A recent Newsday article highlights famed accordion player Angelo DiPippo ’51 as he continues to play after 70 years of mastering the instrument. DiPippo began playing the accordion at eight years old and continued to hone his skill while studying music arrangement at the College of the Holy Cross. With more than 70 years of experience, DiPippo has played at legendary Manhattan night spots, in famous movies and television shows, and on his own records. He has also conducted and arranged a number of iconic orchestras.
DiPippo, who still practices three to five hours every day, says, “I have to keep the finger muscles moving. It's just like in track. A runner has to keep his leg muscles in motion." Highlights of his career include playing one of the accordionists during the wedding scene in Francis Ford Coppola's "The Godfather" (1972). "You can see me standing behind Al Martino," says DiPippo. He has also arranged music for headliners Sandler and Young, Debbie Reynolds, Donald O'Connor, the Andrews Sisters, Peggy Lee, and The Ramones.
This is a Holy Cross in the News item by Jacqueline Smith '15.
