At the age of nine he began to play the bass and by 11, he formed his own band. He closed out a stint in World War II by playing at the Salzburg Music Festival then came back home and formed a 12-piece orchestra. He made his way into the radio and television world, played alongside some of the greatest musicians of his time, and, all the while, never lost sight of family, generosity and respect for others.
Lee Vincent was a loved and respected musician, friend, community member and family man, and this Friday, many will come together and pay tribute to a man that was dedicated to his craft up until his death last December at the age of 91.
Wilkes-Barre Metropolitan Corporation’s First Friday program, in association with Diamond City Partnership, will host “A Tribute to a Legend: Lee Vincent” on Friday, April 4, from 5-8 p.m. in the Genetti Grand Ballroom in Wilkes-Barre. The evening will feature the sounds of big band, jazz and Dixieland. There is a $15 donation at the door, with all proceeds to benefit Candy’s Place.
Candy’s Place is a non-profit organization headed by Penny Cunningham, Vincent’s daughter. The family established the organization after the death of Candice Mamary, also Vincent’s daughter. She passed away at the age of 47 after being diagnosed with lung cancer and since then, the family has provided a place for cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones to go and receive support in dealing with the deadly disease.
Former members of the Lee Vincent Band will be playing at the tribute. Among them is Frank Casty, clarinet; Gino Marchetti, drums; James Selingo, piano; and Robert Baird, trumpet. Judy Lincoln will take care of the vocals, and Paul Rostock, whose father Michael is a prominent member of the Big Band Society who played with Vincent on many occasions, will be representing the bass, the instrument Vincent used to play.
Since his passing, the band has played together on occasion, but, according to Marchetti, it’s not the same.
“We’ve played so long together, we could practically set our clock on what song he was going to play next,” Marchetti says.
Vincent spent eight decades entertaining crowds, a lengthy career that is almost unheard of in the music business. In addition to the longevity of his career, Vincent had a sense of stability that separated him from other artists.
“He had a really good reputation,” Rostock says. “People in music can be unpredictable, but you could always count on Lee.”
Vincent helped many promoters in the area book musicians to play at local events. He was always looking for a way to promote the region, a place he was always loyal to, even when the opportunity to move to a big city and play arrived.
“He had a great respect for music and for this area, and he always tried to do right by both,” says Juanita Namey, Vincent’s daughter.
In organizing this event, Thom Greco, chairman of the Wilkes-Barre Metropolitan Development Corporation, was stunned by the depth of Vincent’s career.
“It was amazing to see some of the things that he did,” Greco says. “I never knew Lee had played with the Glen Miller band.”
That’s just the tip of a long list of artists Vincent shared the stage with. Over time, he has performed with the likes of Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra Jr., The Temptations, Aretha Franklin and Smokey Robinson. Vincent also played with Clay Aiken when he came to town, an event that he was still heavily involved in near the end of his life.
“He was sitting with the books, talking about the money, working back and forth with people — from his hospital room,” Michael Lee Vincent, Vincent’s son, says.
Vincent was not only known for his dedication, but also his generosity and respect for others. His children remember growing up in a house where they were taught to respect people of all cultures and colors. Vincent would also always go out of his way to help whoever came seeking it.
“He had the biggest, kindest heart you could ever imagine,” Namey says, “and he got to share that with his children, his grandchildren and even his great grandchildren.”
Many pictures and awards of Vincent’s will be on display at the tribute. Among those celebrating Vincent’s legacy are U.S. Rep. Paul Kanjorski, Gov. Ed Rendell and Hazleton mayor Lou Barletta, all of whom have given proclamations acknowledging Vincent’s contributions.
Vincent made a lasting impression on those who knew him, heard him play or simply had a fleeting exchange with him. His giving nature, open-mindedness towards others and dedication are just a few things, besides his remarkable musical talent, that made Lee Vincent a legend today.
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go:
What: First Friday
Tribute to Lee Vincent
When: April 4, 5-8 p.m.
Where: Genetti Grand Ballroom, 77 E. Market St., Wilkes-Barre
Cost: $15,
proceeds benefit Candy’s Place