From being thrown out of kindergarten to composing ‘Ave Maria’
Roger Rossi, successful Fla. concert pianist and bandleader, still loves Brooklyn
Pianist, vocalist, composer and author Roger Rossi, whose real name is Roger Rossito, grew up in Bay Ridge, although he now lives in Palm Beach with his longtime wife Sally (“Sal”).
And during his life as a bandleader and musician performing in nightclubs and high-end hotels around the country — particularly in Florida — he has rubbed elbows with some of the 20th century’s greatest musicians, entertainers and sports figures.
In 2000, he published a book, “From the Piano Bench,” in which he details his encounters with the legendary Tony Bennett, mob-linked union leader Jimmy Hoffa, golf legend Jack Nicklaus, jazz great Chuck Mangione, movie star Shelley winters and renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman, among others.
As a young studio musician, he performed on the famous 1960s hit single “Leader of the Pack” by the Shangri-Las and helped write the piano part.