1. Joseph Albert "Joe" Morello was an American jazz drummer best known for serving as the drummer for pianist Dave Brubeck, as part of the Dave Brubeck Quartet, from 1957 to 1972, including during the quartet's "classic lineup" from 1958 to 1968, which included alto saxophonist Paul Desmond and bassist Eugene Wright.
Besides playing with Brubeck, Joe Morello served as an accompanist for other musicians, including Marian McPartland, Tal Farlow and Gary Burton, and recorded his own albums as well.
Joe Morello received numerous accolades during his life, including being named the best drummer by Down Beat magazine five years in a row.
Joe Morello was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, United States to Joseph Morello and Lillian LaPalme.
Joe Morello's father was a French emigrant from Nice of italian ancestry and his mother hailed from French Canada.
Joe Morello suffered from partial vision from birth, and devoted himself to indoor activities.
At the age of 15, Joe Morello met the violinist Jascha Heifetz and decided that he would never be able to equal Heifetz's "sound".
Later, Joe Morello studied with Radio City Music Hall percussionist, Billy Gladstone.
Joe Morello remained with Brubeck for well over a decade, departing in 1967.
Joe Morello appeared in many Brubeck performances and contributed to over 60 albums with Brubeck.
Joe Morello authored several drum books, including Master Studies, published by Modern Drummer Publications, and made instructional videos.
Joe Morello was the recipient of many awards, including Playboy magazine's best drummer award for seven years in a row, and Down Beat magazine's best drummer award five years in a row.
Joe Morello was elected to the Modern Drummer magazine Hall of Fame in 1988, the Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame in 1993, and was the recipient of Hudson Music's first TIP Lifetime Achievement award in June, 2010.
Joe Morello had poor eyesight from birth and became blind in 1976.
However, Joe Morello participated in reunions with Dave Brubeck and the Marian McParland Trio in his later life.
Joe Morello died at his home in Irvington, New Jersey, on March 12,2011, aged 82, and is interred at Saint Michael's Cemetery, Springfield, Massachusetts.