Torrie Zito
Salvatore "Torrie" Zito (October 12, 1933 – December 3, 2009) was an American pianist, music arranger, composer and conductor.
He worked with many recording artists of note, including Billie Holiday, Stan Getz, Perry Como, Billy Eckstine, Herbie Mann, Steve Lawrence, Eydie Gormé, Nana Mouskouri, Bobby Short, Marvin Hamlisch, Roberto Carlos, Sinéad O'Connor, Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Bobby Darin, Morgana King, Johnny Mathis, Clay Aiken, Liza Minnelli, Morgana King, O. C. Smith, Quincy Jones, and Carly Simon.
Zito, however, is most widely known for his hugely popular work with John Lennon on the classic album Imagine, as string arranger.
He also wrote advertising jingles, including a famous one for Maxwell House, and background music for many television programmes.
He worked closely with singer Tony Bennett for many years and his work features on Bennett's Grammy-nominated 2008 album, A Swingin' Christmas.
A New York City resident, Torrie Zito was married to his second wife singer Helen Merrill, with whom he recorded several albums. He had one daughter, Lisa Zito, from his first marriage and a stepson, Alan Merrill. His brother is the drummer Ronnie Zito.
Zito died from emphysema on December 3, 2009 at his home in Manhattan, according to Alan Merrill.
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