Albert Giambattista, born in 1928, is a lifelong resident of Niagara Falls NY. Al played the saxophone for over 70 years throughout Western New York starting in the Gaskill Junior High School Band, then Trott High School Band followed by the Niagara Falls Concert Band under the leadership of Louis Altieri, the American Legion Post Band under the leadership of Dr. D’Anna (2018 inductee), and in Dick Griffo’s Jazz Workshop band. While
serving in the United States Army, he was was in the band and had the opportunity to play for President Eisenhower. For years following, Al was a mainstay in many local big bands to include the Wheatfield Band, Sanborn Fire Company Band, Sugar & Jazz under the leadership of Frank Lorago, Frank Rotella’s Big Band and from 1947-70 in his own band Al Giambattista & The Sophikats. He performed regularly at many popular venues to include all the Niagara Falls hotels, Prospect House, Ontario House, LaSalle Yacht Club, The Como, Plantation, Century Club, Carpenter’s Hall,
Crown & Anchor, Portage Post, Holy Trinity Hall, St. George’s Hall, Lincoln Hotel, Joe Lotito’ Golden Gardens, Batt’s Grill, VFW, Boots & Saddles, Skyview Lounge, Frank Molinaro’s, Guy DiRuschio’s Hall, Macri’s Palace, Sozio’s, The Clock, Henry Hubb’s Hotel, Piccadilly Lounge, Buena Vista,
Volare Lodge, The LaSalle Rec, Come on In Restaurant, Polish Nook, Steve’s Tavern, The Elbow Room, Capitol Grill, Three Corners, American Legion and Riviera Theater inNorth Tonawanda.
It is a pleasure to present the first ‘Sam Morreale Music Award’ to Al Giambattista.
