Gene Cipriano, popularly known for being a woodwind player and former collaborator of some of the biggest artists in the music industry, has died at the age of 94; what was his cause of death?
According to his son, Paul, who spoke to The Hollywood Reporter, the musician died earlier this month at his home in Studio City, California, due to natural causes.
The outlet noted that Cipriano was the most recorded woodwind player in the industry as he could play several instruments like flute, clarinet, piccolo, English horn, and many more. He could also play saxophones in different keys and sounds like soprano, alto, tenor, baritone, and bass.
Known by his nickname "Cip," the woodwind player used to play for the Academy Awards Orchestra.
He previously worked with some of the most prominent musicians in the industry like Frank Sinatra in his song "It Was a Very Good Year," and Glen Campbell for the songs "By the Time I Get to Phoenix" and "Wichita Lineman." (via IMBd)
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Gene Cipriano Early Life, Career, and More
Gene Cipriano spent his early days in New Haven, Connecticut. Born on July 6, 1928, the musician has been fond of wind instruments since he was a kid as he started learning how to play the clarinet at a very young age.
He learned his first instrument from his father, Fred, who was also a musician who worked on Broadway as well as with New Haven Symphony. (via 88.3 FM WBGO)
He had a realization after listening to Artie Shaw, saying it was what he wanted to do when he grow up.
During his high school years, he became a member of Ted Fio Rito's orchestra. He never stopped working on something related to music since then as he went on to collaborate with Clooney and his sister Betty in The Tony Pastor Band after finishing his studies.
Cipriano moved to California to land bigger opportunities, where he had his first big break, working on "Peter Gunn."
In a previous interview, the saxophonist said "it became such a hot item and then all the other leaders said, 'Well, get me those guys who played with Henry Mancini.'"
Other collaborators include Elvis Presley, Neil Diamond, Elton John, Harry Nilson, Barry Manilow, Shorty Rogers, and many more.
Gene Cipriano was survived by his children Paul, Genie, Fred, and Suzanne; grandchildren Alicia and Grant, as well as his great-grandchildren Emily and Natalie.
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