ground overlooking the Hudson River, north of New York City...
and served in the Army's orchestral division from 1944 to 1948. As a struggling young musician in New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
, he roomed with singer Guy Mitchell
Guy Mitchell
Guy Mitchell, born Albert George Cernik, was an American pop singer, successful in his homeland, the U.K. and Australia...
, sleeping on the floor for lack of furniture and once admitted to the press that the refrigerator there contained only one jar of mustard.
He married Joni James
Joni James
Joni James is an American singer of traditional pop music and jazz standards.-Biography:...
in 1956 at St. Patrick's Cathedral
St. Patrick's Cathedral
St. Patrick's Cathedral may refer to:Northern Ireland*St Patrick's Cathedral, Armagh *St Patrick's Cathedral, Armagh Republic of Ireland*St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin, Church of IrelandAustralia...
in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
and served as her manager and conductor.
He recorded for MGM Records
MGM Records
MGM Records was a record label started by the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film studio in 1946, for the purpose of releasing soundtrack albums of their musical films. Later it became a pop label, lasting into the 1970s...
(notably the LP album "Music of Acquaviva", MGM E3226), and his works include "The Cavalier's Ball" and "My Love, My Love
My Love, My Love
"My Love, My Love" is a popular song.It was written by Nicholas Acquaviva and Bob Haymes and published in 1953.The biggest hit version was done by Joni James in 1953...
", the latter of which was recorded by his wife and reached Gold Record status at its release.
Acquaviva later fell into bad health, and Joni James retired from performing to care for him (and their two children, adopted from Italy) for the last 18 years of his life.