John Cocuzzi, a vibraphonist, pianist, and drummer, well known to jazz party attendees, passed away on June 12, 2025, at 61. A Maryland native, Cocuzzi was a Washington, D.C. jazz scene staple for decades, captivating audiences with his Lionel Hampton-inspired vibraphone swing and a bluesy piano style drawn from Fats Waller and Erroll Garner.
He had a 27-year run at the Atlanta Jazz Party, and more recently was scheduled for Sun Valley with a trio including his wife Kristy. Cocuzzi recorded albums with Arbors and a dozen other labels, collaborating with Bucky Pizzarelli, Ken Peplowski, Ed Polcer, Bob Wilber, and Allan Vaché, among many more. A frequent festival performer, he shared stages with Harry Allen, Houston Person, and Milt Hinton, among dozens of important figures. He served as music director for Alexandria’s 219 Restaurant’s Basin Street Lounge for 15 years. His NPR Riverwalk session honoring Benny Goodman remained a career highlight.
Joe Bebco is the Associate Editor of The Syncopated Times and Webmaster of SyncopatedTimes.com
