Antonio Rugolo was a renowned classical music artist who made significant contributions to the world of music. Born on December 25, 1918, in San Pedro, California, Rugolo was the son of Italian immigrants. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist, which influenced his love for music from a young age. Rugolo's musical journey began when he started playing the piano at the age of six. He later learned to play the trumpet and the trombone, which he played in his high school band. After graduating from high school, Rugolo attended the University of Southern California, where he studied music composition and orchestration. In 1941, Rugolo joined the Glenn Miller Orchestra as a trombonist and arranger. He worked with the orchestra until Miller's death in 1944. After Miller's death, Rugolo joined the United States Army, where he served as a musician in the Army Band. During his time in the Army, Rugolo continued to hone his skills as a composer and arranger. After leaving the Army, Rugolo moved to New York City, where he worked as a freelance arranger for various record labels. He worked with artists such as Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, and Stan Kenton. In 1952, Rugolo became the arranger and conductor for Kenton's orchestra, where he gained recognition for his innovative arrangements. Rugolo's work with Kenton's orchestra led to his own recording contract with Capitol Records. He released several albums as a bandleader, including "Adventures in Rhythm," "Introducing Pete Candoli," and "Rugolomania." Rugolo's music was known for its complex arrangements and use of unusual instruments, such as the French horn and the tuba. In addition to his work as a bandleader, Rugolo also worked as a composer for film and television. He composed music for films such as "The Alamo," "The Sweet Smell of Success," and "The Benny Goodman Story." Rugolo also composed music for television shows such as "The Fugitive," "The Outer Limits," and "The Streets of San Francisco." Rugolo's contributions to the world of music were recognized with several awards and honors. In 1961, he won a Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Arrangement for his arrangement of "I Get a Kick Out of You." He was also nominated for several other Grammy Awards throughout his career. In 1986, Rugolo was inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame. He was also inducted into the West Coast Jazz Hall of Fame in 2005. Rugolo's music continues to be celebrated and studied by musicians and music lovers around the world. Antonio Rugolo passed away on October 16, 2019, at the age of 100. His legacy as a composer, arranger, and bandleader continues to inspire and influence musicians today.

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