Joe Gaudio

Joe Gaudio passed away on Saturday, April 18th, 2020, at age 85. He is survived by Edie, his wife of 61 years, sons Peter and David (Amy), daughter Amy (Tim), his grandson Julian, granddaughter Lilyana, and granddog Mo.

Joe studied music at CCM and graduated with a BM in 1958. He later attended UC in 1964 to complete a BME. In 1977 he was awarded a Master of Music degree in Music Education from Xavier University. Joe taught for 8 years in the NW School District and 17 years in the Indian Hill School District. He also served as an adjunct saxophone instructor at Miami University.

Over the course of his career, Joe was a member of the Dee Felice Big Band, Frank Brown’s Band, Carmon DeLeone’s Studio Big Band, Pat Kelley’s PsychoAcoustic Orchestra, Ed Moss’ Society Jazz Orchestra, and Latin Xposure. He was also a member of the U.S. Army Field Band. Musical organizations that Joe participated in include the Cincinnati Ballet Orchestra, Cincinnati Pops, and Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. He did stints on the Rob Braun Show and The Nick Clooney Show. He backed artists such as Rosemary Clooney, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Joe Williams, Mel Torme, Aretha Franklin, and The Temptations. He also recorded with James Brown at King Records, the Blue Wisp Big Band, Cincinnati Pops, PsychoAcoustic Orchestra, and Ed Moss Society Jazz Orchestra.

Joe served on the Board of Trustees for the Cincinnati Musicians Association, Jazz Alive Inc., and as an advisor to the Cincinnati Jazz Hall of Fame. Joe was a founding member of the Blue Wisp Big Band in 1980 and retired from playing in 2015. He was the business manager and contact for the band during the length of his tenure.

Joe was a saxophonist, musician, and lover of music. He played music from the heart and he had an unmatched sense of humor and wit. Joe was a dedicated teacher, beloved mentor, and friend to all; he loved his community but more than anything Joe loved his family. He will forever be the leader of their band.

Due to Covid-19, there will be no visitation at this time. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Joe’s name to Jazz Alive, the Jazz Program at CCM, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and Free Store Food Bank.