John Rotella

John "Johnny" Rotella (* approx. 1921 in Jersey City ; † September 11, 2014 ) was an American jazz and studio musician ( woodwind instruments ) and songwriter .

Live and act

Rotella grew up in North Bergen , New Jersey, where he began his musical career as a teenager, before doing his military service as a musician in the 389th ASF Band during World War II . He wrote over 200 songs including A Lonesome Heart, How Can I Begin To Tell , Just Close Your Eyes , Nothing But the Best , Time to Say Goodnight, and Thanks for Nothing (at All) . He worked u. a. with Neil Diamond , Frank Zappa ( Freak Out ! , 1966, Lumpy Gravy , 1967 and The Grand Wazoo , 1973) and Steely Dan . His songs were u. a. Recorded by Frank Sinatra , Dean Martin , Doris Day , Rosemary Clooney and Tony Bennett . He was also a member of the big bands of Tommy Dorsey and Benny Goodman . In the field of jazz he was involved in 69 recording sessions, in addition to the aforementioned with Mildred Bailey , June Christy , Jerry Gray , Georgie Auld , Tex Beneke , Stan Kenton , Mel Lewis , Frank Capp , Bob Florence and Si Zentner .

personal data
SURNAME	Rotella, John
ALTERNATIVE NAMES	Rotella, Johnny (nickname)
BRIEF DESCRIPTION	American jazz and studio musician (woodwind) and songwriter
DATE OF BIRTH	around 1921
PLACE OF BIRTH	Jersey City
DATE OF DEATH	September 11, 2014