GALLA-RINI PASSES AWAY_102 YEARS
Published: 2006-08-01
By: Lars Ek
lars@frosinisociety.org

GALLA-RINI PASSES AWAY
- 102 YEARS

Contributed by Joan Sommers

A few hours ago, on the Sunday 30th July 2006, Anthony Galla-Rini had some troubles at the nursing home where he lived. He was taken to hospital where the family quickly gathered to say their goodbyes. His son Ron told me, that Tony Galla-Rini had a massive heart attack and died, at the grand age of 102 years.

Galla-Rini had a huge influence on the development of the accordion over so many decades. He is probably the most published arranger of all time and was famous for his recordings and teaching. His arrangements were always regarded as an epitomy of accuracy and attention to detail.

I have had Tony in my life from the age of 15, so you can see how much his passing means to me. He had a lot of influence on me, personally, and for thousands of other accordionists for such a very long time. He really was a truly great musician to whom every accordionist owes a tremendous gratitude.

This is truly the end of a very historical era of the accordion!
May we all be so blessed to have such a long and productive life.

Joan Sommers
Retired
Professor of Accordion
University of Missouri, Kansas City

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