[Dixielandjazz] Chet Baker meets Roberto Mussolini

[Steve barbone]

Romano Mussolini's (a fine, self taught, jazz pianist) bio was recently
posted in the DJML. RM played with such jazz greats as Tony Scott (for 5
years, Dizzy et al). He also played with Chet Baker back in the 1960's.

One of the funniest jazz related anecdotes around is related in James
Gavin's biography of Chet Baker and it involves Chet Baker's first meeting
with Romano Mussolini, son of Benito at a gig in Italy. Chet allegedly said
to Romano in a deadpan voice, 'Gee, what a drag about your old man.'

For the young set on the DJML who may not appreciate the dark humor in that
quote, Benito Mussolini fascist leader of Italy from 1923 through most of WW
2 was captured by Italian partisans in April 1945, in a small town near lake
Como. He and his mistress, Clara Petacci were shot full of holes and then
hung upside down by their heels in the public square for all to view.

Romano originally played under a pseudonym, but then went back to using his
family name in the 1950's. Benito was an amateur classical violinist.

History buffs will find information about Benito, including that famous
photograph in the square at:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benito_Mussolini

Cheers,
Steve