Even if I wanted to, I can’t pick up the phone and call Brahms.  Or Bach, or Palestrina.  So imagine how excited I was to grab the phone and call Sammy Nestico!

Mr. Nestico, now 86, is one of the music world’s most congenial figures.  When I reached him, he was about to fly to Germany to conduct a round of concerts featuring his compositions.  But in typical Nestico style, he welcomed my call and told me “to relax, ask whatever you want, and get what you need, buddy.”

Buddy!  Apparently that’s one of his fun names for people, and it meant the world to me.  How can you be nervous talking to someone who calls you “buddy”?

Still, I was a little nervous.  Here’s a man who played with Tommy Dorsey, worked with or knew virtually everyone in the Big Band World, arranged for years for Count Basie, poured out close to 600 compositions, many of which are mainstays for bands as eminent as the Airmen of Note and the President’s Own—bands he both arranged for and directed.

Plus, he’s written and arranged music for countless television programs and series, and for about 60 movies, including blockbusters like The Color Purple. He’s created reams of music for TV specials for stars like Sarah Vaughn, Frank Sinatra, and Barbra Streisand.  And that work continues to the present time, arranging for singers like Michael Bublé.  Did I forget to mention his Grammy awards?

Well, the call was great!  I had just digested his new autobiography The Gift of Music, and was dazzled by his stories.  Plus, I was loaded with questions.  I mean, this man’s life has been so fantastic, so packed with unbelievable music-making, how could I wrap my mind around it all?  So, I needed a few clarifications.

And clarify he did.  Plus, he laughed that Sammy Nestico laugh of his, so well known in the Wind Band word and in Hollywood.  It’s as deep and joyful as any I’ve ever heard.

Sammy Nestico has lived the American Dream, surviving the tough times, and fully appreciating each step of the way.  Plus, he’s still going strong.  For example, his autobiography is getting a big response worldwide, somewhat to his surprise.  He told me he’s never felt more confident.

So if you have eleven minutes, let me invite you to meet Mr. Nestico by listening to my latest podcast.  You’ll get to hear his voice and snippets of his wonderful tunes, including 88 Basie Street and Dark Orchid. Sammy Nestico, I love you!