written by: Nick Ceroli

Nick Ceroli was born on December 22, 1939 in Niles, Ohio.
While attending high school, he placed first in the annuual State competition for drum soloists-five years in a row (from 8th through 12th grade). He was also selected to play with the "All State Orchestra" in Columbus. Upon receiving a scholarship, he attended the Cincinnatti Conservatory of Music for one and a half years. Then he went on the road with Ralph Marterie's band, 1958-1959.

After spending two years 1960-1961, traveling with Ray Anthony, he moved to L.A., where he played with all the local bands from Stan Kenton to Les Brown. When Benny Goodman came to town Nick worked his Big Band & Little Band.

1966, he joined Herb Alpert's Tijuana Brass and stayed with the band throughout the  years  it lasted, til the group disbanded in 1969.

He spent seven and a half years playing on the Merv Griffin Show, while being a regular substitue drummer on the Tonight Show. At this same time he formed a recording production company which released several single records as well as an album.

He has worked with, and recorded for singers; Peggy Lee, Jack Jones, Steve Lawrence and Edyie Gorme. Vikki Carr, Irene Kral, Dave Frishberg, Cleo Laine, David Allen, Joe Williams & *Julie Andrews*.

He has recorded with jazz stars; Zoot Sims, Al Cohn, Bob Florence, Mundell Lowe, Jack Sheldon, Don Menza, Alan Broadbent, Bill Holman, Ross Tompkins, Ray Brown, Milt Jackson, Pete Christlieb, Warne Marsh, Stan Kenton, Bill Berry, Richie Kmuca, Lanny Morgan & Dudley Moore.

He still lives in L.A. doing freelance studio work. Along with this he is on the faculty at the Dick Grove Music School, where he has a weekly drum class. Nick is also a published author of three drum books.  Currently Dick Grove is in the process of publishing four new books that Nick has completed for the drums.

Nick has won two Playboy Jazz Polls, and has placed high in the Downbeat Jazz Poll. Along with these activities already mentioned; Nick has taken up screenwriting for the past three years. He has also returned to the recording world as a record producer, having already produced an album with Jack Sheldon, and another with Lanny Morgan.

He has recently gotten involved in the Video world, working with Charles Pavlich, a well known film maker, on a video project about drums and drummers.

As requested by his son Michael,  *Jewels*" (as Nick called her), was added. He said, "my father, would have a fit, if we even thought of leaving *Jewels* off  Any List". It was an honor Nick cherished dearly & shared  often.  A Fond memory his dad passed on to  Michael.



 First & the Best of

Nick Ceroli is for me.

That's his son, who is

My Michael  Ceroli !!!

For all Nick Ceroli  has done & through his Talent, Love & Kindness; I will continue to share all the Memories & Love, I Feel, yes Freely!!!!!