Mulidore, Jimmy, 1937-

Jimmy Mulidore grew up very poor in a predominantly Italian town in Youngstown, Ohio. His father and grandfather both worked for Youngstown Sheet and Tool steel mill. However, Mulidore’s father was against his son working at the mill, instead buying him a saxophone between the ages of 8-10 years old. Determined to chart a different course for his son, Mulidore’s father urged him to learn how to play the saxophone and added, if he did, he would not end up in the steel mill. Adhering to his father’s request, he started lessons with Albert Calderon. By the age of 16, Mulidore could play alto, tenor, clarinet, flute, and bassoon. James Moody’s music influenced him immensely. Moody was his hero at an early age and eventually their paths crossed and they became dear friends. As a teenager, he had already established his own band. After high school Mulidore received a scholarship to attend Ohio State University (OSU) and was selected to be the solo clarinetist for the symphony. He eventually parted ways with OSU and moved to New York to begin studying at Julliard with Hall Overton. Mulidore moved to New York and joined the Billy May Band, at age 17, and at that time he played with other notable musicians in the industry such as the Woody Herman Band and Stan Kenton Band. Mulidore eventually made the decision to move to Las Vegas, Nevada at around age 19. Las Vegas proved to be a very successful journey for him. His first show was at the Black Magic, but while there he was offered an eight-week position performing with Red Norvo at the Sands. During Mulidore’s introduction at the Sands he had an eye opening experience when Frank Sinatra and his cadre of movie stars, including Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, and Ava Gardner to name a few, were in the audience. Las Vegas became home for Mulidore at a young age, and because of his talent, it opened countless doors for him to be able to play with jazz legends and musical performers for years. Mulidore went on in his career to be a conductor highlighting at the Desert Inn -- conducting The Kids Next Door, Thunderbird, the Latin Fore Follies, Jimmy Mulidore Orchestra, and shows with Barbara Streisand, Carol Burnett, Elvis, Doug Henning, and David Copperfield.