Phil was an accomplished piano player, mostly self-taught. Whenever he saw a piano he would sit down and play. He very rarely played from sheet music. He had a musical ear…he would hear a song and play it. He dabbled in other instruments such as the harmonica and various percussion instruments. His favorite place to play was The Third Rail. He played there with various groups and solo. If you couldn’t find Phil, check The Third Rail…he was there playing all alone. Phil passed in 1997 at the age of 45.

Glen Clarke’s love of music began in childhood with piano lessons, and throughout his teenage years, he explored a variety of musical styles. He often played alongside his older brother, Phil, and younger brother, Ted, fostering a lifelong connection through music. In his early 20s, Glen picked up the guitar, teaching himself to play and jamming with his brothers and friends. He later found his musical home with five other musicians in the band Tanglewood, which headlined the final Phil Clarke Memorial Concert on February 29, 2020, and performed at Cortland Porchfests.

In his later years, Glen found great joy in sharing music at Center 4 Arts open mics and other venues, forming lasting friendships along the way. Even as he faced a year-long illness, he never stopped playing.

Sadly, Glen Clarke passed away on August 20, 2024, at the age of 70, leaving behind a legacy of music, camaraderie, and a passion that never wavered.

John Vaughan pictured here playing mandolin with "Redwood Hill".

Melvyn “Mel” Richard Drake was a dedicated musician and educator based in Cortland, New York. He owned and operated “Studio Two,” where he provided music lessons to the local community. In addition to his work at the studio, Mel served as a professor of music at Tompkins-Cortland Community College, sharing his passion and expertise with students. He passed away on October 13, 2021, at the age of 69, after a brief illness.

Ronnie James Dio (born Ronald James Padavona, 1942–2010) was a legendary heavy metal vocalist known for his powerful voice and iconic “devil horns” gesture. Born in Portsmouth, NH, he grew up in Cortland, NY, where he developed his musical talents. He played trumpet in school and formed his first band, The Vegas Kings, which evolved into Ronnie and the Redcaps and later The Prophets. In the late 1960s, his band became Elf, gaining attention while opening for Deep Purple. Dio’s career skyrocketed when Ritchie Blackmore recruited him for Rainbow, where his mystical lyrics and soaring vocals defined albums like Rising (1976). In 1979, he replaced Ozzy Osbourne in Black Sabbath, revitalizing the band with Heaven and Hell (1980) and Mob Rules (1981). He then formed Dio in 1982, releasing classic albums such as Holy Diver and The Last in Line. A metal icon, Dio also led the Hear ’n Aid charity project. Later, he reunited with Sabbath under the name Heaven & Hell. His influence spanned decades until his death from cancer in 2010. Cortland, NY, honors him with a street named Dio Way, cementing his hometown legacy in rock history.

Garry Hall on keyboards in the band 'Brian's Idols.

S. John Biviano John Biviano was the accordion player of “The Round-up Riders” a band from Cortland that performed throughout New York State and Pennsylvania and had a weekly radio show on WHCU Ithaca. He was a World War II veteran who, during the war, performed in the USO shows with Bob Hope throughout England and Ireland.

The Round-up Riders. The man with the accordion is John Biviano, who was the accordion player with the Round-up Riders.

From Wikipedia: Newell "Spiegle" Willcox (Born: May 2, 1903 in Sherburne, New York – Died: August 25, 1999 in Cortland, New York) was a jazz trombonist. He was born Newell Lynn Willcox in upstate New York, and learned valve trombone as a youngster under the tuition of his father, Lynn Willcox, an amateur musician and bandleader. As a student of Manlius Military Academy, where he also played in the school brass band, he acquired the familiar nickname Spiegle, after one of the horses from the Academy's stables which, according to his fellow students, he apparently resembled!

Dr. Samuel L. Forcucci was a distinguished music professor and community leader in Cortland, New York. Born in 1922 to Italian immigrants Guilio and Anna Forcucci in Granville, NY, he pursued an extensive education in music, earning a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Potsdam, a master’s degree in Music Composition from Syracuse University, and a doctorate in Music from Columbia University. Dr. Forcucci began his teaching career at the middle and high school levels in Boonville, NY, before joining SUNY Cortland in 1951. Over a 34-year tenure, he served as a full professor and chairman of the Music Department until his retirement in 1985. Beyond academia, Dr. Forcucci was deeply involved in community service. He held leadership roles in various organizations, including the Cortland County Association of Retarded Children (ARC), the Salvation Army Advisory Board, and the Cortland Free Library Board. His dedication extended to local governance, where he served two terms as Mayor of the City of Cortland. Music remained Dr. Forcucci’s lifelong passion. He directed music at St. Anthony’s Church for 31 years, led the Old Timers Band for 21 years, and frequently participated as a guest conductor and adjudicator at music festivals. He also published several compositions and co-authored three textbooks.  His contributions to music education included scholarly articles such as “Help for Inaccurate Singers” and “Say it to Play it,” reflecting his commitment to advancing music pedagogy. Dr. Forcucci’s service extended to his country during World War II, where he served in the 82nd Airborne Division, participating in significant operations including D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge. Following the war, he formed and directed a 60-piece Honor Guard Band at General Eisenhower’s Supreme Command Headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany. Dr. Samuel L. Forcucci passed away on April 26, 2019, at the age of 96, leaving behind a legacy of educational excellence, community service, and musical passion.

Clayton Alcorn on Piano.

Eddy Graffius - top left- Founding member of the band Eddy's Basement.

Peter Bennett was a cherished street performer in New Orleans’ French Quarter, renowned for his unique glass harp performances. Born and raised in Cortland, NY, he later moved to New Orleans, where he became a beloved figure in the local music scene. In addition to his musical talents, Peter held the title of national pursed lip whistling champion. As he aged, Peter resided in a Dumaine Street apartment. During this time, friends, fellow street performers, and neighbors collaborated to support him, especially since his sons lived far away. He passed away in January 2024. Following his death, a memorial gathering was held where his ashes were consigned to the Mississippi River, a traditional New Orleans farewell. His family, including his sons Douglass P. Bennett from Ithaca, NY, and Adam BK Bennett from Alaska, attended the ceremony. Peter’s loyal companion, a dog named Bentley, was adopted by Suzanne Gordon, a friend who had assisted in his care. Bentley has since become a well-known neighborhood personality.  Peter Bennett’s legacy continues to resonate in the French Quarter, where his contributions to the local culture and music scene are fondly remembered.