Sirs,

I first met Mr. Contino in October 1952. I was in the same compartment with him, we were on the
USS Gordon, headed for Korea to enjoy the (Police Action).

Dick was assigned to the Officers mess. He went to work at 7 am each day, finished his duties at 9 or 930 pm.

After a grueling day of duty, upon arriving at our compartment he would play 3 to 5 songs, and more, unless someone griped.

He was a gentleman and a trooper at all times, and was liked by all. Later I met him in Japan in 1973 or 74 at the Camp Zama officers club where he was doing a gig.

The most recent contact I had was in 1998 when I visited L. V., I talked to him by phone.

Again, a super GUY. Thanks for taking my input and comments.

Contino's nine years older than I am. So as a young accordion player, I remember first hearing him with my dad on radio on the Horris Heidt show. I remember those hot summer nights in Brooklyn, all the windows open, and us blasting out his playing, as he beat one contestant after another. It was a triumph for us, first because you never heard the squeezebox played with such dazzle, second because he was Italo-American and so were we. It gave the instrument and us a place in the mainstream culture. The only hitch was, every time I played people wanted to hear Lady of Spain, bellow-shaking and all those broken chord runs. He was a tough act to follow. And as I grew up, I moved more towards Art Van Dammme's playing and a great jazz box player from New York, Angelo DePippo. But Contino will always have a special spot in my heart. He broke ground for us all.

Worked with Dick in Korea in his show band. Toured the far east playing several shows a day. He was a great guy and a real professional.

I played the trumpet in case anyone remembers seeing the show--- wanted to add that Dick had a great sense of humor-- was a pretty good boxer and if Dick sees this, remember "its important to be nice, but nicer to be important".

I met Mr. Contino about 20 year ago at a small club in California. He left such an impression, I think of him often and would like to know where he's playing and when.

Try:

http://www.dickcontino.com/

http://www.continomusiclasvegas.com/

Please send schedule of 2004 to us ASAP please.

Thanks

I met Dick in 1950 when he was in Buffalo,N.Y. with a troup of Horace Heidt talents. He was sooo handsome, and the talent ! What can I say? I was 15 years old. I had never heard such music, even tho' we did hear him on the radio, it was so different. I couldn't believe the personality that he exuded. A perfect gentleman at all times. Dick came to Buffalo a few times after that, and my friends and I made sure we went to see him. The last time was in 2000. I hope he returns soon. If he reads this I want to wish him a happy birthday. Mary Logalbo